Although I can understand programs using GRE scores to simply weed applicants out it still is nonetheless depressing form my perspective. I am considering returning to graduate school for another Masters in Speech-Language Pathology. Obviously I had to retake the GRE again since my scores apparently "expired" to get my application ready. I studied for a month or so (certainly more than I did in my 20s for first round of graduate school) only to do worse in quantitative (143) and better in verbal (159)and analytical (4.5). I new Q would be difficult for me but figured since I prepared a lot more this time I would be fine as I was in the 30 percentile last time for grad program. Anyways decided to give it another try and focus just on Q a few weeks ago only to bump my Q to 145. I'm not sure about retaking it again- money, time and perhaps some personal distaste for ETS. The school I'm thinking of applying to states several times they will not consider any applicants who are not in 30 percentile for each subtest. I'm not sure how this is actually determined as percentiles change and if AdComm typically look at ETC percentiles or break it down into the percentiles for applicants in a certain field which would seem more accurate. Interestingly I've noticed they are flexible regarding a low GPA if applicant already has a Master's with high GPA. Go figure. I find it strange because I have been working in a similar field for 12 years and already have a Master's degree. What's even funnier is I had the scores they are asking for when I originally too the GRE but those "expired". I've also been taking prerequisites specifically for this career change and have been performing excellent in the courses related to the actual program. I cannot understand how a university would consider the GRE a better indicator of graduate success than prior completion of an actual Master's program. It just doesn't make sense to me and somewhat disenchanting. Do AdComm not value professional experience in the field, GPA, prior graduate degree not demonstrate a candidate's ability to perform at a graduate level?
