Pros/Cons to Retaking the GRE

[millingtonk]

I took the GRE back in June 2010 prior to enrolling in Masters programs (even though later I found out the Master of Music programs I was applying to didn't require GRE scores.)

I am finishing up a Masters degree now (in Music), and I want to apply to NYU's Phd Program in Voice Performance. This program requires GRE scores.

Theses were my GRE scores from 2010: (the number in parenthesis is the corresponding score with the new revised test)

V: 560 (157) 77%

Q: 570 (147) 40%

AW: 4.5 72%

So questions:

1) I know that even if you retake the GRE, when they send the scores, they send both groups of numbers. Does this mean it looks bad to retake it? (The first time I took the test I had just returned teaching abroad in China and was still jet lagged, unfortunately. Not sure how much this affected my scores.)

2) My quantative score was really low, simply because I was really rusty. But does this really matter for a PhD Music program?

3) Does anyone know the average GRE scores to get into a Phd program at NYU? (My undergrad GPA was 3.97 and my grad GPA so far is above a 3.9 as well. )

Thanks. Any input would be helpful.

Edited June 22, 2012 by millingtonk

[BrianM]

I don't know anything about music programs but I do know that now you can pick which scores you can send to your schools.

You can't mix and match best scores from different tests, but you can send the best set to w.e school you want.

[TakeruK]

More info for what BrianM is talking about here: http://www.ets.org/g...ut/scoreselect/

[joey_18]

GRE: As of this summer, you can now pay a small fee (I think it's something like $20) to choose which scores to send. If you have the time, I'd recommend studying for a month or two (focus on principles of algebra, arithmetic, and number properties and take several full-length practice tests--space out the practice exams--i usually took one every weekend--take your last practice exam about a week before the GRE). Then retake the exam.

For my first GRE practice test, I scored very low on the quantitative section and had verbal scores in the 90th percentile. I knew going into it math would be my weakness. I ended up signing up for a Kaplan prep course to tackle this problem. I took 7 practice tests, studied about 7 hours a week for 2.5 months. I just took the GRE and ended up increasing my math score 250 points on the old scale (11+ on the new scale). I seriously did not think it was possible for me to do so well on the Quant. section. There is hope--just put in the work.

GPA: My understanding is that graduate admissions committees often heavily weigh undergraduate GPAs. (I wish I had your GPA!) I'd venture to guess that at most schools, a 3.9 GPA will give you some sort of advantage in the admissions process (some a big advantage, others less so). Each school is different though, so if I were you I would retake the GRE just to be safe.

Also, it wouldn't hurt to email the admissions reps and/or faculty at the schools you're most interested in. Ask them which factors matter most in terms of admissions criteria. Ask them if they have a GRE cut-off. Certain English programs don't even look at math scores. Not sure about music, but it's worth asking.

[Sigaba]

GPA: My understanding is that graduate admissions committees often heavily weigh undergraduate GPAs.

This practice may vary by school and by program. I've been told by a professor that some institutions and programs are so concerned with grade inflation that they pretty much disregard an applicant's GPA when it comes to evaluating her entire application.