Abysmal GRE scores..Profile evaluation

[Agun]

I just took my GRE today and got Quant:160 and verbal 149

I am kind of shocked because always got around 165 in pratice tests for quant and 155 in verbal..

Do I have to retake GRE?..it might not be possible because there is no time before the deadline:(

I have a masters from NC State university with GPA 3.5. I also have 5 years of experience as a biostatistician...

I am applying for Berkeley biostats, UC Davis and UC Santa Cruz .....

[emmm]

My guess is it might not kill your application (it's still a decent score...), but you will definitely be competing with people with higher Q scores. It will depend on how much each particular program cares. Some seem more score-focused than others. It is disappointing that you were not closer to your practice scores -- you would probably get better scores, if you can find the time to squeeze in a retake. Good luck.

[Biostat_Assistant_Prof]

I don't think you should worry much about those scores. I think they are adequate and won't make or break your app. Your grades and LORs will play a greater role in determinining your acceptance. Assuming you made good grades in calculus and linear algebra while in school, I think you should still have a pretty good chance at most programs, especially with your work experience.

Overall, except for maybe at Harvard or Hopkins, you won't be excluded simply because of your GRE scores.

[cyberwulf]

Your verbal score is basically irrelevant. The Q score is fine, and furthermore, it matters less for you than many other applicants because you already have a Masters (I assume in statistics) from NC State, where your performance will give adcoms a good picture of your math/stat abilities.

[Agun]

Thank you all for taking the time and also the words of encouragement....I was reconsidering my application with those scores. Yes I do have a masters from NC state in Statistics and am currently working as a biostatistician. Since we are moving to California..my husband found a job there, I was planning to apply only to the schools in san francisco area so that limits my choices. I am applying for Berkeley, UC-Davis and UC-Santa Cruz. Any other suggestions for that are will be greatly appreciated as I am not familiar with that area. I should have 3 good LOR from the people I work with here who are all professors in the biostatistics department at duke university. do I have to get an LOR from NC State?

Again thanks so much