dimanche0829

Thank you!

Believe me, I appreciate the help! I'll be honest, I didn't focus much on strategy; I was more worried about studying the vocab and math formulas. I think I definitely need to integrate more strategy study into my repertoire.

Ha, awesome! And thank you! I've been using Princeton Review and Kaplan for studying, but if you have other prep-book suggestions, do share!

I studied for over 3 months before taking the test and scored well, consistently in the high 600s. The second I sat in that exam chair, my mind just went blank. I over-thought everything, took too much time on certain questions, changed my answers, etc. It was uuuuugly. Give me a paper to write and I'll knock your socks off; give me a bubble to fill in and I'll vomit. Le sigh. I worked too hard for this to let a test score ruin my efforts. Argh.

Thank you so much, everyone! It's tough to see the silver lining right now because this was such a major blow to my "plan," but it's good to know that I'm not the only one that's dealt with this before. On the bright side, I don't have to worry about those darned analogies on the new test...that alone should raise me up some more.

Hi Everyone, Just to give you some background: my major GPA is 3.8-ish (total cumulative gpa slightly lower), I'm part of my school's honor's college, graduating in December, will be getting LOR from the department chair, assistant department chair, and my honor's project advisor, and I'm published. I have also received very positive feedback about my SOP and writing sample. So far, I think I'm a fairly solid candidate. That darned GRE, however, landed me a 440V and 500Q (I swear I'm not that dumb! Really!), and I've been giving a lot of thought about whether I should retake. While this should be a no-brainer, I am a horrible standardized test taker and fear that a re-take will land me a score equal to, or worse than, my first try. I still have to do my subject test, though, which is scheduled for October, and I have no doubt in my mind that I can do well on it. In fields where a subject test is required, do schools give more weight to the subject test than the standard test? If I score really well on the subject test, is it even worth the hassle of trying to retake the standard? This forum has been such an immense help to me since I joined last week. I am forever grateful for any advice you can offer!

I could use a good pick me up, too. I am a HORRIBLE test taker and scored 440V and 500Q. I studied for months. Did incredibly well on the practice tests and scored consistently in the high 600s/low 700s. But, test day came and I overthought EVERYTHING. I can't help but have nightmares about how this is going to affect me. I thought about doing a retake, but considering I've never tested well, I will only be hurting myself by retaking and getting another embarrassingly low score.

Yes, that is good enough. While most schools claim they don't have "bottom lines" when it comes to GRE scores, they will compare scores of candidates who are neck and neck before deciding on which one to accept. I'm an English major looking to do PhD programs in California and most of the better schools have outlined that their accepted students typically show V scores of mid to high 600s. To be honest, though, analogies and word definitions aren't the best measure of a candidates ability to do doctoral work. If you're truly concerned about your very good score, be sure to really clean up your SOP and writing sample, if you haven't already, and obtain letters of recommendation from the best of the best at your school. It might even be helpful to have one of your professors look over all of your materials - especially if said professor serves on the admissions committee for graduate education at your school.

I feel your pain. I took mine on Tuesday and did even worse than you. Some people, especially me, just don't test well. If I were to take a practice test right now, I'd ace it without wincing. Stick me in an exam room, and I'm about as incompetent as a newborn baby. A former instructor of mine gave me some very useful information today, and I hope it helps you too: "What do you think you can or will do differently?" The bad score could have happened as a result of any number of factors, but if it's because you generally don't test well, you may not want to risk taking the test again only to get another low score. You should also remember that GRE scores are only one aspect of the grad application. I'm not sure what you're planning on going into, but many programs place more weight on the personal statement and writing sample. Plus, you can still redeem yourself somewhat on the more important GRE component (if required): the subject test. Also, don't sell yourelf short by giving indifference to a grad school. It is incredibly important that you find a school that specializes in your interest. In fact, many schools will deny applicants whose interests do not match those of the department faculty. It's a tough, tough world out there.