It is really really not at all difficult to get into LIS programs. If you're trying to get a specific scholarship or fellowship award, that's obviously somewhat harder, but I would be very surprised if you didn't get in anywhere you applied. I only applied to 2 library programs too and it was fine. I'm probably going to sound cynical here but LIS programs are not difficult and you will probably find the work pretty easy compared to Grinnell.
Also, the portions of the GRE that would be relevant don't really require a lot of preparation anyway (basically I only practiced some math), so if you do decide you want to take it I wouldn't worry too much about it.
Wow, are you my boyfriend? He is also applying to LIS programs, and the U of I and UW Madison are also his top two choices. Actually, he applied last semester and didn't get into the U of I, whose LIS is getting kind of competitive, apparently, as he had very good grades and a decent GRE (I don't think he studied at all either). They told him that if he had some sort of work experience involving libraries, that would have helped his application. HOWEVER, I would wager that they will look very favorably on your being in the Peace Corps. They loooove volunteer service.
So, uh, IN CONCLUSION: don't take the GRE if you don't want to, and if you take it you totally don't need to study for it, but I don't know if I'd count on getting into the U of I or UW Madison.
I took the GRE and it was pretty awful. The math part, anyway. I am pretty lazy and would say skip it if you think you can get by without it. If the program I was applying to didn't require it, I would have ignored it and never looked back D:
I took the GRE. Twice. (I'm not so good at the math). I got a program (the Kaplan one) and used it to study. Also got a book called "Forgotten Algebra" that helped me remember Algebra.
I would make sure that you don't need the GRE at the schools that say it would "help" to get assistantships or scholarships.
More than likely, programs don't do what psych programs do and make an equation that has the GRE figured in and it's all about numbers. I think that is stupid, so it's good they don't.
Also, I know these programs are tough and it's good to apply to LOTS of programs (in psych it's more competitive and I applied to 10-15 programs...and didn't get in until my 3rd round of apps....).
My advice would be to go ahead and take it, but don't stress. After all, if your score is only so-so, you do have the two first-choice schools that don't need them. But, if you don't do it, you might regret it at some point.
It was a different format when I took it, but I found the verbal and writing to be easy, and the math a little tricky. You're so good with words that I'd suggest not bothering to study much for those, just focus on the math section.
Most of all, like I said at the beginning... don't stress over it! (Easier said than done, I know.)
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Also, the portions of the GRE that would be relevant don't really require a lot of preparation anyway (basically I only practiced some math), so if you do decide you want to take it I wouldn't worry too much about it.
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So, uh, IN CONCLUSION: don't take the GRE if you don't want to, and if you take it you totally don't need to study for it, but I don't know if I'd count on getting into the U of I or UW Madison.
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I would make sure that you don't need the GRE at the schools that say it would "help" to get assistantships or scholarships.
More than likely, programs don't do what psych programs do and make an equation that has the GRE figured in and it's all about numbers. I think that is stupid, so it's good they don't.
Also, I know these programs are tough and it's good to apply to LOTS of programs (in psych it's more competitive and I applied to 10-15 programs...and didn't get in until my 3rd round of apps....).
My 2cents!
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It was a different format when I took it, but I found the verbal and writing to be easy, and the math a little tricky. You're so good with words that I'd suggest not bothering to study much for those, just focus on the math section.
Most of all, like I said at the beginning... don't stress over it! (Easier said than done, I know.)
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