importance of verbal GRE score for good MS ECE programs

[dnclemens]

Hi all.

I'm planning to apply for a Master's Degree in ECE programs that are mostly ranked in the top 20 - top 50. I believe my quantitative score is good enough (88th percentile) but my verbal score is 151 (low 50s) - this was a little surprising because I thought I would achieve a score somewhere in mid 150s which corresponds to a score in the 70th percentile.

Will this be a problem? Is the verbal score looked in conjunction with the English Proficiency Test, or is the latter not taken into account as long as you meet the cut-off for the program? My IELTS score is in the 99th percentile, and my AWA is above-average as well.

Time is running pretty short. I have a little over a month left for some of the deadlines, but I want to focus on refining my Statement of Purpose. I've looked at the websites of some of the universities I'm planning to and many only mention an average quantitative score, so I'm not quite sure if I should retake the exam and and spend hours practicing verbal or concentrate more on my SOP. How much focus is placed on the verbal score?

Advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

Edited October 22, 2018 by dnclemens