Importance of GRE's

[cdparker03]

Hello everyone. I am applying for PHD schools. I took the GRE before my Masters program back in 2009 and I didn't score well. It was a 970 - translates into 147 verbal and 146 quantitative. I got a 5.0 on the writing. Fortunately, I did get in a Masters program and finished with a 3.7 GPA. I did it still working full time. I have 9 years of work experience in the television industry, and have been serving as an adjunct at two different universities this fall semester and will this spring as well. (Intro to Human Communication, Development of Sports Media, and Intro to Broadcasting, and Intro to Communication at the other university). I'm hoping that my work experience, masters work, statement of purpose and recent teaching work will weigh heavier than my GRE scores (Lord I hate standardized tests). Do you feel my GRE scores will limit me from getting into a school?

[Chai_latte]

I fear that a 970 will detract from your application...greatly. You have a lot going for you, and you're a non-trad w/ a lot of work experience. If I were you, I'd focus on prepping for that GRE one last time. I've heard good things about the Manhattan Prep series. Try to bring your scores up 200-230 points (~1200). You might consider a tutor as well. The rest of your app seems flawless (provided that you write a strong SoP and have good LORs). So, aim for scores that won't hurt your app. They don't have to be stellar.

[cdparker03]

Thanks for the advice.