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[globetrotter]

I am wishing to pursue graduate studies in International Affairs (to a professional program) with a focus on sustainable international development. I graduated with my BA in 2004 cum laude, and have taken the GRE twice, but both times scored barely 1000. I have lots of international experience, from study abroad programs, international travel, and teaching EFL (I have taught high school English for going on 3 years in Korea).
I applied for grad school at a few universities, with the goal of entering a program right after my undergrad studies, but was rejected across the board. A couple schools even indicated that it was due to my poor GRE scores.
Since then, I've tried to bolster my resume through increased international experience and work, and my enthusiasm to enter grad school has only increased. I would like to begin Fall 2009. Still, I feel depressed about my likelihood of being accepted to a decent program. I would greatly appreciate advice, from those who have insight in this area, on where readers of this forum believe I would have a good chance of admittance? Any other relevant suggestions would also be appreciated.

Thank you!

[zharkov]

How did you prepare for the GRE?

Many people swear by the prep courses offered by outfits like Kaplan.

[globetrotter]

Dear Zharkhov, I appreciate your reply and inquiry.
My GRE prep included studying a couple GRE prep books I had bought; the first time I took the GRE I didn't put in much study time, so I was more dedicated to preparing the 2nd go around. Unfortunately, my verbal score only improved slightly, while my quantitative score dropped about 70 points (2nd score was even lower than 1st, not breaking 1000). I do admit a fear of and weakness in math, but I was really disappointed in my verbal scores.
Since right now I'm not living in the US, taking a prep course is not an option. I do plan to return to the US next September, and could enroll in a course that fall, but this would postpone grad school by another year, unless it is to a univ with rolling admissions. Of the following options what would you recommend?
Option 1: try to find some good programs that don't require the GRE or that won't weigh those scores too heavily. Do you have any ideas here?
Option 2: Continue studying my prep books, and give the GRE another shot during my winter break when I visit the US.
Option 3: Enroll in a prep course next Sept. after I return to the US, and before taking the GRE again, thus postponing grad school studies.
Most of the programs that interest me are looking for at least 1200, so I may have to lower the bar...
 

[zharkov]

Most or all good programs require the GRE.  I would be a bit careful about a program that didn't require the GRE.  It doesn't mean it is of a low tier, but you need to be careful, that is all.

About test prep, Kaplan and the other companies have online test prep courses, so you don't have to wait to take the prep in the US.