Just received my final, new-format GRE scores . . . .

[northstar22]

And they are atrocious. My verbal score was in the 96th percentile, so not bad at all. However, my quantitative score was in the 49th percentile (terrible), and my analytical writing score was in the 29th percentile (atrocious).

Here are my (new format scores):

V: 165

Q: 149

A: 3.5

Do you guys think I have ANY chance at getting into a political science PhD program? The other aspects of my application are good (3.46 undergrad GPA, 3.8 GPA in my last 60 UG credits, relevant MA). I'm a terrible test-taker, especially on these standardized tests. I know I can rule out top-25 programs with those scores, but would I be competitive at any school (even sub-100 ranked programs)?

Would retaking the GRE help my application at all from an admissions standpoint? Would adcoms overlook these results if I scored significantly better on a later test?

Edited November 12, 2011 by northstar22

[orst11]

northstar,

I have seen some of the programs you are applying to/interested in, and truthfully while your quant is a little low for some of them I do think you are worrying a little too much. Truthfully, if you look at the concordance tables ETS has published it would put you at 680V 610-620Q which is not really that bad. Especially considering if you look at NRC data for average quant scores for some of the programs you are considering you will realize you are not in a complete horrible position.

Now if you only apply to the top programs you have considered, there are other aspects of your application you can focus on.

[northstar22]

I know I worry too much . . . I apologize. I am a perfectionist. Anyway, I know quant is really important for poli. sci., and I'm just not sure that 49th percentile will cut it . . . not that the GRE is the only thing in my application, of course.

I've heard that most programs don't place much weight on the analytical writing score, but that they look for applicants with scores at or above 4. Oh well, there's not much I can do at this point but apply and see what happens.

[orst11]

I think as an academic the majority of us are perfectionists, and I do see why you are worrying given that funding is extremely important. The GRE definitely sometimes may be a deciding factor especially for funding at some programs. Given that on the old scale 650Q+/- was pretty much the average for poli sci programs I think you definitely will be on the lower end at some programs and may be okay for some of the others. Obviously, all of us want to be sure of our prospects so really i can't blame you for worrying I actually worry some about my less than stellar V score. I think one thing that helps you though is you do have some grad courses under your belt.

As far as ruling some programs out I wouldn't necessarily say you have no chance at programs in the top 25. Some of these programs have cutoffs/averages around the 1200 range. Obviously, you do want to consider both fit and ranking some, because it will be a factor later on when you are applying for jobs.