GRE Scores and MS/PhD Admission Hindrance

[ridim]

I recently took the GRE and got 165Q 162V 4AWA

Will this be a major hindrance to my application to ~top 15 MS Statistics programs? What about for ~top 15 PhD Statistics programs?

Thank you.

[Nothalfgood]

My unprofessional assumption is that 165Q is not so bad that it will be a problem for most programs, but you will probably need to have something else to show for your math skills like strong math course work if you are applying to PhD programs. To what extent the story changes between top 15 or so PhD programs and, say, top 50, I'm not sure.

Are you at all concerned that you don't have sufficient credentials outside of the general GRE?

[ridim]

Hi, thanks for your response. I believe my performance in my math coursework is strong enough for the PhD programs. I just was hoping this relatively lackluster Q score will not hinder my chances when compared to the rest of the applicant pool.

Edited November 10, 2020 by ridim

[ridim]

Any further feedback/advice would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 

[Casorati]

I wouldn't worry about your scores. Your scores are good enough for everywhere.

[UniformlyDivergent]

I think you're scores are fine. For what it's worth, I got into a pure math program with a 156 Q, albiet I had research and grades to make up for it. The jury is out on this, but it seems to me like the GRE scores are becoming less and less of a consideration for many quantitative disciplines. A lot of high-profile schools dropped the GRE requirements all together this year (probably mostly due to COVID-19, but still...), and many mid-tier deparments don't require it now. For the one's that do, I have a hunch it matters only if the scores are very high or very low. But that's just my take.

[kingduck]

From what I have gathered on these forums, if you are international, you would be right - 165 is on the lower end of the distribution of scores from international students applying. If you are domestic, 165 is also on the "lower" end, but it won't hurt you as much. Do try to get > 165 to be competitive.