A_F

Hi, Just saw this post and thought I would send a quick reply, as I myself have very low GRE scores (149 Quant, 151 Verbal, 4.5 Analytic Writing). I have taken the test twice, studying for multiple hours a day for months both times, and obtained a 1 point difference the second time taking the test. Very disheartening to say the least! Anyway, I applied to 6 doctoral programs in social work during the current application cycle, including 3 top 10 schools (according to various ranking websites). Although I was incredibly nervous, and lacked confidence in my test scores, I felt confident that other qualities outweighed the potential advantages (and my own desire) to continue retaking the GRE. I also put in a great deal of work reaching out to schools, talking to doctoral program directors and at least 3-4 faculty members conducting research that aligned with my interests at each school I applied. From my experience, many programs are interested in your abilities and experience in conducting research and your fit with current faculty. The GRE is one of many factors that goes into the admission process, and some programs will weigh that factor more heavily than others. I was upfront with the programs I applied to, and expressed my concern about my low GRE scores to them directly. In some cases, the program told me the GRE was just one of many factors they would consider. Other programs expressed that they did not consider low GRE scores to be a major consideration in the admission review process. However, one of my mentors, a faculty member who wrote one of my recommendation letters, felt it was important to address the scores through the letter they wrote for me. I can't say whether this helped my application, but it certainly did not hurt. In the end, I was accepted into 5 of the 6 programs I applied to, and have decided to attend a school that, when I first started the application process, seemed out of reach given my low test scores. Good luck as you continue the process!