Verbal Score on GRE

[nyr]

I have a question about the verbal score on the GRE. How important is it for an MPP/MPA program? For example, does the admissions committee generally look for scores of 700+ (or 90+ percentile)? Or, is a low GRE score (ie, below 600) excusable as long as the quantitative score is strong?

Thanks for your help!

[rising_star]

You're way off on the percentiles for the verbal. The low 600s are in the upper 80s, percentile wise.

[policy_applicant]

Looking at class profiles, it seems that most respectable programs accept students with a mean verbal score in the mid 600s. It's my sense that quantitative scores are a bit more important, but a sub-600 verbal score won't help your chances. Do the programs you're looking at post admissions statistics?

[nyr]

rising_star - Yes, you're right. I meant either 700 or a 90th percentile, not that a score of 700 means the 90th percentile. Sorry for the confusion!

policy_applicant - Thanks for your help! Some schools don't post statistics, but I found some that do.