Is my quant score destroying the application?

[apiso]

Hi all,

I just took the GRE, and I got 163V 158Q and since I would like to enroll in a CS PhD program, i am quite disappointed about my quant.

I feel I have an overall kind of strong profile, with a GPA of 3,8/4 (Major 3,95/4), good letters of recommendations, (I don't have publications yet, but I have two presentations and my advisor wants to publish my thesis in the next months, better than nothing I guess...), and a 113/120 in TOEFL.

I'm wondering if my GRE score is crushing my application, I wanted to try to go for caltech (and that seems to be impossible with this score) and Northwestern.

Should i go for a desperate last try in December?

[midnight]

apiso, I think it may be worth another try if you have time to study, can focus on your weaknesses, and take time to learn some quick and dirty tips/tricks of the test. GRE math is not difficult, but ETS relies on careless errors and oversights.

I recommend the Princeton Review book for their test tips and tricks, Barron's for their practice tests, and ETS's Powerprep for simulated practice.

Many people here suggest Manhattan prep to help push a decent test-taker over the 160+ threshold, but again, it seems worth it only if you have ample time to devote to it.