2 GRE Scores Equally Bad - Submit One or Both?

[historyprof1210]

Hi:

I have a pretty easy question. What would admissions committees prefer to see on an application? Would they prefer to see both of the following scores (to show that I, at least, tried again)? Or would it be better to show them only one score (the first score) and rely more heavily on my CV, writing sample, etc.?

Here are the other details you should know: I have an M.A. in History from the University of Cambridge, have been published three times (1 book, 2 articles), and will be submitting a writing sample that has been published in an academic paper.

Here are my scores:

1st test: VERBAL: 152 (53%), QUANTITATIVE: 148 (35%), ANALYTICAL: 5.5 (96%)

2nd test: VERBAL: 153 (57%), QUANTITATIVE: 145 (23%), ANALYTICAL: 6.0 (99%)

Please give me your best answer, specifically answering the questions that I posed above.

Thanks,

Cody

[chaetzli]

If your scores are that low, I'd recommend that you submit the first set of scores (multiple scores are only helpful if they increased).

However, I am not sure whether they would even consider you for a PhD with such low scores. I'm not saying this to be mean but since I know how important GRE scores are in the US. Did you consider applying to a school that does not require GRE scores?

Having publications is a great plus but it doesn't help if they do not even consider you due to your low GRE scores.

Edited October 30, 2012 by swisschocolate

[historyprof1210]

I guess I should also add that I am applying to PhD programs in Political Science in the states. I left that out. I'm also wondering if GRE scores even matter so much to PhD programs when you already have an MA.

[iowaguy]

Cody - you didn't say where you're applying. I don't know history programs per se, but top-10 programs in general don't admit candidates with that low of GRE scores (you don't meet their unpublished minimums). If I were you I would retake the GRE and devote major effort into improving my score, the rest of your package sounds stellar. Best of luck!

[chaetzli]

Yes they do (unfortunately). What are your preferred schools?

[pemdas]

little easy level math comparable to those from elementary school's (2-3) grades suggests that you should submit the first test score totaling up to 300 overall score, whereas your second test resulted in lower 298. Your AWA is in the same ranking interval 5.5-6.00 so it makes less sense to submit the second test's score. If the heck is AWA score then reread ETS scoring table again.

[kaykaykay]

I am not sure where do you want to apply but political science programs in the US consider the GRE and the quant score is important. probably it is less important in history (the quant score) While your publishing record is impressive you should probably talk to someone (a trusted prof) who knows the admission process in a US poli sci departments about your current admission chances. Often the GRE is used to cut the applicant pool.

Edited October 31, 2012 by kaykaykay

[midnight]

Cody, which programs in particular are you considering? Your quant will be problematic for a top poli sci program, and your verbal will be problematic for a top history program.

You should make a concentrated effort to review for the test and take it again.

[morningdew]

Just curious, his qualifications except GRE seems great, does GRE really matter if you are applying to average universities and not like NYU or Harvard?

I'm sure GPA outweighs GRE because for GPA, you have spent 2-4 years bulding those numbers/letters.

At least he is over 300 combined, which is like the minimum score for GRE for many programs.

Good luck Cody!

[internationalhealthpol]

How can you only submit one score? don't you have to submit all scores?

[Darth.Vegan]

Damn this is hard. You don't even have a split (one high score, one low score). I wouldn't spend a ton of money applying to top 30 programs. It's not impossible, but it's unlikely that you would pass their cut off's. Maybe apply to 2 or 3 top 30 programs and then apply to 6-8 programs between 40-100 in the rankings. You also might want to consider some of the better ranked Canadian programs that don't require GRE scores. Some US schools don't require them, specifically University of Hawai'i does not use GRE scores at all.

FYI: the Political Science department at Toronto does not appear to require GRE scores.

Edited November 10, 2012 by xdarthveganx

[Pinkman]

Is there any point when applying to PhDs to not seek out the best programs? Considering you make the cut of course.

I would retake and work extremely hard to improve your scores. Anyone with any tips how to do so? I'm in the process of studying right now, and aiming to take the test just after Christmas.

[midnight]

Pinkman, I like the Princeton Review prep for test tips, tricks, and basic review, and I like the Barron's practice test book as well (e.g., the verbal seems on par with the actual test).

Many people here swear by Manhattan prep if you want/need to score 165+ and have ample time to study.

Also don't forget to use ETS's Powerprep for practice.

Edited November 11, 2012 by midnight streetlight

[Pinkman]

Pinkman, I like the Princeton Review prep for test tips, tricks, and basic review, and I like the Barron's practice test book as well (e.g., the verbal seems on par with the actual test).

Many people here swear by Manhattan prep if you want/need to score 165+ and have ample time to study.

Also don't forget to use ETS's Powerprep for practice.

Thanks. I have the Manhattan books and the official GRE test book so working my way through those. Did you use any particular strategies for studying? I find it incredibly easy to get distracted!

[midnight]

Thanks. I have the Manhattan books and the official GRE test book so working my way through those. Did you use any particular strategies for studying? I find it incredibly easy to get distracted!

Oh man, keeping focused is a completely different story. (I should be studying right now!)

I just do it whenever I can. I don't force it much because that doesn't truly help me engage or retain information. And I don't worry about sitting for complete four-hour tests at home; it's just too exhausting and time-consuming for me without test-day adrenaline.

I usually do an entire practice verbal section, review math formulas or a certain math concept (like proportions or radicals) and do some relevant problems, etc. when I can.

Some people here are machines when it comes to studying, but more efficient studying is better than hours and hours of studying for me.

Edited November 11, 2012 by midnight streetlight

[valkener]

Just wondering: since there is an any select option, is it frowned upon to submit only one complete test result if I have taken the gre 3 times?