What should I focus on?

[khaled]

In short, I'm and international applicant planning to apply for top 20 ECE MS programs and here's my profile:

GPA: 3.75/4

TOEFL iBT: 97/120

GRE: 162 Q/145 V/3 AW .... awful AW and V

and I have a scholarship which covers the tuition fees and expenses ( so I won't compete nor bother the school about getting funds )

My question is, what should i focus on? is the GRE worth being retaken? Or should focus on the rest of the application and forget about the GRE? ( i still didn't work on the SOP and I have a chance to work with a professor at my home university on a research ) .... I'm honestly confused, sometimes I think I should focus on the rest of the application and sometimes I feel my awful GRE V&AW can get me rejected easily.

What do you think, given the fact the deadlines are on December and the time is limited.

[Jess C]

I just recently attend a graduate school fair. My general impression was for GRE check with individual schools regarding the avaerage scores of applicants. Since you have a strong GPA though you should be o.k. I was told that statement of purpose is important as well as recommendations that really speak to your abilities as a student. The schools what to know exactly WHY you want to attend their program and how they will be a good fit for your career goals. Most schools seemed to understand that not everyone is the best test-taker, but if you feel you can honestly do better given the time constraints then go for it, if not then focus on the SOP and working with your professor.

[emmm]

If you don't already have research experience, you should accept the opportunity to work with the prof at your home uni. Research experience is critical for getting accepted to grad school.