Low GRE Q score; should I retake?

[BL250604]

Hi all-

I have spent the majority of my last year and a half bolstering my application for Statistics Ph.D. programs (mainly mid-tier programs, a few highly ranked, a few lower). However, the main part that I find lacking is my GRE Q score. I received a 159. Historically, I am not a great standardized test taker, and always struggle in the pressure filled, timed setting that accompanies the GRE. My V score is lower (152) but my AW is a 5.5. Just wanted to see if you guys think it would be worthwile to retake the test. If so, my hope is to get a 160-162, as I really think I can with some more prep. My fear, however, is that my score may drop.

Please do let me know. Thanks!

Ben

Edited November 2, 2018 by BL250604

[orchidnora]

Somebody probably knows better than I do whether it is worthwhile to retake the GRE.

But if you do retake it, keep in mind that you have the option on test day to see your raw scores immediately afterward and send either a) the most recent scores (if they have improved) or b) send all your scores. Alternatively, you can wait until after you leave the test center and select to send any score you want (so the earlier scores if you did better there), although then you will have to spend the $27 per score report. So even if your scores do drop, the only cost is wasted time and money.  

Also I have personally found there is a lot of variation in GRE scores seemingly by random chance (or unknown factors). My quant scores have ranged from 158 to 170 (including only my official GRE scores and scores from ETS practice tests I took under test day conditions) and did not correlate perfectly with the amount studied. This high variability is part of the reason why I believe the test is flawed and that scores should include some measure of error/variation. Anyway, my point is that even if you DON'T study at all, there is a reasonable chance your scores will increase by chance imo. 

[Stat Assistant Professor]

Yes, you should retake the GRE. If you have some time to prepare, I would focus on preparing strictly for the Quantitative section (master the ETS "tricks" and whatnot). Try to get your score .over 160. It won't really matter much after that, but a low Q score may be an early 'screening' device to screen out some applications. 

In a Statistics PhD program, you'll likely have to take timed qualifying exams that determine whether you can advance to the PhD research stage (although they won't be standardized), so you may want to figure out what works best for you to manage this kind of pressure and manage your time accordingly. 

[statfan]

The GRE Q is mainly high school level math and it acts as a filter. Almost everyone who applies to stat/biostat phd got a perfect or near perfect score on the GRE Q. That being said, if you score well, it won't help your application. However, a low score is a big red flag and will likely disqualify you immediately. I strongly recommend you to retake it if you have the time and money, and try to get your score over the 90th percentile (which I believe is 166).

Edited November 3, 2018 by statfan

[BL250604]

Thank you very much everyone! I will sign up today to retake the GRE, and definitely try and bump up my score. It also didn't help I took the exam at 3:30 PM after a group theory exam, but I guess that's the time of the semester. I'll try and schedule it for an upcoming weekend.

BL

[Gauss2017]

Under the ADA you can ask for special accomodations for test taking such as the GRE.  In some cases they can double the amount of allowed time.

This is especially true if you have  ever seen a Dr for anxiety.  Special accomodations are also applicable to qualifying exams for a PHD