Application due Friday.. think I'll get in?

Graduate School
1

<p>Hi there,</p>

<p>I'm pretty much searching for answers that will not come until March or April, but I'm hoping that CC members may have some valuable advice. I'm graduating with my undergraduate degree this week (yes, the same week my application is due) and have a 3.7 GPA overall. As an undergrad I founded an organization, did honors research/thesis, formed relationships with several professors, invited/took a graduate course, have tons of related work experience, lived abroad, internships, etc. </p>

<p>The program I'm applying to is ideal in every way. The director of the program is the person who got me interested in the field, and has been the source of academic and non-academic inspiration. Although I feel prepared and confident, I don't have a perfect record. I graduated high school when I was 16, went to community college, and screwed up. I took a few years off, and returned to UCSD. Although my current ambitions, goals, and profile as a student do not reflect these grades- they are still on my record. Also, I did oddly on my GRE: 450v, 520q, 6.0w. I mean, I scored average in verbal, below average in math, and in the 96th percentile in writing! </p>

<p>I'm applying to an interdisciplinary theoretical program (communication/art history/poli sci) and I am just so nervous that these scores and my past academic failures will hurt me.
Anyone have similar experiences? Advice? Tips?</p>

2

<p>Your past academic issues will be easily overcome by your current work. Likely the adcom will note your great improvement as a significant indicator of academic maturity.</p>

<p>The GRE <em>may</em> be a problem. It sounds like you've had some positive contact with the program director - what does s/he say? </p>

<p>Some programs require the GRE because the university requires it (e.g. for university wide fellowship awards) but ignore it in terms of admissions. Others place great weight on it and in some cases it is up to each professor on the adcom to use it or not. </p>

<p>Relax, try not to get to wound up with this one program, and Good Luck!</p>

<p>And the first couple pages of the "Graduate School Admissions 101" thread.</p>