<p>Personally, my GRE score isn't that great (I didn't allow myself enough time to prepare) and I have 1 Withdrawl (took too much of a courseload and I wont be repeating the class as it isn't part of my major) on my transcript. I have a good GPA though and good scores in what I feel are classes that really count for what I want to go into - BMS/Neuroscience (A's in Cell, Biochem, Neuro, etc).</p>
<p>I'm unsure though if I should address my somewhat sub par GRE scores and withdrawl grade on my SOP, especially if it will be in place of parts of my SOP that I feel are important for who I am. </p>
<p>Basically, is it more important to address my positive aspects (good gpa, grades, unique background) or address the two negative aspects of my application?</p>
<p>I think it depends how bad the flaws in your application are... if sub par means 50%ile and you don't have time to retake it, I wouldn't draw attention to it by mentioning it. If it's single digit, you might have some explaining to do... but at that point I think it would be much better just to retake the test. Same with your withdrawal... if it's as you say, unrelated to your major, then I wouldn't draw attention to it, lots of people drop a class. Focus on what makes you good, rather than making excuses for mediocrity. That's my opinion, I'm not going to talk about the calculus class I dropped and retook, nor my sub par analytical writing score.</p>
<p>Why on earth would you mention ONE withdrawal? Who cares?</p>
<p>There is simply no way you can address low GRE scores without sounding like you are making excuses. Just leave it alone. If your scores are that low, retake.</p>
<p>My scores were both in the 60th percentile and I haven't gotten writing back yet. I don't think I could improve upon it enough in the time remaining (Apps due mostly Dec 1) so I will most likely submit as is. </p>
<p>Thank you for the advice.</p>
<p>As Prof. X said, nobody cares about the withdrawal so don't even mention it. You could have three or four of those before it started becoming an issue, so don't sweat it.
The GRE is a different matter, as there really isn't that many reasons to explain away a poor GRE. Your option there are basically to live it as is and not mention it in your SOP or retake. If your score was really awful, I'd think you might want to retake.</p>