GRE Verbal for Philosophy?

[yiing]

Hi,

I'm an international student currently studying at Oxford University, UK, and considering applying to the U.S. for a terminal masters in Philosophy.

I was just wondering how important the verbal GRE score is, seeing as I just took mine and got the following: 800q 580v 5.5aw

Could anyone give some advice on whether it is worth retaking if I am thinking of applying to the following places:

- NYU

- Columbia

- Stanford

- Tufts

I will be applying for Fall 2012 admission, and my predicted results for undergrad is likely to be very postive (i.e. a First Class Honours).

Please do advise, I will be very grateful!

Thanks (:

[wtncffts]

Hi,

I'm an international student currently studying at Oxford University, UK, and considering applying to the U.S. for a terminal masters in Philosophy.

I was just wondering how important the verbal GRE score is, seeing as I just took mine and got the following: 800q 580v 5.5aw

Could anyone give some advice on whether it is worth retaking if I am thinking of applying to the following places:

- NYU

- Columbia

- Stanford

- Tufts

I will be applying for Fall 2012 admission, and my predicted results for undergrad is likely to be very postive (i.e. a First Class Honours).

Please do advise, I will be very grateful!

Thanks (:

It's funny you ask this because there's a recent discussion on a philosophy blog, Leiter Reports, about the use of GRE verbal scores:

http://leiterreports.typepad.com/blog/2011/03/are-some-schools-using-undisclosed-gre-cut-offs-in-admissions-decisions.html

I hope it's useful to you.

[PhilosoraptErs]

Some information about GRE scores and philosophy graduate students.

GRE's in Philosophy

http://philosorapters.posterous.com

[natsteel]

Hi,

I'm an international student currently studying at Oxford University, UK, and considering applying to the U.S. for a terminal masters in Philosophy.

I was just wondering how important the verbal GRE score is, seeing as I just took mine and got the following: 800q 580v 5.5aw

Could anyone give some advice on whether it is worth retaking if I am thinking of applying to the following places:

- NYU

- Columbia

- Stanford

- Tufts

I will be applying for Fall 2012 admission, and my predicted results for undergrad is likely to be very postive (i.e. a First Class Honours).

Please do advise, I will be very grateful!

Thanks (:

From the NRC info:

The average GRE Verbal scores of those admitted into the Philosophy program:

NYU - 701

Columbia - 679

Stanford - 657

Tufts - N/A

From these numbers, I would say that you would definitely need to retake it. I would suspect that a score under 600V will not even get you looked at the first three. Keeping in mind that these are averages (meaning people with lower scores get in), I would think that maybe a 630-640 would nullify the GRE as a selection criteria. Even that would put you at the bottom of the pile of those being considered especially at NYU and Columbia. My advice (and others may disagree) is to retake and focus entirely on the Verbal section.

[ok29]

this is just my two cents based on personal experience. I'd say it depends on what kind of Philosophy you want to do. If you're into continental or less 'techy' discipline then you would need to retake it. But if you're into logic or the philosophy of math then the 800 on q looks good. Your a.w score is also pretty good so it might make up for the relatively low score. Another suggestion I may add - look at a couple of lesser prestige schools as safeties. Go for academic fit rather than prestige/reputation factor. good luck

peace

From the NRC info:

The average GRE Verbal scores of those admitted into the Philosophy program:

NYU - 701

Columbia - 679

Stanford - 657

Tufts - N/A

From these numbers, I would say that you would definitely need to retake it. I would suspect that a score under 600V will not even get you looked at the first three. Keeping in mind that these are averages (meaning people with lower scores get in), I would think that maybe a 630-640 would nullify the GRE as a selection criteria. Even that would put you at the bottom of the pile of those being considered especially at NYU and Columbia. My advice (and others may disagree) is to retake and focus entirely on the Verbal section.

[parapraxis]

Considering you're applying for a terminal MA, which will be most likely unfunded, your scores are fine. Only at tufts might it be a problem, since you are in competition with many also pursuing the terminal MA (since the dept there only offers just that). The other schools you listed will probably be happy to accept you and your 60,000+ dollars.