ETS and SOPHAS

For the Fall 2013 on-campus application cycle, some of you may have noticed that there has been some issues with your GRE scores not showing up in SOPHAS. This is an issue between ETS and SOPHAS that is currently being resolved. For now ETS is sending SOPHAS scores in batches, which would explain why some of your other schools may have received your scores already but they are not showing up in SOPHAS. Please be patient and continue to monitor your application.

GRE requirement for international applicants

This question pertains to both the on-line and on-campus programs.

Many international applicants have questions about the GRE requirement and it's true that all applicants are required to take GRE. The only exceptions would those holding a recognized doctoral level degree, however it should be noted that even in these instances where a international applicant does have a recognized doctoral level degree we often strongly encourage the applicant to take the GRE anyways. This is because it can be difficult for the admissions committee to interpret foreign transcripts and a the GRE can help them determine your potential in a US graduate program.

Late GRE Scores

What happens if my GRE scores come in after the deadline?

I've been asked a couple times what happens if GRE scores are not received until after the deadline. The answer to this will depend on a few details, such as how late they are received, but generally I would say that this is all determined by the program. How each program views late submission of items will differ but you want to keep in mind that the earlier they have a complete view of your application the better. If we are talking a matter of days, I would not be concerned with this but if you are concerned please contact your program coordinator. 

GRE Scores on the Berkeley-specific application

I have been receiving many emails in regards to the fact that their official scores are not showing up as received. Just this year the graduate division implemented the new online application system you are currently using, and while it's a great system, there are still a lot of unknowns. As is turns out, your scores will never show officially received by Berkeley if you sent them to the 4227 GRE code...BUT DON'T WORRY! This is the correct code, and as long as your scores show received on the SOPHAS application, then you are just fine. The problem stems from the fact that we had to create a new GRE code to be sent to SOPHAS which the Berkeley online application system does not recognize. We apologize for any confusion but rest assured, if you sent your scores to 4227 and SOPHAS shows they are received, then you are fine.

Merit-based funding support

I see that you have some merit-based support. How do I apply for those awards?

At UC Berkeley's School of Public Health we have a handful of merit-based scholarships available to those who have shown academic excellence. How do I get nominated for one of these scholarships you ask? Well, there is no specific nomination process or extra work needed to be nominated. When the admission committee is reviewing files, they are also looking for possible candidates for financial aid. They already know what pools of money they have available to them and will mark applications as being good for this scholarship, or good for that fellowship. So the quick answer is....submit the strongest application possible. This includes submitting a focused statement of purpose, strong letters of recommendation, good GRE scores and good grades. 

GRE Scores: WHO, WHAT WHEN

A common theme among questions refers to GRE scores. So here is the Who, What, When of GRE scores.

Who needs to submit them? 
In most instances, you will need to submit current GRE scores. Current means you took your GRE test from Jul. 1, 2006-Nov. 18, 2011. If you took your GRE's on  December 31, 2005- they are not current. Those who do not need to submit the GRE's are- current medical or dental students (those applying to medical or dental school still need to submit the GRE), or applicants currently holding a doctoral degree from an institution in a country where English in the primary language (those who have not defended at the time of submission must submit the GRE).

What is the minimum score needed for admissions? 
There is no minimum score. As a general rule, successful applicants have GRE scores above the 50th percentile for the verbal and quantitative sections. However, we acknowledge that some applicants have language barriers, test anxiety, and other justifications for lower scores. This is why we consider all aspects of the application. GRE scores are but one component of a student's application; they are not a determining factor for admissions in their own right. We employ a holistic approach in reviewing applications, and many factors come into play in making decisions. 

When should I take the GRE's?
The sooner the better. This year, in particular, we expect some confusion due to the implementation of the new GRE test so please do not wait until the last minute. ETS has stated you can take the test up until November 18, 2011 and still receive your scores in time for a December 1st deadline. You should also note that along with the new GRE test there is going to be a blackout period in which ETS will not be reporting scores. For the reporting schedule click here.

***Update: Please note that I mention a December 1st deadline in the "When should I take the GRE's" section as this is a common deadline date and you might find this information generally helpful, however the deadline for UC Berkeley's School of Public Health is December 2nd. 
***2nd Update: We have learned that ETS will be batch reporting their scores, so anyone taking their test between October 16, 2011 – November 18, 2011 will be reported on December 1, 2011. Our previously suggestion of giving yourself a buffer and taking the test by November 1st is no longer applicable.