I will be applying to Ph.D. programs this fall and am looking for GRE advice. For easy reading..
Degree: M.T.S. at Vanderbilt Divinity, current GPA 3.825 (one semester)
Grad applications: Applied and accepted-- M.A. Religious Studies at UVA, M.T.S. at Vanderbilt with full tuition, M.T.S. at Wesley Theological with full tuition, M.T.S. at Duke Divinity
Past GRE: 08/08/09 v540, q640, a5.5
Undergraduate GPA: BA in Religion, 3.95 major, 3.895? overall (can't quite remember, graduated summa cum laude)
Potential Ph.D. programs: Georgetown, Yale, Duke, Emory, etc.
I realize the above is more information than necessary, but I hope it forms a clearer picture about my academic strength. Though my first GRE scores were low, I was accepted to each graduate program and offered full tuition scholarships at two institutions. Ph.D. applications, however, are an entirely different beast. I am not sure if my strength in other areas can negate another low score. I have begun studying for GRE again, with plans to take it 1-2 times before August.
Here is where I need advice-- what score(s) should I aim for this time around? Additionally, is there specific advice you would offer to someone who is trying to make a huge jump in her next score? I am currently using Barron's 18th edition.
Thanks!!