The GRE quantitative (math) section, does it really matter ?

[Virago]

Okay, so I'm in the early stages of applying to Art History M.A. programs and studying for the GRE. As I'm reaching the first half of my workbook and on to the second half, which covers math...I'm thinking...should I REALLY study for the quantitative section or just focus mainly on strengthening my verbal/writing skills before the test? Any thoughts? I have the impression most of the programs I'm looking into don't get too caught up with GRE math scores, although I could be totally wrong on this. I spoke to one of my professors about this (which happens to be the head of the Art History department at my university and one of my recommendors) and she said she scored in the lowest 3% in the math section, or something like that, I don't exactly recall. Point is, math...does it really matter?

[mrb1145]

I got into MA programs with low GRE math scores, but they weren't top tier ones. I've heard different things-- that GRE scores won't get you into schools, but could keep you out, that little attention is paid to math scores, and that some schools do pay attention, either because they want to keep their numbers up, or because they want to know that you can work hard and learn, even if it's something you're not good at or dislike. I was told by a POI at my top choice school that I'd be a good candidate to work with her, as long as my GRE scores were sufficient-- I'm hoping they pay more attention to verbal, because I took the GREs for a second time (after five years) last week, and even though I studied quite a bit, I got roughly the same score I did the first time. I'd say that you should do the best you can with it, but don't kill yourself over it. Great recommendations, writing samples, and personal statements will probably do more to distinguish you in the sea of applicants.

[fullofpink]

My only advice is, submit the best application you can.

[Bearcat1]

I've heard that many departments don't care what your GRE scores look like, but the Graduate Divisions at universities often base funding on combined (verbal and quantitative) scores. The higher your overall score, the better your chances of getting funding, and more of it. At the MA level, I don't think it would keep you out of a program, but it can hurt your financial package. Also, my undergraduate advisor (at a top ten grad program) told me that a decent quantitative score shows you are a logical thinker, and they like that.

Study hardest for the verbal portion, but don't ignore the math. Good luck!

[runaway]

Don't worry about it too much-- really! I took the GRE last summer after almost a decade of not having taken any math classes. (I didn't have to take math after my Junior year of HS, and I had no undergraduate gen ed requirements.) It all came back really quickly, and there was zero material on the GRE that I hadn't covered at some point, even way back in high school.

When I studied, I made a point of going over all the material, but didn't drill myself like I did for verbal. I would make sure you at least feel confident on the math, since feeling like you did horribly on a section could throw off your confidence for other sections of the test.

[Virago]

Thanks everyone this is a huge help