anonymous,
thanks for commenting, and let me clarify what I meant by the following:
when one is entering a grad program, they should have a) done well in undergrad, b) have demonstrated a capacity to conduct effective research, and c) ability to write well.
a) i do not believe that there needs to be a clearcut numerical equivalent between grading in two countries, but usually, one can clearly tell if a student has done well or not in undergrad. And wether a student does well will also be indicated in their letters of reccomendation, as well as in their writing skills and proposed research.
b) by capacity to effectively conduct research, I do not mean have to have already conducted successful research in the field -- of course that is a plus. but in most research related phd programs, one needs to write out what their interests are, a plan of proposed research, and how their skills will be appropriate to sucessfully complete this.
I am sure that your statement of purpose did not only demonstarte your ability to write well, but also your interest in that particular field, and your proposed plan of study/research/purpose, and I am sure that the fact that you did well, as I assume, in undergrad, also played a part.
I personally do not agree with standardized tests as they do not measure many of the important things needed to succeed in grauate school or to effectively carry out research under a grant.
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Posted by strawberries to academicsecret at 9/30/2006 09:14:10 PM
