GRE (161V; 157Q) Should I retake? Applying to Art History PhD programs.

[mt587]

I haven't received my AWA scores yet, but suspect I should score around 5.0 - 6.0 points. I know that my scores aren't great, but I am not sure whether I should retake GRE and aim for a better result, or 318 should be fine and it is better to focus on the other parts of my application. 

[Henriella713]

Hi, there! I, too, am applying to ArtH Ph.D. programs. I am applying only to one school in the States, but I will need to use my GRE scores from five years ago to do so (157V; 155Q; 5 AWA). I did not need these scores for my Masters because I went to a UK program.

From my understanding, I would encourage you to focus on other parts of your application. Personal statements, compatibility with the programs, and letters of recommendation are the three most critical "parts" to applying. In fact, the compatibility with the program is what I have found to be absolutely the most important thing. Are you coming straight from undergrad?