Addressing test score for top schools in astrophysics
Posted: Wed Dec 26, 2018 10:01 pm
I am applying for 10+ schools for astrophysics/cosmology, and was wondering how/if I should address my low physics GRE score in my essays when I'm applying to top 5 programs. Mental health issues prevented me from studying for the pGRE, and heavily impacted the test day for me, though I'm now around these issues.
My pGRE score is lowish (30-50th percentile), even for astrophysics programs. Compared to physics, these programs are generally much less stringent and expectant of good scores, and many are no longer requiring the pGRE for their program. However, most of the top schools still do, and place varying amounts of emphasis on the score. Given this, and given that my score isn't representative of my physics background, how should I address this in my essays (if I mention it at all)?
The rest of my application is very good (3.9/4.0 GPA, with physics and astrophysics degrees; GRE: 169 V, 164 Q, 4.5 W; three or four very strong letters; 7 semesters + 3 summers of research - one summer for an astronomy REU; excellent essays; various college & national scholarships/awards; a few grad courses; many extracurricular academic activities; etc.)
As I apply for top cosmology programs that require the pGRE (e.g., Princeton, Chicago, Berkeley) and use it to assess my physics preparation, should I mention the situation of my pGRE and mental health?
My pGRE score is lowish (30-50th percentile), even for astrophysics programs. Compared to physics, these programs are generally much less stringent and expectant of good scores, and many are no longer requiring the pGRE for their program. However, most of the top schools still do, and place varying amounts of emphasis on the score. Given this, and given that my score isn't representative of my physics background, how should I address this in my essays (if I mention it at all)?
The rest of my application is very good (3.9/4.0 GPA, with physics and astrophysics degrees; GRE: 169 V, 164 Q, 4.5 W; three or four very strong letters; 7 semesters + 3 summers of research - one summer for an astronomy REU; excellent essays; various college & national scholarships/awards; a few grad courses; many extracurricular academic activities; etc.)
As I apply for top cosmology programs that require the pGRE (e.g., Princeton, Chicago, Berkeley) and use it to assess my physics preparation, should I mention the situation of my pGRE and mental health?