Should I take it again? -GRE

[oryantin]

Hi,

This application process wore me out. I got low scores on GRE, Q: 160 V: 146, by being familiar to the structure of the test, but without studying much. I expect to get a 5 in writing section according to the sample responses that I read before. I know these do not seem good enough to get accepted but some department websites state that they understand the difficulties international students may have writing these types of exams. I am not sure if I should still apply with such low scores. Anyway, I know it will be much late if I attempt to take it again. Do you think departments will be understandable in case of late scores? Applying only to Canadian schools still remains a strong option. I'll be happy if I get admitted to the University of Toronto, for instance. However, all I want was to minimize the risk of not being admitted anywhere.

Edited December 18, 2011 by orient

[Hopin'-n-Prayin']

I can only speculate as to your question, but I would not count on the adcomms considering GRE scores for a test that was not only submitted, but also taken, after the deadline. While you probably cannot hurt your application by submitting late scores (some may perceive doing this as an act of hubris, as though you feel you are above the rules), your time and money may be better served setting out a game plan for studying/re-taking the test early in next years application process if you strike out this year.

[TMP]

If you've already applied this year, then no, no, no, no. Let it rest. If you don't get in anywhere, then by all means re-take it. Your languages will definitely make up for the low GRE scores.

[oryantin]

Thank you. Luckily, most of my deadlines were late enough. I decided to apply to four schools in the States (Princeton, WUSTL, CUNY and UC Davis) and two schools in Canada (Toronto and Queens) after I have read your post, Ticklemepink . As Canadian schools do not require GRE, I will prepare the best ever application for the University of Toronto, which has an excellent Near and Middle Eastern Studies Department . In fact, I have a good chance to get in Queens, the Professor there whom I want to work with clearly told me that he will make effort to get me admitted. But I am still not sure if I should accept an offer from Queens instead of waiting one year more while finishing my MA thesis and improving my Arabic so that I will be a better candidate for big name US schools. If I am accepted to Toronto, however, I will definetely go without looking back anymore. In fact, I am working as a RA at a Turkish state University and have an oppurtunity to acquire a YOK (Turkish Council of Higher Education) grant to study abroad. If I can get this grant, I can alternatively go to the UK to do my PhD at Oxford Oriental Studies department with a Prof. who have been really interested in supervising my thesis.

Ticklemepink, I'll especially appreciate if you can say anything on what I should do now.

[TMP]

I don't believe in short changing yourself. Think about your long-term goals. If you ultimately want an academic job in the US then you need to get your PhD from an US school. If you want a job in Europe then a UK degree will be OK. Toronto, as StrangeLight pointed out somewhere in the form, is an exception and it's degree is very well respected.

If you don't care what yo do after the phd, then go wherever you can get in. It's not the end of the world if you don't get in the best

[oryantin]

I definetely want to work here in my home country after getting my degree. And, you are totally right! Applying to three in the US, and two in Canada will be enough. I should now focus on bettering my applications for the rest, if I do not get in, working on my MA thesis and languages until the next application season.

Thanks!