GRE in grey area

[nns91]

So I just took GRE on Saturday, scoring Q:162 and V:157. I guess this is a not too low score. However, this is neither high nor low, I am trying to get opinions on whether it is worth it to retake? I am applying to some of the most competitive molecular biology/immunology programs as an international student so I do not know whether these scores are adequate to put me in a competitive positions. From some programs that I have looked at like Penn (Q was 83.5% on average for admitted students). I am trying to weigh between $185+time+two or three points increase (I have scored higher than 162 before in Q) versus spending time on my personal statement and other aspects of my application that are "more critical." 

 

Thank you everyone!

[xXIDaShizIXx]

So I just took GRE on Saturday, scoring Q:162 and V:157. I guess this is a not too low score. However, this is neither high nor low, I am trying to get opinions on whether it is worth it to retake? I am applying to some of the most competitive molecular biology/immunology programs as an international student so I do not know whether these scores are adequate to put me in a competitive positions. From some programs that I have looked at like Penn (Q was 83.5% on average for admitted students). I am trying to weigh between $185+time+two or three points increase (I have scored higher than 162 before in Q) versus spending time on my personal statement and other aspects of my application that are "more critical." 

 

Thank you everyone!

Keep it. I don't believe it would hold you back too much. Its not worth the extra 185 to bring up your score a few points (which may not even happen). Its a good score!

[AdilB990]

 I am trying to weigh between $185+time+two or three points increase (I have scored higher than 162 before in Q) versus spending time on my personal statement and other aspects of my application that are "more critical."

 

Thank you everyone!

 

I think your score will hold up really well if you write a great SOP/Personal Statement coupled with strong LOR's. A re-take isn't worth it, in my opinion.

 

Best of luck!

[nns91]

So you guys thin that these scores will still put me in a competitive position (given other components are good) at some of the most competitive programs?

[CaitlinMarie]

Your scores sound excellent to me. Your verbal score puts you in a high percentile and your math/quantitative score puts you just above average. I say stick with it!

[nns91]

You mean the reverse for percentile?

[AdilB990]

If you're not a native English speaker, then your Verbal score is really good. You shouldn't worry about it.

 

In your field, what are the average scores for admitted students in top schools for the respective GRE sections? That's a good starting point.

Edited August 27, 2013 by AdilB990

[nns91]

Yeah, I am not a native English speaker. For my field, at UPenn (one of my top choices as well as a highly competitive school that posts stats), the average for maths is 83.5% and for verbal is somewhere around 85%. Since it's a science major, I think they are weighing more toward the math part, which I am at least around the average. What do you think?

Edited August 27, 2013 by nns91

[CaitlinMarie]

Woops, yes reverse.