Applications with low GRE General

[Jigsaw123]

I took GRE twice with in past 6 months but have not achieved any drastic change in my score. My scores in both sections on both occasions in Verbal and Quantitative was between 150 and 155. I am afraid that my scores will be a major obstacle in gaining admission in Chemistry in top ranked Universities. 

 

Even though I was well prepared on both occasion but still I couldn't get a decent score. I fear that I am not competent enough to pursue Graduate Studies. I could not do well on a simple test, how could I even imagine of getting an admission in any top tier University. I am feeling so lost and dejected at the moment.

[GeoDUDE!]

Do you have a question? It sucks when you don't get the results you wanted.

[Jigsaw123]

Sorry, I might have confused with my previous post. I want to know is that should I apply to top tier University with this score or aim for some low ranking because I have heard that top tier Universities gives a lot of emphasis on GPA and GRE General. I have an average GPA but a bad GRE General. I might be able to score decent on GRE subject as well as on TOEFL. I want  to know the ranking range on Universities in which I should apply keeping in mind my GREs and other stuff.

[GeoDUDE!]

Perhaps you should try a masters with a thesis option first, especially if you don't have good research experience. I would apply to as many depts as I could. You have to ask yourself this: If you were an admissions comm would you take yourself ? Try to be as objective as possible. Getting a funded masters (where you TA) is much easier than getting into a PhD program. 

[Jigsaw123]

What I have heard is that taking an admission in Master's is much more difficult than taking admission in PhD. Most of the Universities prefer PhD students over masters one. Also, funding is also an obstacle in Master's program. I have heard that it is very difficult to find a fully funded Master's program.

I don't know if its true or not but could you please elaborate on this point.

[St Andrews Lynx]

Most committees won't care about the Verbal score. I'd say that your ability to get high scores on an aptitude test doesn't really reflect your ability conduct scientific research.It is all kinda speculative until you get your TOEFL and Chemistry GRE score anyway. 

 

Just remember that most international applicants will be applying with >90th percentile scores in all their GRE categories (especially to the top-ranked universities) plus research experience, strong references and publications...and that the fraction of international applicants who receive an offer at these top-ranked universities is much smaller than for domestic students.

 

So yes, it probably will damage your chances. That doesn't mean you can't apply to schools lower down the league tables, who will take more account of your previous research experience, etc...