GRE

[tisch63]

I got a 1200 and a 4.5 for the writing on the GRE last time I took it. Does anyone recommend taking it again? I'm concerned that if I do, I'll do worse....

Any thoughts on how much the scores actually factor into the decision making process?

[nycrican2]

Unless you are planning to apply to an Ivy League college, I think your scores are just fine. Just make sure your LOR's and POS are just stellar.

[Nibor6000]

Are you applying for a master's or Ph.D.? I can only speak for my field, but most master's programs won't take less than a combined score of 1000. Ph.D. programs won't take less than 1200. Look at the programs you are interested in and see what their minimum scores are. Remember that the GRE is frequently used to justify merit awards.

In the end, it's your decision, but if your field is very competitive, you might want to think about studying and retaking. Good luck!

[katemiddleton]

From what people on adcomms are telling me (at my specific schools and in my specific programs, so take this with seven grains of salt!) Numbers REALLY matter in two ways

1. In the first round of admissions-it helps people be sorted into the 'yes' 'no' 'maybe' pile

2. in getting university-wide fellowships and funding-the higher the numbers, esp for GRE, the more $ you get

BUT

1. if a professor really wants you, your numbers barely matter at all

2. a strong GPA (3.7-4.0) will compensate for a 1200 GRE (which is not a very good score for the tippety top programs, unfortunately). However, nothing will compensate for a low GPA.

3. The GRE's are totally teachable! Take a course, buy books, do flashcards. I walked into the GRE prep process with scores very similar to yours, and walked out of my GRE with just about a perfect score. The Princeton Review course is amaazing.

Good luck!

Alex

[sputnik]

From what people on adcomms are telling me (at my specific schools and in my specific programs, so take this with seven grains of salt!) Numbers REALLY matter in two ways

1. In the first round of admissions-it helps people be sorted into the 'yes' 'no' 'maybe' pile

2. in getting university-wide fellowships and funding-the higher the numbers, esp for GRE, the more $ you get

BUT

1. if a professor really wants you, your numbers barely matter at all

2. a strong GPA (3.7-4.0) will compensate for a 1200 GRE (which is not a very good score for the tippety top programs, unfortunately). However, nothing will compensate for a low GPA.

3. The GRE's are totally teachable! Take a course, buy books, do flashcards. I walked into the GRE prep process with scores very similar to yours, and walked out of my GRE with just about a perfect score. The Princeton Review course is amaazing.

Good luck!

Alex

Wow this is packed with great insider info! Sounds like you'd be a good estimator of chances.