Worse GRE score after second time writing

[moolriaz]

I wrote the GRE a month ago, and yesterday. When I wrote a month ago I had to fly up to another city and got about 4 hours of sleep before the test. I was exhausted and scored 158 V 158 Q, 5 AW. I didn't take the test too seriously because I had already planned to write it again.

 

I wrote again yesterday, after studying quite a lot for a week. I made sure I was well rested etc, but ended up with 160 V 156 Q 5 AQ!  Totally embarrassed that my Quant score actually dropped and not sure what is going on. That quant score is less than the quant score I got in the 7 practice tests I took prior to the test (all in the range (158-164). I realize that studying isn't really a problem, it's more about time management. 

 

The thing is every time I wrote I got 3 quant sections. And both times the pattern was V Q <break> Q V Q. The last quant section is always the hardest, and I'm usually exhausted by then and don't manage to finish that section (always have to guess the last 4 questions or so). 

 

Is there any chance that if I rewrite I will get 3 verbal sections rather than quant? I'm much better at verbal and it isn't important for my major (Computer Science). I feel I'd do a lot better if I just got two quant. Also, how can I improve my score on the second section? I practiced timing, and 'moving on' after 1 minute, but I think when I get to that last section I either freeze up or slip up and forget about times.  

 

I've always had a problem working under time, but this is the worst so far. Can anyone recommend a way to do better on the final quant section? I'm definitely getting the 'hard' section and I finish section 1 with a few minutes to spare. 

 

Also I really want to say GREs aren't that important. I'm currently a finalist for Rhodes and I already have Fulbright (from outside the US to study inside the US). In my overall application, it looks like the GRE would be my weakest point. Do you think a 158 Quant would be enough to nullify all the other aspects of my application? My undergrad is a first class from a top 5 UK university. I'm applying for masters in the US but hoping for top places.

Edited October 4, 2013 by moolriaz

[awells27]

     When you take the second round of Quant questions, are you skipping the more involved questions and answering the easier ones first?  If you get a functions pattern that requires detecting a pattern and then have to compare the quantity to something else, or if you get a long drawn out word problem involving combined rates, it is sometimes better to guess, mark it, and then come back to it after answering easier questions.  Obviously, a percent question is easy to answer, as are word problems involving fractions.  The exponent questions and data interpretation are also fairly straightforward.  My app is not quant oriented, so I just had to reach a certain minimum.  I agree that the time factor makes it hard for those who hate standardized tests.  

 

contact admissions departments for where you are applying and ask if your math score could result in a culled application.  If so, you might have to retake once more.  Also, magoosh and Manhattan GRE offer the hardest practice tests.  If you get good scores on those under brutal timed conditions, you should do better on your next quant exam.  

[dicapino]

I wrote the GRE a month ago, and yesterday. When I wrote a month ago I had to fly up to another city and got about 4 hours of sleep before the test. I was exhausted and scored 158 V 158 Q, 5 AW. I didn't take the test too seriously because I had already planned to write it again.

 

I wrote again yesterday, after studying quite a lot for a week. I made sure I was well rested etc, but ended up with 160 V 156 Q 5 AQ!  Totally embarrassed that my Quant score actually dropped and not sure what is going on. That quant score is less than the quant score I got in the 7 practice tests I took prior to the test (all in the range (158-164). I realize that studying isn't really a problem, it's more about time management. 

 

The thing is every time I wrote I got 3 quant sections. And both times the pattern was V Q <break> Q V Q. The last quant section is always the hardest, and I'm usually exhausted by then and don't manage to finish that section (always have to guess the last 4 questions or so). 

 

Is there any chance that if I rewrite I will get 3 verbal sections rather than quant? I'm much better at verbal and it isn't important for my major (Computer Science). I feel I'd do a lot better if I just got two quant. Also, how can I improve my score on the second section? I practiced timing, and 'moving on' after 1 minute, but I think when I get to that last section I either freeze up or slip up and forget about times.  

 

I've always had a problem working under time, but this is the worst so far. Can anyone recommend a way to do better on the final quant section? I'm definitely getting the 'hard' section and I finish section 1 with a few minutes to spare. 

 

Also I really want to say GREs aren't that important. I'm currently a finalist for Rhodes and I already have Fulbright (from outside the US to study inside the US). In my overall application, it looks like the GRE would be my weakest point. Do you think a 158 Quant would be enough to nullify all the other aspects of my application? My undergrad is a first class from a top 5 UK university. I'm applying for masters in the US but hoping for top places.

hello i believe you should take it once more and work more on your stress management when practising........thats what i think.....to be able to cope with the test at the tail end,

 

please your AW score is very good could you tell me the secret, anything that can help........thanks

Edited October 4, 2013 by dicapino

[awells27]

 

 

please you AW score is very good could you tell me the secret, anything that can help........thanks

I got a high score in the analytical writing.  This is what I wrote to someone else:  For analytical writing, I followed the basic plan in Barron's latest GRE book, and barring the outline they propose in the beginning, their method worked extremely well.  In your intro paragraph, provide context for your position, the position itself, and any nuance that makes the argument given to you sometimes true and sometimes questionable.. In the middle, I typed four paragraphs, two that weighed towards the argument presented and two weighing against it. This could change if they present you with a preposterous argument.   Always provide examples in these body paragraphs.  For your conclusion, summarize and provide implications of what you wrote in the body of your essay.  Instead of setting aside time in the end to review your grammar, simply glance at each sentence after you type it, and if it has no mistakes, move on.  

Edited October 4, 2013 by awells27

[moolriaz]

Thanks for the advice.  I do get very stressed under time and always have. I don't know if it is possible to correct this through studying or practice, as I have felt this way for my entire life.

 

In a similar way the reason I do well AW section is just because I naturally enjoy writing and reading and have always had above average competency in it for most of my life. I would normally get marked down for writing very long essays/responses in most contexts, but in the GRE it is rewarded. I never did any preparation for AW or Verbal. In AW I start writing and do not stop until the 30 mins are up, they definitely reward longer essays. I also do not do any kind of plan other than breaking similar thoughts up with paragraphs, and having some kind of intro and conclusion. You need to be creative and give examples for your position and waffle on and make as much use as possible of fancy language. In most contexts this isn't something good, but in the GRE they seem to love it, it's a silly exam really.

[awells27]

So do you think you will take the test again?  BTW, I agree that the exam is seriously flawed.  I was thinking that the writing section should actually be some sort of an interpretive assignment for a text in one's field, rather than a silly analysis of whether more benches should be placed in a city park.  

[moolriaz]

Yes, I am taking it again next Thursday. I really have a lot of university work though and don't feel like putting that time into studying again. It really didn't pay off last time! 

 

I think I'm just going to try rushing through the second quants section this time and see if it pays of...

 

Which would you recommend are the best 'hard' practice questions? I have the Manhattan GRE books and these have hard sections at the back. I really don't feel like paying $80 for Magoosh...

[moolriaz]

Hey guys just to let you know I rewrote with any study at all and got a higher score (161 quant) which I am very happy with. This time I got 3 verbal sequences and 2 quant sections and I found it much easier overall. I would advise to not overstudy for the GRE as there is a big luck factor, especially with the 3/2 section split. It's always harder if you get 3 of the section you struggle with.

[Porshyen]

Thanks for the advice.  I do get very stressed under time and always have. I don't know if it is possible to correct this through studying or practice, as I have felt this way for my entire life.

 

In a similar way the reason I do well AW section is just because I naturally enjoy writing and reading and have always had above average competency in it for most of my life. I would normally get marked down for writing very long essays/responses in most contexts, but in the GRE it is rewarded. I never did any preparation for AW or Verbal. In AW I start writing and do not stop until the 30 mins are up, they definitely reward longer essays. I also do not do any kind of plan other than breaking similar thoughts up with paragraphs, and having some kind of intro and conclusion. You need to be creative and give examples for your position and waffle on and make as much use as possible of fancy language. In most contexts this isn't something good, but in the GRE they seem to love it, it's a silly exam really.

I had anticipated that the GRE would mark down for that type of writing, which I do. So, I went for the formulaic route and got a bad score, which still floored because I am good writer and have always been praised for my work. Go figure.

[tj_k]

Hi moolriaz!

 

I also took the gre twice and did worse on the verbal second time around. (I also have the same timing issue with quant )

First time: V: 163 Q: 160
Second time: V: 159  Q: 162

 

I am trying to tell myself that the gre score is usually used as a sanity check and 1 or 2 points here and there isnt going to make or break the deal. Its good you did better after you took it again!

 

I have a question for you.. I am also a fulbright (from usa to abroad)! I am wondering, do you think that is going to help boost our applications significantly? Is your fulbright field the same as your intended graduate field of study? Mine are drastically different (fulbright in dance, masters in computer science)..... anyway.... I wanted to hear thoughts from a fellow fulbrighter about whether it is going to help the application process? (it seemed kind of silly to start a thread about it.. so I am asking here)

 

Thanks!

Edited November 21, 2013 by tj_k

[papergrader83]

As others have said, we're probably capable of a certain limited range at each test date. Since the test is a performance, we may perform more ideally on certain questions and prompts at a given time.

 

Go into the exam knowing that you'll probably fall within that range--hopefully at the higher range but hey, what can you do except take it again? 

[katethekitcat]

I wrote the GRE a month ago, and yesterday. When I wrote a month ago I had to fly up to another city and got about 4 hours of sleep before the test. I was exhausted and scored 158 V 158 Q, 5 AW. I didn't take the test too seriously because I had already planned to write it again.

 

I wrote again yesterday, after studying quite a lot for a week. I made sure I was well rested etc, but ended up with 160 V 156 Q 5 AQ!  Totally embarrassed that my Quant score actually dropped and not sure what is going on. That quant score is less than the quant score I got in the 7 practice tests I took prior to the test (all in the range (158-164). I realize that studying isn't really a problem, it's more about time management. 

 

Is there any chance that if I rewrite I will get 3 verbal sections rather than quant? I'm much better at verbal and it isn't important for my major (Computer Science). I feel I'd do a lot better if I just got two quant. Also, how can I improve my score on the second section? I practiced timing, and 'moving on' after 1 minute, but I think when I get to that last section I either freeze up or slip up and forget about times.  

 

 

Also I really want to say GREs aren't that important. I'm currently a finalist for Rhodes and I already have Fulbright (from outside the US to study inside the US). In my overall application, it looks like the GRE would be my weakest point. Do you think a 158 Quant would be enough to nullify all the other aspects of my application? My undergrad is a first class from a top 5 UK university. I'm applying for masters in the US but hoping for top places.

 

You're a Fulbright and a finalist for Rhodes? Why are you worrying about your GRE scores? You should be absolutely fine. The GRE is not a large component of your application - it's a tiny factor - and so many other things matter more. Clearly you've already got the resume, the personal statement, and the letters of recommendation.

 

In addition, your scores don't really seem to be fluccuating that much. One of your scores went up 2 points, one dropped 2 points, and that's it - it basically cancels out. This seems to suggest that, even with studying, your scores aren't going to change significantly. Your practice scores ranged from 158 - 164 - but each of your actual scores, at some point, were in that range.

 

There's also no way to predict what third section you'll get - it totally depends on what the GRE is testing that day. There's a possibility that third quantitiative section wasn't even the one being scored and actually had no impact on your results.

 

From what you've been saying, re-taking the test doesn't seem like it will change much - but you already suond like such a strong applicant, is it really worth it to keep stressing out about scores?

Edited December 3, 2013 by katethekitcat