HELP! Which score is better??

[thatsdopamine]

Hi guys,

 

I'm planning on applying to Neuroscience grad programs (and some Psychology programs that have an emphasis in Cognitive Science/Behavioral Neuroscience). I took the GRE twice and got the following scores. Which one is better? Or should I submit both? Thoughts??

 

Attempt 1: Verbal - 162 Quant - 161 AW - 3.5

Attempt 2: Verbal - 159 Quant - 162 AW - 4

 

That darned AW section!!

[Monochrome Spring]

Submit both. The committee should take your highest scores from each.

[midnight]

Yeah, submit both. Quite honestly they're so similar that it's six of one, half a dozen of the other, but you're consistent, and your scores are solid.

 

What will you be studying? Never mind--skimmed again!

Edited May 6, 2013 by midnight

[thatsdopamine]

Thanks. My biggest concern was the 3.5 AW score raising red flags, but I do want them to see the higher Verbal score from that attempt.

 

Do many universities take the highest from each section? Is this the general practice? I tried looking up some programs' specifications online, but I didn't find any that specifically said they would do this.

[midnight]

Thanks. My biggest concern was the 3.5 AW score raising red flags, but I do want them to see the higher Verbal score from that attempt.

 

Do many universities take the highest from each section? Is this the general practice? I tried looking up some programs' specifications online, but I didn't find any that specifically said they would do this.

 

I think that if a school allows you to submit more than one set of scores, they'll likely take the highest from each. But even if they don't take the highest, they'll at least be able to see that your potential is greater than what the lower score might demonstrate if you're able to submit both, you know?

 

And of course your GPA, SOP, writing sample (if required), and LORs can do major damage control when it comes to a lower AW score. Also, a lot of programs don't even consider AW or only worry if it raises a red flag, which I don't think 4.0 necessarily will, especially in conjunction with your verbal and a strong overall app--although I must add that some schools do consider AW and use GRE scores for funding and other opportunities.

 

Good luck!

Edited May 6, 2013 by midnight