so I survived the GRE...

[love2bfit]

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I took the GRE this morning, got a 490V 700Q... I was immediately thrilled by the 700Q, as I wasn't even breaking 500 on the practice tests. but then I realized that I didn't break 500 on verbal. I know most MPH programs want at least a 500 on both sections...am I screwed? I'd like to think (and seriously hope) that a 700Q would say more to an epi program than a lame 490V score would... I'm also hoping that my writing score will help me out (I'm a pretty good writer). anybody have an opinion?

I really really really don't ever want to take the GRE again! lol

 

[EbolaZaire]

The only trouble you might run into is not meeting the minimum of 1200 combined by some schools. I'd e-mail the schools you're most interested in and ask--they've been pretty straight forward about my chances, etc. Congrats on the 700Q!

 

[Stories]

The only trouble you might run into is not meeting the minimum of 1200 combined by some schools. I'd e-mail the schools you're most interested in and ask--they've been pretty straight forward about my chances, etc. Congrats on the 700Q!

Former Dean of Admission at BU (we were friends) told me they want more balance on each section rather than an aggregate score of 1200. He said that a rule of thumb at all grad schools is a minimum of 50th percentile on all sections.

 

[love2bfit]

ah okay, thanks for the info. I'll definitely start contacting some programs.

 

[futureepi]

My GREs sucked and I still managed to get into some of the best programs in the country - I'll be starting my MPH in epi at UMich next month. Had a pretty good GPA from a top liberal arts college and some relevant experience, but I'm only a year out of college and really thought I was going to need more experience to be a competitive applicant. If my application cycle taught me anything, I honestly believe your personal statement and recommendations can carry a TON of weight, especially if your numbers are only average.

Moral of the story - you don't have to have fabulous GRE scores to get into the top programs. Show them why you'd be an asset to their program and be convincing in your desire to pursue public health as a career and you'll be just fine.

 

[Music333]

love2bfit, did you call any schools and ask about the low verbal score?
On my last practice test, I got 700Q but a 460V!

 

[love2bfit]

ah I haven't! I will say that I'm not terribly worried about it though... I think (and correct me if I'm wrong please 🙂) that as long as you have other positive qualities to support your app (i.e. good GPA, LOR's, personal statement), you'll be just fine. I like to think that a 4-year representation of you matters much more than a 1-day rep. Yay for optimism!

 

[208808]

My GRE score sucked and I got into all of my programs. GRE is used more for awarding grants and scholarships than it is for admissions.

 

[Music333]

Unfortunately, I'm going to need scholarships and/or financial aid...and my practice GRE scores are all over the place!

 

[love2bfit]

Music, don't freak out too much about it. my practice scores were around 550V 460Q, and I ended up with a 490V 700Q on the real thing! I was so worried I wasn't gonna break 1000... all you can do is study and hope for the best 🙂 good luck!