<p>I’m hoping to go to grad school for a dual M.L.I.S/M.A. in Art History with the hopes of becoming a special collections librarian, hopefully concentrating in work with illuminated manuscripts and medieval book arts. Pratt was my first choice, simply because of their excellent internship opportunities with the Morgan Library and other prominent art museums and libraries in the NYC area. </p>
<p>I’m currently a senior at a top 20 seven sister school. I’ve been on the dean’s list every semester with a 3.56 GPA as an English major and medieval studies minor. I’ve done plenty of extra-curriculars, library work, special studies, etc. etc. The rare books librarian at my school has also offered to get me in touch with the director of Pratt’s library school. I’m getting great recommendations, including 2 from medievalists in English and Art History. </p>
<p>However, my outlook on Grad school has completely changed. I took the GRE last night and got a dazzling 1000 cumulative score (Something around a 420Q, 580V), which I’m assuming means I’m illiterate in the English language, among other things, despite my major. To make matters worse, I probably won’t have time to retake the test. Even if I did, I wouldn’t have time to study for it to significantly raise my score considering my intense class schedule right now. I know this is my fault for putting it off so long - shame on me, I should’ve known better, etc. etc. </p>
<p>I was wondering if anyone knew if my crummy score would totally obliterate my chances for Pratt? They don’t really give any minimum score requirements. Although my GPA is high enough that I don’t need to submit scores for their library science program, since I’m applying for a dual degree program it’s mandatory. </p>
<p>Any advice would be much appreciated. I am one sad panda right now.</p>
<p>When is the application deadline for Pratt? Maybe you can retake the GRE on December 1 and get the scores in on time.</p>
<p>The trick to the Q section is practicing multiplication and division in your head as a race against the clock. Most students are so dependent on calculators (even the SAT let you use them!) that it’s a tough transition. Review geometry formulas.</p>
<p>As for the verbal, get a GRE prep book. Do practice questions. If you get them wrong, figure out why. You won’t have time to memorize a word list between now and then, but you can improve your critical reading scores if you understand what they are looking for. The book will also give your general strategies to tackle the analogy section, another “skill” that students no longer need for the SAT. </p>
<p>If you can improve the speed and accuracy of your calculations and figure out what the test wants for analogies/reading questions, you’ll definitely score higher. And you won’t have to put TOO much time into studying.</p>
<p>Application packages are holistic. Committees are going to look at more than just your GRE - it is arguably the least important component of your application. More important will be your GPA, your letters of recommendation, the rigor of your undergraduate background, and any relevant experience you have in the field.</p>
<p>In addition to that, a 580V isn’t even that low. A 580 is actually in the 80th percentile, which is pretty good. Unless Pratt’s program is ridiculously competitive, I doubt that will keep you out, and the quant score might not even matter. I don’t think your chances are totally shot - if you have the time and energy to retake I maybe would but I still would apply even if you don’t.</p>
<p>You probably should try to get your GRE to around 1200. I would really work on your quant score, since your percentage there has to be very low. Your verbal percentage is probably fine, but I am not very familiar with your program.</p>