<p>Just took the GRE for the first time yesterday and got Math: 690 and Verbal: 640. Its weird for me because I usually am much better at Verbal than Math in everything, but looking at the schools I am interested in
the average math scores are usually higher. Think I did well on writing (it's my forte), but I haven't received those scores yet. </p>
<p>I really want to get into one of these programs and focus on public diplomacy/cultural diplomacy.</p>
<p>Heres my background:
GPA: 3.4
Undergrad: Boston University. Two degrees: Magazine Journalism (cum laude); Western European Studies
International Experience: Born in Ukraine (fluent in Russian), studied literature and politics at an Oxford University abroad program, traveled to Jordan on a Journalism Press Trip, where I was one of 10 students nominated nationally (we met with/interviewed ministers and government officials), top 5 finalist for the MySpace/Wall Street Journal contest to send a citizen journalist to Davos. Traveled to numerous other countries as well, but just as a tourist.
Languages: Fluent: Russian/English/French; Proficient: Italian, Hebrew
Work experience: Currently work as a Marketing Specialist for a title insurance company as well as a City Editor of an arts and culture online magazine. I have internship experience in both journalism and marketing. </p>
<p>So what do you think? Have I got a shot or should I retake the GRE next month or so?</p>
<p>I think you would be competitive with what you have. However, a better GRE score would never hurt.</p>
<p>First of all, the verbal section is known to be killer, while the math section is “easy” in that it’s basically high school math. Most people just need to brush up on it. So I can see where your math score would be higher. </p>
<p>Did you look up the percentiles for your scores? That would help you see where you stand.</p>
<p>Based on your description of yourself, I would say that retaking the GREs is not necessary. You have an interesting background and speak Russian. I agree with the previous poster that you’re competitive. Just my opinion.</p>
<p>Thanks for your replies!
So there’s more info now:</p>
<p>I got a 4 (41st percentile) on the AW and for some reason, the test date is wrong on my score report. In addition, I received a letter from ETS that my verbal section didn’t give me the right distribution of questions, so I am being offered a free retest of just the verbal (which is awesome).</p>
<p>Quant: 690 (69th percentile)
Verbal: 640 (92nd percentile)</p>
<p>The funny thing: my older sister, who was a math major and works in finance has a 5.5 on the AW. All my life I have been a better writer than her and gotten better writing scores (i.e. I got a 770 on my SAT II for writing).</p>
<p>Either, the computer messed up on more than just my verbal section and the test date on my score report and sent me the wrong scores…or the ETS graders don’t like people who actually know how to write. </p>
<p>now that we know my writing score…what do you think of my chances?</p>
<p>thanks again for all of your replies!</p>