Should I retake the GRE?

[boynamedcrow]

Hi, I am applying to CU-Boulder's PhD Lit program for 2014. I'm wondering if I should retake the GRE to up my scores a bit. I graduated from CU this past May with a MA-Lit degree (I wanted to take a little time between degrees) and have begun reaching out to professors for a potential advisory committee, so I should have three strong letters and a well-formulated plan for my oral examination/dissertation expressed in my statement of purpose.  My GPA is 3.96, and my last GRE scores (with which I was admitted into the MA program) are Verbal 163 and AW 4.5.  Would it be worth it to try to improve my Analytical Writing score? Or are the other elements of the application more strongly considered?  Thanks in advance!

[sarab]

Well, I would first find out what the minimum GRE requirement is at CU Boulder. Also, try to have a solid writing sample, statement of purpose, and letter of recommendation. Having a well-rounded application packet is more important than having really high GRE scores. Since you already attended this university, I would recommend talking to the faculty in the department and ask them to review your application, maybe ask your former advisor.

I wouldn't recommend retaking it, but definitely consider what the department is looking for.

 

Good luck!

[boynamedcrow]

Well, I would first find out what the minimum GRE requirement is at CU Boulder. Also, try to have a solid writing sample, statement of purpose, and letter of recommendation. Having a well-rounded application packet is more important than having really high GRE scores. Since you already attended this university, I would recommend talking to the faculty in the department and ask them to review your application, maybe ask your former advisor.

I wouldn't recommend retaking it, but definitely consider what the department is looking for.

 

Good luck!

Thanks!

[guinevere29]

I also wouldn't advise rushing to retake the GRE. 163 on the verbal is a good solid score that I don't think will exclude you from any program. The 4.5 on the writing is unfortunately on the cusp; I think the percentile scores jump from 78th percentile to 93rd percentile just between 4.5 and 5.0. That being said, I can't imagine any literature program valuing the GRE writing score above your writing sample and personal statements. Any number of factors could have lead to a mediocre score on the GRE, but the writing sample has been selected by you as the best example of your academic writing. 

 

Bottom line, I wouldn't spend the money or time to retake it unless there was some way to only retake the writing portion. Those efforts are best put towards your SoP and writing sample! Hope this helps and good luck on your applications. 

[jazzyd]

If you can afford it - maybe. I took the GRE twice without any significant study in between and added +14% to verbal and +19% to AW. You'll likely improve just by value of being more familiar with the test. 

 

However, if that  $150 would be better spent (on other applications for instance) I would save it and as guinevere said, spend your effort on improving your SOP and sample. Good luck!