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Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Fri Dec 03, 2010 1:36 pm
by patton
Hello! I have a problem. Because I took the GRE Subject test at November 13, I should apply to half of the universities before knowing my results. So, the actual question is, what is my chances, given my other results?

Undergrad Institution: Russian institute, one of the best in Russia, but mostly known for physics.
Major(s):Applied Math
GPA: 4.75/5.0
Position in Class: Hard to tell, but between near top and average.
Type of Student: Central Asian, male,

GRE Scores:
Q: 800 (94%)
V: 600 (85%)
W: 3.0 (10%)
M: will know at December 24

TOEFL Score: 100 = R30/L30/S19/W21

Program Applying: Pure Math

Research Experience: Two talks at students conference in our instituteŠ± participated in several projects in research institute, but there are no publications.
Awards/Honors/Recognitions: Outside merit scholarship
Any Miscellaneous Points that Might Help: 2 of recommenders are well known specialists in my field.
Any Other Info That Shows Up On Your App and Might Matter: 2 bronze medals at IMO.

I talked with professors and their suggestions is:

UCLA(15-Dec-2010)
University of Southern California(15-Dec-2010)
Columbia University(15-Dec-2010)

Deadline after 24-Dec-2010:

University of Chicago(05-Jan-2011)
University of Maryland-College Park(15-Jan-2011)
Pennsylvania State University(15-Jan-2011)
Cornell University(04-Jan-2011)

So, what I should include or exclude from this list?

Re: Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 11:04 am
by lpt234
Your GPA is on what scale? If your GPA is high, you seem to have a good record and I think you have good chances. You apply to some very good universities so maybe you want to add on your list a less competitive one to make sure you get accepted somewhere. But, it also depends a lot on your GRE so if you think you did good, it may be ok. On the other hand, if you think you did very poorly, then maybe you want to reconsider some of your choices.

Re: Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 11:45 am
by patton
Mea culpa, GPA is 4.75/5.0
Yes, I thought about reconsidering after 24 of December. BTW, do you know any way to know results of GRE Math before this date? I've heard about calls to ETS, but have no much information.
Also, what do you think about EPFL? Is it hard to enter there?

Re: Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 12:08 pm
by lpt234
Yes you can receive your score by phone on december 13th.

http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/scores/get

I don't know how hard it is to enter at EPFL.

Re: Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 12:19 pm
by patton
Wow, it's really great, thanks a lot!
Well, also, there are Universities(like Stony Brook), which do not require GRE Math. So, If I have a good scores, if I will send them my scores, will this affect my application? Or they simply will not use my scores?

Re: Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 12:43 pm
by lpt234
In my opinion, they don't ask for the Subject Score because they don't value it. So it may be useless to send it. However, if you have a good score and decide to send it, it will certainly not decrease your chances of being accepted.

Re: Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 12:48 pm
by patton
wonderful. Also, if I submit my application at 14 December, then the recommendation letter could come after deadline. Is it OK?(I'm sorry for such a flood of questions)

Re: Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 12:57 pm
by lpt234
It really depend on the university, maybe you should contact them. If I understand letters of recommendation will be send by mail? Then it should be ok if you put the date on your envelope and if the date is before the deadline. If letters of recommendation will be send by internet, then I think it is really important to respect the deadline.

Re: Applying without knowing GRE Math score

Posted: Sat Dec 04, 2010 7:46 pm
by Chapel
For the most part, I have been told that the GREs are not "make or break" on most applications (excluding top schools). Apply to the schools you will want to go to and make sure you get all of your materials in. A good transcript, letters and research will go a long way towards covering up poor GREs. The reverse cannot be said.