Should I submit my GRE scores if it is merely optional? (170v/156q/5.5)

[JiHoo]

I am applying to a few MA political science programs that don't require the test, but say applicants can submit their score if they wish. Does anyone know if scores really help in this case? Or is it just something that can hurt more than anything if there's a weakness in it?

This is relevant to me because I scored quite high in 2 areas, but substantially lower in the other. I don't know if my verbal (99th percentile) and writing (98th) scores would make it overall a positive to submit my score, or if my lower quant score (around 60th) makes it detract more than anything.

I have 170v/156q/5.5 aw

 

Edited October 12, 2018 by JiHoo

[ray92]

The verbal and writing scores are pretty high and I expect the program will look at those two rather than the quant. Does the application say not required but preferred?

[JiHoo]

Hi Ray!

The programs basically say that applicants can submit their scores if they wish, but that they are not required. It was worded pretty much just like that, with no mention of being preferred.

I was thinking, my verbal and writing scores are high enough that they might stand out and be a small plus on my applications, but then I thought about my quant score and wonder if that might go the other way.  I don't think the quant expectation is so high at the non-PHD level in this field, but I still wonder about it...

Edited October 12, 2018 by JiHoo

[ray92]

I would submit your score. Since it is not required a lot of students probably will not submit their scores because they do not have to, this could be used to your advantage. If you and another applicant are head to head and they did not submit their scores you most likely will get picked because you go up and beyond what is required and two they have another way to see how "perform" . I would also submit it if you are applying for funding as well. Most GRE scores are there to weed out people if it is required. Since your program does not require them they might not even look at them until it they have to decide between you or another applicant. In my opinion go above and beyond what is required this will help you succeed in graduate school and pretty much life in general.

Edited October 12, 2018 by ray92