Considering re-taking GRE? Appreciate your advice.

[mihoz]

I am planning to apply for PhD in Canada in health & life sciences: specifically Biochemistry & pharmacology.

 

My target is U.of Toronto, McGill, McMaster & British Columbia

 

I have a Masters in Pharmacology and a previous 3 years research experience in Egypt, Germany & UAE...

 

My GRE scores were as follows:

Verbal: 152 (53 percentile)

Quantitative: 161 (81 percentile)

Analytical writing: 5.0 (93 percentile)

 

I know the verbal is quite low... but I only studied for 1.5 months while working on a full-time job.

 

University of British Columbia mentioned that my scores are below the competitive range.

 

Should I re-take the GRE? & if so how long do u recommend I study to improve the Verbal (P.S. my job is 8 to 5, 5 days a week)

 

TIA

[Monochrome Spring]

You need to retake the GRE. If your schools have a GRE score/percentile cutoff, I'm almost certain that the verbal score will take you out of the competition. How long you should study is completely dependent upon your study style and how quickly you learn the concepts. I recommend looking at test prep providers and seeing which fits your style best. Then, go with one of their paced study plans. Also, working 8-5 doesn't mean that you can't study. Many people study for the GRE while doing schoolwork, part-time jobs, and internships. So, you need to find time either after work or on the weekends, and prioritize your studying.

[mihoz]

Thanks for your comment... will try to work more on my scores & arrange my time