<p>I'm a college senior applying to a program at a decent state school that combines web design with humanities (it's a progressive/unusual degree). I have a good GPA (3.73 overall) but bad GRE scores (155v, 143q). The reason for this is because I was enrolled in four classes during the summer when I took the GRE, so I literally had no time to prepare for the test. (I didn't even get a break after the spring semester ended, that's how serious I am when I say I had no time). How should I explain this in my personal statement? It says you can "describe unique aspects of your candidacy", so I think it would be appropriate...</p>
<p>You think using the excuse “I didn’t have time” is appropriate? Don’t bother. It’ll probably hurt your app more than anything.
Time is limited for everybody. There’s tons of people who don’t have time. There’s also people who do well without studying.</p>
<p>I would agree with DoubleD; don’t bother mentioning that in your statement. It would probably be a waste of words and they know that many people don’t have the time to study. </p>
<p>Instead, focus on creating a strong and compelling statement that focuses on what you’ve done, what you’d like to achieve, and how specifically graduate study at the particular university you are writing to is going to lead to your success.</p>
<p>No. DoubleD is right on. Also, as far as graduate school goes, get used to the not having a break even after long periods of intense stress thing. Also, their prompt implies to me that you should be talking yourself up about any GOOD things that may not otherwise fit into the application (ie you did a 10 year stint with the Peace Corps and made a bridge out of your own hair… or something.).</p>
<p>As others have stated, I would not bother mentioning your GRE scores in the personal statement. It’s important to focus on your strengths and how your research interests fit the program.</p>
<p>you can always retake. You could always take a gap year and apply later. You just choose not to. </p>
<p>So, not only should you NOT try to explain it, you CAN’T explain it.</p>