<p>I just wanted to get some info on some of these schools because I can't really find that much online. US News doesn't rank PR programs...Anyway, they're:
University of Southern California - Annenberg
University of Miami
New York University - School of Continuing and Professional Studies</p>
<p>Besides the info (and more importantly), I'd also like some input on the admissions standards. I've applied to USC and Miami, accepted to Miami, but USC is my top choice. They both have the same requirements: 3.0 GPA min. and 1000 GRE min. From what I gather, USC's average GPA is 3.3 and GRE is 1075 with average writing score as 4.5. They "recommend" scores of 550 Verbal and 5.0 Writing, but their averages are around 500 and 4.5, respectively. These numbers don't make much sense, but they don't keep the median scores so I'm having a hard time evaluating the numbers game (their average Quantitative score is around 570 and I got 780, which doesn't matter much in my opinion because PR is not exactly a quantitative field, but they say "everything counts." So it's my 1290 GRE (510 Verbal, 4.5 Writing) versus their scores). Now, I have a GPA of 3.02 with a lot of retaken courses (maybe around 5), so if their policy is to evaluate ALL the courses, then my GPA drops to around 2.7, but they say if a school lists my GPA as 3.0 then they'll take it and won't count it as ineligible. On the other hand, I majored in biology - not humanities or English - so I would assume my GPA will be given some leeway, not to mention science majors don't usually apply to these programs. I also did an original research project which required statistics and all that stuff (though I'm honestly not sure how many students in other majors, such as English or communications, do research such as this). My essay wasn't creative or anything; I simply answered their question point by point. I guess my recommendations are decent enough (waived my right). My resume is different for my major (two journalism internships, one PR internship) so I would hope it shows biology wasn't "my thing" and I have an interest in communications. Finally, would Miami's letter mean anything towards predicting what USC will do? I know they're not the same program, but I'll take whatever hints come around.</p>
<p>I have a Communications BA, along with a science degree, so I’m not an expert but am kind of in the field…
and i would say you are very qualified. A 1290 GRE in programs that ask for 1000 will be phenomenal. Your diverse background is a BIG plus because you could do specialized PR in a Bio-related field that might be more difficult to get qualified professionals.
I would say you’ll be at an all-around advantage, and outright acceptance from UM would signal your strength as a candidate, and that other acceptances will follow. I wish I could speak directly to the programs you are applying–but in a broader sense, I would suggest you are very qualified for USC, and that having such a unique undergrad will make you stand out.</p>
<p>Thanks - it does boost the confidence a little. Like I said, my main concerns are the average Writing score, Verbal score, and low GPA. These seem the most applicable to the field, but they’re the “qualifications” I lack. I do agree my undergrad resume stands out, but to what extent does it cover my aforementioned weaknesses? As I mentioned, they “count everything (equally?)” but I really take that with a grain of salt…unless someone here can attest differently. The topic “Graduate school admissions 101” says grad schools aren’t as numbers-oriented as undergrad schools, but a low GPA/GRE will probably hurt, though no number will keep you out.</p>
<p>Someone also said:</p>
<p>If you are particularly worried about it, it may behoove you to do things that would complement your CV and help to draw attention away from your grades. For example, you might consider getting some work experience after you graduate. That way, though your grades may not be the best in the bunch, it could still benefit you to have that experience. Admissions people like work experience, especially relevant WE.</p>
<p>According to PR Week ([PR</a> Education Program of the Year 2009 - PRWeek US](<a href=“http://www.prweekus.com/PR-Education-Program-of-the-Year-2009/article/123799/]PR”>http://www.prweekus.com/PR-Education-Program-of-the-Year-2009/article/123799/)), NYU has the best program with USC as one of the finalists so that answers the first half of my question. USC along with Georgetown, however, are the two schools that did not receive any additional recognition. Since NYU’s body has “a Fulbright Scholar, a Phi Beta Kappa, and five Lagrant Scholars” out of its 29, and I assume USC has a similar body, does that diminish my chances? And does this undermine Miami’s admission that much more? Also, since USC did not even receive an honorable mention, does that mean their selection process will be more competitive to gain such recognition?</p>
<p>Apparently all decisions were received by March 31 so I called the school and I was told my application was still with the committee. I had my materials in on time, but I wanted to submit better GRE scores so I passed up my eligibility for assistantships/fellowships because I was more concerned with admission. Does this mean they have finalized their class for the fall or are they really still considering my application?</p>