Retaking the GRE?

[buddingsociologist]

Hi all,

I just took the GRE today. My scores could be better but not terrible. Verbal - 161, Quant - 153.

I want to enroll in an environmental sociology PhD program in fall 2022. My top choices are NC State, UF, Stony Brook, and Rutgers.

I studied for 3 months and my math is still pretty low. I was wondering if it is worth retaking in September? Has anyone had any experience with an effective study method for raising scores? I went through the entire 5lb Manhattan Prep book and the Kaplan Practice Tests. Would a prep course be beneficial? I just don't know if the price and time studying to retake is worth it?

Thanks in advance for you help!