I don't know what to do at the point. 150 V 152 Q no improvement in 2 years

[shockwave]

I just took the GRE and got almost the same equivalent of a score that I did two years ago. I got a 150 V and 152 Q which is pretty terrible and this was roughly the equivalent which I got two years ago when I first took the GRE. I have been studying very diligently since April, have done Kaplan courses, Magoosh courses, worked through numerous books and have now literally seen no progress. It is not as though I am haphazardly studying or half-assing it, I’ve worked through about ten workbooks, studied well over 1500 vocab, and I just don’t know what to do anymore. I’m quite frankly embarrassed to send these scores out. I am hoping to apply to a PhD in Anthropology or Sociology, but I can’t see any school taking these scores seriously.

I am very competitive in other parts of my application; I have over a dozen conference presentations, teaching experience, TA experience, two published articles, great LoRs, I am competitive everywhere except the GRE. I really don’t know what to do and I very discouraged. Realistically what should I even consider doing from here? I have about two more chances to take the test before I have to apply but honestly don’t even want to go through with again because it such a demotivating and grueling experience.

[Instigate]

I am applying for Econ PhD and am not very familiar with your major's requirements and how competitive the admission process is, but if the rest of your application is stellar as you claim I see no reason why schools wouldnt consider you. Of course I am not talking about top schools but I am sure you can find a nice one that would be happy to have you. The GRE is just one part of the application and I dont think a lot of people have perfect profiles - GRE, GPA, TA experience, published articles, etc. Also, PhD is all about research and think which is a better predictor of research - GRE scores or the fact that you have 2 published articles and great LoRs? So my advice is do not give up and apply to schools even if you do not get a better score on your retake. Which leads me to the second part of my advice - retake it! Do not be discouraged by bad results, let them motivate you. Find your weaknesses and focus on them in the time you have left to study. Even if you do not have a lot of time to study - TAKE THE TEST AGAIN. You can send the schools only your highest scores so worst case scenario you are left with your scores and endured a minor cost as a test fee, best case scenario - you increase your score to V160, Q160 (or maybe even more!)

So, take the test and see how it goes. Even if you dont get better scores - apply!

[pemdas]

you want progress correct, not just inert movement. Because all you did was alike inert movement. To achieve progress you must identify your weak points first. From what you did - tons of exercises and problems - I could not read sit down-and-analyze work over your solved problems. You must clearly understand your weak points first and then work over their solidification.

only then you will see progress, until you do so, your mental attitude is simple pattern of conceit

[villina]

I think it worth to give it a try, I mean applying. The new GRE seems to be very solid. Lots of practice tests that I took are all around the same (not very promising) scores. I am sure they achieved this through the careful balancing of the topics and types of questions. I have been studying since February, I did lots of preparation, and it was pretty thorough.

It's been improving, but very slowly, and by the end of my attempts I probably will not see major improvement. However, I am sure it won't hurt to apply.

[amlobo]

Realistically, your scores are about average as far as GRE scores go. They might keep you out of top 15 schools (though you never know!), but the rest of your background is impressive, and I think you have a very good shot at mid-ranked (30-60) programs. Yes, there are applicants out there with "perfect" stats, but the vast majority of us have at least one bad part of our application. My GPA isn't incredibly high, and I'm coming from a different discipline, but my GRE is high. Who knows how those parts of my application will coalesce in an adcomm's minds?

I would second the advice to retake the exam. So much is luck on what kinds of questions/words you actually get. If you can get the scores up just a couple of points, I think that will be a big help. But, even if you don't improve, APPLY! You sound like a great applicant overall, and it would be a shame to let mediocre standardized test scores hold you back. It might be especially beneficial for you to contact faculty at schools you are interested in, which would get you a personal connection and maybe help you assess your chances for admission to that school.

Finally, really take a look at what is tripping you up on the GRE. Identify your weaknesses and really try to understand *why* you are missing the questions that you are. I made the same mistakes over and over, and by really focusing on them, I was able to improve a few points. Best of luck, and again, don't let a low GRE be the deciding factor in deterring you from applying. It is definitely worth applying, and worst case scenario... you apply again next year. Half the people I know in PhD programs got in on their second try, and they are just as successful now as those who got in on their first. This whole process feels incredibly demoralizing to all of us, but don't sell yourself short. Just do your best and go for it!

[shockwave]

Thanks for all the encouraging advice guys. I am still preparing hard and planning to retake next month and also getting some solid programs as backups. I have spoken to a few programs that said if the rest of my application is strong these GRE scores should not particular hinder my chances very much. Very encouraging and was really the advice I needed!