Feeling pretty crappy...GRE Scores

[omigoshlolz]

Hey guys,

I'm feeling slightly terrible about myself right now. I took the GRE General yesterday and didn't score too well. Obviously, I don't have the exact scores on the new scale, but it gave me an estimate on the old scale and it said 520 verbal and 520 quant.

UGH.

I studied so hard.

I had really bad anxiety the day of the exam... I tend to psych myself out a lot when I'm nervous so I basically convinced myself that my future depends on my GRE score and panicked. It doesn't help that math generally gives me anxiety anyway. *sigh*

So...I'm going to retake it at the end of November, but I'm worried.

Is it common for people to retake the GRE? Do schools look unfavourably at people who had a terrible first score? I feel like I ruined all my chances. I have a great GPA and experience and it's just...this GRE. Ugh.

Any advice would be great.

I'm planning on applying to Masters programs in Counselling and School Psyc, and a PhD program in Clinical.

Help

[crater21]

Don't worry! Tons of people re-take the GRE. It's no big deal. I have heard that many schools will consider your highest score only. And, certainly, I know quite a few people who've gotten into the programs of their choice after having re-taken the GREs.

Now, you have almost two months to prepare, which should be enough time. I would recommend doing a few of the free practice tests online to figure out where your weaknesses are, and then zero in on them. For example, for math, figure out where you are making the most mistakes (algebra, geometry, arithmetic, etc), and then practice those areas.

You should also work towards dealing with exam anxiety. If you are still in school, you may be able to find resources in your student center for dealing with exam stress, etc. Also, maybe it would help to simulate exam conditions.

Good luck!!

[George2248]

Do lots of practices test online, thats the only way to get used to thes stress of the exam. I recomend: kaplan's free test, manhatan's test package, even princeton tests.

Do all of them and your scores will benefit

[habanero]

Don't feel bad! You can improve your scores with practice. Re-register for the GRE and study a lot under similar conditions. Take many timed practice exams. You will be able to do it!!! The pressure is now off, anyways--you scored below what you wanted and the world didn't end! You will be fine. Programs are fine with taking the GRE more than once. Additionally, they KNOW that those who are taking the new exam are at a disadvantage. I have faith in you!

[omigoshlolz]

Thanks so much guys

[Airwick]

First Attempt: 490V, 640Q, 3.5AWA

Second Attempt (Revised): 700-750V, 700-750Q

Keep your head up!

[darjeelingtea16]

I second everything everyone else has said. Practicing is key--for Verbal, I found this intellivocab app for my iPhone particularly helpful (I think there's a Kaplan one as well). Intellivocab has flashcard sort of things, but also quizzes (all on your phone).

If it makes you feel remotely better, I've taken this godawful exam 3 times.

1st time: 540V, 390Q (old GRE)

2nd time: 590V, 450Q (old GRE)

3rd time (last week!): 690-790V, 550-650Q (revised GRE)

It's a pain to have to, but sometimes it really does help to take it again after you kind of already know what to expect. Also, I can't imagine it would hurt you if you take it again and improve your scores. I think it'd look pretty good actually!