Put my GRE scores in perspective for me please

[amy.]

I am interested in studying Spanish Literature. I got a 580V, 680Q, 5.5 AW. I have a 3.72 Undergrad GPA. What are my chances of getting into a top Masters Program or medium ranked program? (yes, solely based on these scores) How do they sound to you?

[American in Beijing]

I am interested in studying Spanish Literature. I got a 580V, 680Q, 5.5 AW. I have a 3.72 Undergrad GPA. What are my chances of getting into a top Masters Program or medium ranked program? (yes, solely based on these scores) How do they sound to you?

I would try again for a higher verbal score. For humanities programs, your verbal score should ideally be above 650. Then again, I don't know anything about the specific programs you're applying to. Perhaps you should look on their department websites and see if they have some numbers on there.

I would like to reiterate though, that GRE scores are in no way, shape, or form the most important part of your application. All good scores do at many schools is get you past the first round of rejections. If your GRE scores are amazing, but your writing sample, SoP, and LoRs are terrible, it's likely you'll be rejected.

[amy.]

I would try again for a higher verbal score. For humanities programs, your verbal score should ideally be above 650. Then again, I don't know anything about the specific programs you're applying to. Perhaps you should look on their department websites and see if they have some numbers on there.

I would like to reiterate though, that GRE scores are in no way, shape, or form the most important part of your application. All good scores do at many schools is get you past the first round of rejections. If your GRE scores are amazing, but your writing sample, SoP, and LoRs are terrible, it's likely you'll be rejected.

All of the programs only have a 1000 minimum GPA, which is a bit frustating. Could my high analytical writing score make up for it? 5.5 is fairly high, right?

[tskinner]

All of the programs only have a 1000 minimum GPA, which is a bit frustating. Could my high analytical writing score make up for it? 5.5 is fairly high, right?

In general, programs don't even look at the AW score. The only time they even glance at it is if you have an AMAZING writing sample and a totally CRAPPY score. They might question the authenticity of the writing sample.

They'll have so much else to look at to learn about your writing: SOP, PS, LOR, Writing Sample, etc

I would highly recommend taking it again to get up into the mid 600s.