GRE issues

[highelves]

hi im trying to get into Polisci PhD mainly focusing on comparative politics.

while preparing for the application, i'm having trouble with my GRE..my verbal scores are quite depressing(157) and i am fully aware that Polisci programmes could be really tough on this. I received 5.0 for my writing, and my quant is 168 . I really frustrated as my TOEFl is solid,118 but its not that TOEFL scores make any difference, as it's pretty the minimum of minimum.But I have no idea why my verbal score is so low..

Where do you think i should apply if i don't retake and just apply with this score. I heard that top univs and U.San diego, Chicago had some kind of minimum criteria, and that they only take a look at applicants with some score over 162 or something..

If you have any idea about this plz do help me. My gpa is approximately 90%, I am working on other things, my sop is relatively solid now, i have research experience some field experience and though no publication have presented a paper at a decent int'l conference.

I should be more committed to my writing samples and sop at this stage but this GRE score is really bothering me..

[lordvader]

you are perfect. I was accepted in a top 10 department with 152 in verbal, 168 in quantitative and just 100 in TOEFL.

[lordvader]

then, you need to focus in your SoP

[highelves]

Thanks alot for the encouragement lordvader.. I wasn't exactly expecting such comment

i might be retaking anyways...but yes i should focus on my sop..