I have never been a strong standardized exam taker. The GRE really hit me hard when i scored a 440V and 620Q in 2009. I wasn't really able to study for the exam when I took it, so i just winged it. Now, with my career, I really don't have the time to restudy for it. So, I am trying to explain it. How is this?
I dare say scores accurately reflect ability in many cases. The quantitative and analytical aptitude that is required for a career in finance is poorly reflected by my standardized test scores. Throughout my academic career, I have continued to perform on a level that is not captured by the results of my June, 2009 GRE exam. I evidence my strength in these fields by referencing certain collegiate coursework and post-graduate work experience.
Although my academic transcript promotes achievement of a "C" - merely average - in Pre-Calculus, I preformed to a much higher standard in the more rigorous Business Calculus - earning a B. Referencing my quantitative work in applied mathematics such as statistics, I engaged in complex upper-level coursework in this field including Biostatistical Methods and Quantitative Methods and received a "B" in both. Further, as college is an opportunity to challenge one's intellectual fortitude, I proceeded to triumph in one of the most demanding courses of my academic career, Forecasting and Time-Series Analysis, where I triumphed as one of two with an "A" for the semester. When pressed with a challenge, I continually rise to the occasion to overcome obstacles, either physical or intellectual.
As a testament to my applied ability in finance, my transcript reflects that I have never received less than a "B" and my overall average reflects a much higher potential. I have always maintained a high level of comprehension and competence in quantitative environments, thus my performance in upper level financial coursework reflects an aptitude much greater than what standardized scores indicate. To illustrate, I achieved an "A-" in the most challenging finance elective the university offers. In this class, Equity Fund Management, 20 students are selected for eligibility to enroll and are responsible for managing $3.2 million of the university endowment. The program challenges students to create and employ complex financial models to indentify value in securities. As a result of excellence in the program, I was elected to a leadership position and our team championed our eighth consecutive first-place title in a national portfolio competition.
As my career has progressed beyond college work, for two years, I have maintained a highly quantitative and analytical role with one of Wall Street's most prestigious investment firms, XX. As a financial analyst at the firm, I work with a team of senior bankers in the rebalancing and maintenance of a ~$270 million portfolio of equities and fixed income. Here, my role is to identify client risk tolerance and utilize extensive market research and financial models to seek additional value for our overall portfolio. I also play a critical role in the overall construction in our proprietary portfolios that we maintain as part of our core asset-allocation and growth-strategies. I have further honed my attention to fine detail through tasks including composition of performance reports, presenting recommendations, and compiling accurate monthly and annual profit/loss reports. It is within this capacity that I have proven an ability to successfully interpret, digest and solve complex quantitative issues within my desired field.
I dare say scores accurately reflect ability in many cases.
.... good point ... yes they don't : )Your introduction is impressive. You defend yourself cleverly :D
Further, as college is an opportunity to challenge one's intellectual fortitude, I proceeded to triumph in one of the most demanding courses of my academic career, Forecasting and Time-Series Analysis, where I triumphed as one of two with an "A" for the semester.
----------------- good sentenceWhy not mention about the reasons for having a poor score for GRE ?.... You may be having very genuine reasons to justify that. I feel it is good that you give some understanding to them that may help them make a decision about you. As you correctly said, scores do not display one's ability, but that is the mostly used yard stick for measuring one's ability. So give them an opportunity to have a balanced judgement between the two.
Anyways... it's well written and wish you good luck!Hello,
Unless the program specifically request that you explain a low GRE score you shouldn't. There is no need to draw attention to the fact that you did poorly on the exam but managed to do ok in many quantitative courses. The adcom will already see this. When you dedicate an entire essay to this fact it makes it seem like you are full of excuses. While test scores are said to be used as an indicator for success in a program, everyone knows that it is NOT. Schools use these numbers to boost their admissions numbers and make their program appear to be more prestigious. Simply state that you are just not a great standardized test taker. If you also did poorly on the SAT you should state that, but going on and on about several different courses is overkill. -AAO
