GRE Writing Scores

[edevalstudent]

Hello All!

I am hoping to apply for my doctoral studies in ed research or policy for Fall 2013 admissions. I recently took my GRE and got 160 V, 160Q, and 3.5 for writing. Is 3.5 too low of a writing score?

[hitomimay]

First off, nice job on the Verbal and Quant scores. Those are definitely more than sufficient for some of the top tier PhD programs. However, since doctoral studies require a high level of writing ability, your 3.5 may put you at a disadvantage. My recommendation is to practice the essay section and take it again. Minimum should be a 4.5, and top tier programs rarely accept anything below a 5.

Another option however is to submit any writing samples along with your application that demonstrates strong writing skills, ideally any publications if you have any.

Well, those are my two cents. Let me know if you have any questions.

[nu_wildcat]

I got a 4 on writing and I'm starting a Phd program at Penn GSE next year so I don't know how much schools really weigh the writing score. I did get high scores on the other sections though (162 V and 162 Q).

[edevalstudent]

Thanks to both of you for your input! When I took the GRE 4 years ago my Writing Score was higher (4.5) while my Verbal and Quant scores were lower. Do you think they would look at the 4.5 I got before or weigh in on the 3.5 more since it is current? I am also working on a thesis for a specialists program I am enrolled in while I am working, so I hope that I can use part of that for my application. Also speaking of publications, I wanted to ask about the extent to which having publications are important to the doctoral application process? I have a conference publication on which I am the fourth author, but other than that I am not yet published.

[hitomimay]

I'm sure they'll take that into consideration, but keep in mind they want scores from the most recent 5 years, not sure if it'll still be valid by then, and even so, it is leaning closer to the other end of the 5 years. I don't think it'll hurt you too badly, as schools tend to report only the Quant and Verbal scores for ranking purposes.

I don't think a publication is absolutely necessary. They just want evidence that you'll be fine in a graduate school setting, so previous graduate school experience (Masters?) would help, although not absolutely necessary (15/15 of my incoming cohort has one though), and any previous publications (not everyone in my cohort has this). And I think your publication should be fine. My only publication that I submitted as my "writing sample" was a Biology stem cell research publication as 7th author... so... I think you are good to go.

I think it really just boils down to a good balance. If you're weak in some areas, you need to be stronger in other areas. So if you have a stellar GPA, more than decent GRE quant/verbal scores, a publication, extensive education background, your one writing score won't hold you back.

Keep in mind, I think THE SINGLE MOST IMPORTANT thing is your Statement of Purpose. This SOP will make or break you. Seriously follow their directions when writing it (it's funny how many applicants don't). REALLY focus on a research question as this is a research degree, WHY you are burning to answer this (prior experience), and why you need this PhD to pursue something bigger and better in the field. Don't forget to mention which professors you want to work with (explicitly state this), and it won't hurt to contact them prior to applying (although once again not necessary, I didn't).

Good luck, and as always, feel free to ask questions if you have any.

[edevalstudent]

Thank you so much for your insight!! I really appreciate it. I will begin planning for my Statement of Purpose this summer. Thanks again and good luck as you start your doctoral studies!!