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what should I do

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:01 am
by sadpanda
Hello

I need help/advice. My stats are as follows:

1) GPA 3.7 double major math and physics
2) first author publication to ApJ about to be submitted
3) 2 REUs
4) tons of department involvement...I am very involved in the society of physics students
5) gre gen: 690 quant. 530 verbal 5.0 writing
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5) 565 25% on physics gre.....ouch ouch ouch.

What are my chances at mid range schools. Im not bothering with mit princeton ect...although i did want to apply to berkeley. really, i am just crushed over this score.

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:08 am
by quizivex
I'm sorry I don't have much reliable input on "where can I get in" questions, so I encourage someone else to respond...

but I think there's something that gives you a fighting chance anywhere. Nobody else in the history of the physics GRE has ever managed to get score that ends in 5. It's so remarkable for you to pull that off, and since schools always are looking for some eccentric, unique candidates, I think they'll overlook the fact that the first digit is also a five and let you in.

Amazing!

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:15 am
by sadpanda
lol, atleast its something.....haha if only that were true :P

I got the score on the phone so maybe the system quoted it wrong, that and i hung up the phone and started freaking out as soon as i heard it...i really just remember the percentile well. hehe

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 2:20 am
by grae313
that makes me a saaad panda

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 3:10 pm
by TheHawkBat
What type of school did you go to? I realize that the score you got is not good, but there will be some give since you are a domestic student and a little more give if you went to a smaller liberal arts school. My professors tell me that students from those schools are expected to do worse, and hence, that gives a little lee way. I'm about in the same boat as you (32%) and I'm still shooting big. You have a first authorship, which is going to look fairly good, and your GPA isn't bad. If you get good recs that will help. I personally figure if I don't get in, I can do research for the next year and study to retake the GRE's. Better to go someplace I want to go than one I don't.

I think we stack up about the same, so if you want to check out where I am applying, and some info that will be on my apps:

http://www.applycorner.com/graduatescho ... p?uid=4021

Posted: Wed Dec 05, 2007 6:03 pm
by sadpanda
i didnt go to a liberal arts school...but a smaller school with only a terminal master program in physics. im going to try not to worry too much and still shoot high. the bottom line is i just cant take standardized test well. worse thing that could happen is ill have to take it again and will have the time to actually study since i wont be freaking out about classes at the same time. never give up!!!