Spiraling because of the GRE

[Schy]

I just got my AWA score back and it's abysmal. I scored a 2.5 this year when LAST year I scored a 4. I know I struggled because it was 9 am, I was panicking and I didn't give the writing portion my best, but I never expected to score a 2.5!

Last year I did horrible on Verbal and Quant, but at least my AWA was decent. Do I retake? Do I address this in my SOP? Do I try and report BOTH gre scores if the schools application allows? I'm not applying to top schools or anything (Utah State, University of Memphis, University of Montana, University of Central Florida), but now I'm terrified that I'll have to wait another year to apply or drop 40k on a masters program. 

I'm not even sure if retaking it is an option because it's a huge financial burden. I feel like at this point all I can do is make sure my CV is impeccable (which I think it's impressive) and make sure my SOP's are amazing. 

I'm definitely freaking out, but here's a list of the questions I have:

Should I retake it if I can have my mom pay for it?

Do I address the difference between this years score and last years score? 

Do I forgo PhD dreams for now and focus on not going into too much debt from a MA/MS program? 

Thank you in advance for any comments/advice! 

[SendMeAnEmailPlz]

What are your verbal and quant scores for each test? I have heard conflicting views on how important the AW score is so maybe some programs will look past it. I know that some schools do use cutoffs for the AW (often 3.5 or 4)

If the rest of your application is solid, and you can somehow manage to retake the GRE in the next couple days, I would do it.  I wouldn't wait very long though because you'll risk having your scores sent after the 12/1 deadline.

 

Edited October 29, 2019 by SendMeAnEmailPlz

[psychfemme]

I'm retaking the gre this weekend because my quant score was much lower than what it needs to be. I'm also applying to middle tier schools (uni of memphis too!). The only reason I decided to retake it instead of just applying to less schools and hoping they ignore my gre scores is that my parents have offered to pay for it. 

Don't forgo your phd dream! If a phd is what you want, don't waste money on a masters program. 

[Schy]

3 minutes ago, SendMeAnEmailPlz said:

What are your verbal and quant scores for each test? I have heard conflicting views on how important the AW score is so maybe some programs will look past it. I know that some schools do use cutoffs for the AW (often 3.5 or 4)

If the rest of your application is solid, and you can somehow manage to retake the GRE in the next couple days, I would do it.  I wouldn't wait very long though because you'll risk having your scores sent after the 12/1 deadline.

 

2019 scores 155 V 154 Q 2.5 AWA

2018 scores 148 V 141 Q 4 AWA 

 

I have two shitty options to choose from, unfortunately. My scores this year (outside of AWA) look fine for the schools that I'm applying to, but I cannot believe I did this to myself. 

[Schy]

Just now, psychfemme said:

I'm retaking the gre this weekend because my quant score was much lower than what it needs to be. I'm also applying to middle tier schools (uni of memphis too!). The only reason I decided to retake it instead of just applying to less schools and hoping they ignore my gre scores is that my parents have offered to pay for it. 

Don't forgo your phd dream! If a phd is what you want, don't waste money on a masters program. 

Ah! Clinical/Health Psych?

Good luck this weekend! I'm going to see if my mom will pay/help pay for me to retake it. 

And thank you for the kind words! You're absolutely right. If I want it bad enough, I have to work hard enough! 

[justacigar]

I believe some schools give you the option to report multiple sets of scores, but I'm not sure - you might want to double check. I personally think the jump in your Verbal and Quant is impressive, and schools would be happy to see that! I do think on some of my applications, they mention you can mix and match as long as you send in both score reports (but that is also expensive) 

[Schy]

2 hours ago, justacigar said:

I believe some schools give you the option to report multiple sets of scores, but I'm not sure - you might want to double check. I personally think the jump in your Verbal and Quant is impressive, and schools would be happy to see that! I do think on some of my applications, they mention you can mix and match as long as you send in both score reports (but that is also expensive) 

Thank you so much for the kind comments! I knew how hard the GRE was for me last year so I spent money on some gre study programs, happy to report that it worked! (If only I didn't panic during the writing portion). 

Also, I discovered that Uni of Mont lets you submit both scores and I'm hoping other schools will be the same once the initial application is in (: 

[PsyDuck90]

1 hour ago, Schy said:

Thank you so much for the kind comments! I knew how hard the GRE was for me last year so I spent money on some gre study programs, happy to report that it worked! (If only I didn't panic during the writing portion). 

Also, I discovered that Uni of Mont lets you submit both scores and I'm hoping other schools will be the same once the initial application is in ?

I think most schools allows multiple scores. When you go to ETS, you select which scores out of all the ones you have you want to submit to each school. It doesn't cost any different to submit both scores vs 1. They will just see a report indicating whatever testing dates you select.