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WorkingOvertime · 2009 October 13th, 03:15 AM

I took the GRE earlier today and had a disappointing Q score of 740. While I am going to retake the test soon and plan to improve on my score (averaged ~760 on practice tests), I want to prepare for the worst- not improving my score.

Right now, I want to use next year to improve my appeal to the private sector through an MA/MS in Econ (pure, ag, applied) or Applied Stats. During this time I can also improve my profile for PhD econ if I want to go that route. I prefer not to stay at my undergrad institution for another year, as I am not sure if a PhD is right for me and I would rather spend a year working towards better job prospects.

What top 50 PhD programs will be willing to overlook my 740Q? Also, what MA Econ/Stats programs should I aim for? I would like to get the best private sector placement possible.

Currently I am considering (all econ unless noted)- Toronto, UBC, Queens, UWO, Simon Fraser, McGill, Miami OH (MA), Notre Dame (PhD), Georgetown, Michigan State (ARE and PhD), Cornell (AEM), Vanderbilt, UCSD, Wisconsin (ARE), WashU, Minnesota (Ag Econ), UVA, and Chicago MAPSS.

PROFILE:
Type of Undergrad: BS in Econ with Math minor from top 75 US undergrad school. My school does have a low ranked PhD program.
Undergrad GPA: 4.0/4.0
Type of Grad: None- My Econometrics and Stats II classes were offered as grad school courses, but it is not designated on my transcript.
Grad GPA: n/a
GRE: 740Q 510V
Math Courses: Into to Math Analysis (Applied Calc I), Multivariable Calc. (Applied Calc II/III), Intro to Business Statistics. Elementary Statistical Inference (AP), Statistical Theory II (Fall), Diff EQ (Fall), Linear Algebra (Fall). Either Probability Theory or Time Series in the spring.
Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, International Econ, International Macro, Development of American Economy, Junior Honors Research, Econometrics, Independent Study Research, Senior Honors Thesis.
Other Courses: Creative inquiry with Ag. Econ graduate professor
Letters of Recommendation: Should have three strong ones from professors I have done research with. None are famous, but all have significant experience.
Research Experience: Did research with graduate professor on manufacturing trends. Strong Econometrics term paper. Did a paper on Defense Economics with seasoned professor over the summer. Writing a Senior Thesis next year on Steamboat price efficiency.
Teaching Experience: Supplemental Instructor for Managerial Accounting. It is the most difficult class in the business school.
Research Interests: Financial Economics, Behavioral, Macro Trends, International, Historical Econ, Resource Econ, Environmental Econ
statement of purpose: Will probably be average.

baj393 · 2009 October 13th, 03:59 AM

Your profile looks very similar to mine.

Same GPA and same GRE Q score.

I can't do standardized tests; period. I always choke up and so am, like you, stuck with my 740 score (and a retest would not past cost-benefit analysis for me).

I'm currently in the Duke MA Economics program and am getting some great research experience, mathematics classes, and graduate economics classes that will not only better prepare me for a PhD (environmental economics is my field), but hopefully make up for the low Q score.

What I have been told by professors here at Duke (on the ad-com) is that my 740 score does not look good at all and will probably disqualify me for top programs in pure economics, however, I stand a much better chance at ag economics programs (which I was already planning to apply to) because the standards are somewhat lower. In addition, my lower Q score can be turned into a "neutral" for me as long as I can show (through my transcript) that I can perform well in advanced mathematics/statistics classes.

In short, it is not the kiss of death. Last year when I applied to masters (and 1 PhD program) in economics, I was accepted to all except one with full tuition waivers or scholarships (even at the PhD program). While all except Duke were not top 40 econ programs, they were all top 25 ag econ programs (again, except for Duke).

If you can, retake it, but if you are like me and simply cannot do well on standardized tests, then just make do with what you have.

Gerter · 2009 October 13th, 04:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baj393

Your profile looks very similar to mine.

Same GPA and same GRE Q score.

I can't do standardized tests; period. I always choke up and so am, like you, stuck with my 740 score (and a retest would not past cost-benefit analysis for me).

I'm currently in the Duke MA Economics program and am getting some great research experience, mathematics classes, and graduate economics classes that will not only better prepare me for a PhD (environmental economics is my field), but hopefully make up for the low Q score.

What I have been told by professors here at Duke (on the ad-com) is that my 740 score does not look good at all and will probably disqualify me for top programs in pure economics, however, I stand a much better chance at ag economics programs (which I was already planning to apply to) because the standards are somewhat lower. In addition, my lower Q score can be turned into a "neutral" for me as long as I can show (through my transcript) that I can perform well in advanced mathematics/statistics classes.

In short, it is not the kiss of death. Last year when I applied to masters (and 1 PhD program) in economics, I was accepted to all except one with full tuition waivers or scholarships (even at the PhD program). While all except Duke were not top 40 econ programs, they were all top 25 ag econ programs (again, except for Duke).

If you can, retake it, but if you are like me and simply cannot do well on standardized tests, then just make do with what you have.

Did the adcom members say anything what the minimum GREQ was for them?

AREStudentHopeful · 2009 October 13th, 04:55 AM

You might take a look at NC State's PhD program as well. They're usually considered just inside the top 50 and have a very respectable (top 5 or 10) program in natural resource econ (within their econ department...their ARE department only goes to masters level). I know someone who went there recently with a 750, so I know it's possible.

Gecko · 2009 October 13th, 04:33 PM

sorry to be blunt - you should retake

I think that 740 was just a blip~

tm_guru · 2009 October 13th, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gecko

sorry to be blunt - you should retake

I think that 740 was just a blip~

Huh? The OP states average scores of 760 on practice tests, therefore 740 is likely not a blip.

You might get into some schools with a 740Q bordering on the top50 if the rest of your profile is good. Especially if your math grades are good.

WorkingOvertime · 2009 October 13th, 10:36 PM

I am having trouble evaluating the ARE programs. Outside of the top ~5, there isn't much information on the better programs. I would like to stay near a big city is possible.

I should be able to get higher than a 740 on my retake (my timing was off due to distractions at the test center), but I only have the time and money to retake it once this year so there is no guarantee that I will improve.

Baj393- What programs did you receive funding from? I looked through the ARE thread lsat year, but after 30 pages I couldn't keep track of the different programs and offers. I didn't think Duke would fund MA students- Do many students in your class have funding?

ARE- I will take a look at NCSU. I spend the summer in Raleigh for an internship last year and thought the campus was alright, but I haven't looked into their econ program. One of my recommendations is coming from an NCSU alumni. Where does CSU place its graduates in the private sector?

AREStudentHopeful · 2009 October 14th, 12:09 AM

Here are some good ones (my personal favs) for the env/res side of ARE in general:

Berkeley
Davis
Maryland
NC State
Oregon State
Cornell
Ohio State

Also, some good non ARE environmental departments at: U Colorado, UCSB, Wyoming, Arizona.

As for CSU, their page for placements is here: Recent Graduate Job Placements Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics Colorado State University . They've tended to place a lot of people in government positions in the last few years (USDA, Department of Ag, EPA, ect.).

Gecko · 2009 October 14th, 06:20 AM

I got 760-780 on my tests .. before it stabilized. hence my advice for him to retake

SlowLearner38 · 2009 October 14th, 06:43 AM

I also suggest retaking the GRE. (The last thing you want to hear, I'm sure.)

A friend a year older than me, I'm an UG senior right now, applied last season. He had a 4.0 GPA, good letters of recommendations, Calc 1-3, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations. GRE was 740Q/540V/4.5.

Basically your stereotypical well qualified, smart, applicant. He applied to 10 schools, ranging from 15 to 75. Only one school offered admission + financial support. U Kentucky. The GRE Quant score must have been a significant red flag keeping him out of the schools he "should" have been accepted to.

On that note, I'll leave you with that single counterexample.

2009 October 13th, 03:15 AM	#1 (permalink)
WorkingOvertime Eager! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 40	Advice for Someone with low GRE Q Score (740) I took the GRE earlier today and had a disappointing Q score of 740. While I am going to retake the test soon and plan to improve on my score (averaged ~760 on practice tests), I want to prepare for the worst- not improving my score. Right now, I want to use next year to improve my appeal to the private sector through an MA/MS in Econ (pure, ag, applied) or Applied Stats. During this time I can also improve my profile for PhD econ if I want to go that route. I prefer not to stay at my undergrad institution for another year, as I am not sure if a PhD is right for me and I would rather spend a year working towards better job prospects. What top 50 PhD programs will be willing to overlook my 740Q? Also, what MA Econ/Stats programs should I aim for? I would like to get the best private sector placement possible. Currently I am considering (all econ unless noted)- Toronto, UBC, Queens, UWO, Simon Fraser, McGill, Miami OH (MA), Notre Dame (PhD), Georgetown, Michigan State (ARE and PhD), Cornell (AEM), Vanderbilt, UCSD, Wisconsin (ARE), WashU, Minnesota (Ag Econ), UVA, and Chicago MAPSS. PROFILE: Type of Undergrad: BS in Econ with Math minor from top 75 US undergrad school. My school does have a low ranked PhD program. Undergrad GPA: 4.0/4.0 Type of Grad: None- My Econometrics and Stats II classes were offered as grad school courses, but it is not designated on my transcript. Grad GPA: n/a GRE: 740Q 510V Math Courses: Into to Math Analysis (Applied Calc I), Multivariable Calc. (Applied Calc II/III), Intro to Business Statistics. Elementary Statistical Inference (AP), Statistical Theory II (Fall), Diff EQ (Fall), Linear Algebra (Fall). Either Probability Theory or Time Series in the spring. Econ Courses: Intermediate Micro, Intermediate Macro, International Econ, International Macro, Development of American Economy, Junior Honors Research, Econometrics, Independent Study Research, Senior Honors Thesis. Other Courses: Creative inquiry with Ag. Econ graduate professor Letters of Recommendation: Should have three strong ones from professors I have done research with. None are famous, but all have significant experience. Research Experience: Did research with graduate professor on manufacturing trends. Strong Econometrics term paper. Did a paper on Defense Economics with seasoned professor over the summer. Writing a Senior Thesis next year on Steamboat price efficiency. Teaching Experience: Supplemental Instructor for Managerial Accounting. It is the most difficult class in the business school. Research Interests: Financial Economics, Behavioral, Macro Trends, International, Historical Econ, Resource Econ, Environmental Econ statement of purpose: Will probably be average. _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _ -Mitch

2009 October 13th, 04:55 AM	#4 (permalink)
AREStudentHopeful Attending CSU Masters Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: CO, USA Posts: 685	You might take a look at NC State's PhD program as well. They're usually considered just inside the top 50 and have a very respectable (top 5 or 10) program in natural resource econ (within their econ department...their ARE department only goes to masters level). I know someone who went there recently with a 750, so I know it's possible. _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _ Colorado State ARE

2009 October 13th, 10:36 PM	#7 (permalink)
WorkingOvertime Eager! Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 40	I am having trouble evaluating the ARE programs. Outside of the top ~5, there isn't much information on the better programs. I would like to stay near a big city is possible. I should be able to get higher than a 740 on my retake (my timing was off due to distractions at the test center), but I only have the time and money to retake it once this year so there is no guarantee that I will improve. Baj393- What programs did you receive funding from? I looked through the ARE thread lsat year, but after 30 pages I couldn't keep track of the different programs and offers. I didn't think Duke would fund MA students- Do many students in your class have funding? ARE- I will take a look at NCSU. I spend the summer in Raleigh for an internship last year and thought the campus was alright, but I haven't looked into their econ program. One of my recommendations is coming from an NCSU alumni. Where does CSU place its graduates in the private sector? _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _ -Mitch

2009 October 14th, 12:09 AM	#8 (permalink)
AREStudentHopeful Attending CSU Masters Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: CO, USA Posts: 685	Here are some good ones (my personal favs) for the env/res side of ARE in general: Berkeley Davis Maryland NC State Oregon State Cornell Ohio State Also, some good non ARE environmental departments at: U Colorado, UCSB, Wyoming, Arizona. As for CSU, their page for placements is here: Recent Graduate Job Placements Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics Colorado State University . They've tended to place a lot of people in government positions in the last few years (USDA, Department of Ag, EPA, ect.). _ _ _ _ SIG _ _ _ _ Colorado State ARE

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2009 October 13th, 03:59 AM	#2 (permalink)
baj393 D.S.C.H Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 107	Your profile looks very similar to mine. Same GPA and same GRE Q score. I can't do standardized tests; period. I always choke up and so am, like you, stuck with my 740 score (and a retest would not past cost-benefit analysis for me). I'm currently in the Duke MA Economics program and am getting some great research experience, mathematics classes, and graduate economics classes that will not only better prepare me for a PhD (environmental economics is my field), but hopefully make up for the low Q score. What I have been told by professors here at Duke (on the ad-com) is that my 740 score does not look good at all and will probably disqualify me for top programs in pure economics, however, I stand a much better chance at ag economics programs (which I was already planning to apply to) because the standards are somewhat lower. In addition, my lower Q score can be turned into a "neutral" for me as long as I can show (through my transcript) that I can perform well in advanced mathematics/statistics classes. In short, it is not the kiss of death. Last year when I applied to masters (and 1 PhD program) in economics, I was accepted to all except one with full tuition waivers or scholarships (even at the PhD program). While all except Duke were not top 40 econ programs, they were all top 25 ag econ programs (again, except for Duke). If you can, retake it, but if you are like me and simply cannot do well on standardized tests, then just make do with what you have.

2009 October 13th, 04:33 PM	#5 (permalink)
Gecko This user's posts are moderated. Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,075	sorry to be blunt - you should retake I think that 740 was just a blip~

2009 October 14th, 06:20 AM	#9 (permalink)
Gecko This user's posts are moderated. Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 1,075	I got 760-780 on my tests .. before it stabilized. hence my advice for him to retake

2009 October 14th, 06:43 AM	#10 (permalink)
SlowLearner38 Team Zissou Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 226	I also suggest retaking the GRE. (The last thing you want to hear, I'm sure.) A friend a year older than me, I'm an UG senior right now, applied last season. He had a 4.0 GPA, good letters of recommendations, Calc 1-3, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations. GRE was 740Q/540V/4.5. Basically your stereotypical well qualified, smart, applicant. He applied to 10 schools, ranging from 15 to 75. Only one school offered admission + financial support. U Kentucky. The GRE Quant score must have been a significant red flag keeping him out of the schools he "should" have been accepted to. On that note, I'll leave you with that single counterexample.

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