Asian Studies and the GRE

[Hige]

Hi all,

I'm wondering on your thoughts of how important GRE scores are when applying to East Asian/Japanese departments. I am applying to a number of schools but my GRE scores are pretty pathetic with a 161 verbal and 145 quantitative.

That said, I have not had a lot of success finding any information regarding the GRE in relation to East Asian studies. It seems to often to lumped in with "English" though I am not sure that is a true reflection of the admissions qualifications.

For what it's worth, I have talked to a couple of the programs I am applying to (both top tier) and they said they don't place much emphasis on the quanitative score (but that may be just be lip service?).

I'm wondering if I should re-take the test or forge on and work on my writing sample (which I think is pretty solid). If I took the test again it would be in 3 weeks and I don't see my math score going up all that much, I haven't really studied math in 10 years and even the. I was dismal. I could improve the verbal score, I tp have confidence in that - but I wonder if it will make a big difference. I am teetering along financially and another test would be a hit, but one I'd have to take if necessary.

Any thoughts? Advice? Any other East Asian students/applicants care to share their impression of the GRE?

Thanks!

PS

I made this thread originally in the wrong section but I don't know how to delete posts, if someone could tell me how that would be much appreciated.

[Seeking]

Don't worry about the quant score - they won't consider it. Your verbal score is fine. You don't have to re-take the GRE.

 

If you are an International candidate, make sure your IELTS/TOEFL score is high enough. Also, you'll need to show proficiency in Japanese if you are a non-Japanese speaker.

Edited October 19, 2013 by Seeking

[Hige]

Thanks for the response!

I'm a native English speaker so I don't need the TOEFL. I have taken some Japanese language certification tests and passed them so I hope that fits the bill in that regards. I'd rather not take the GRE again and like I said, I don't see the math going up much (or maybe I'll do worse), the verbal I can see going up to 165 or so (based on practice test stuff) but I don't know if that will make a difference either way. 

Thanks again for your reply. 

Edited October 20, 2013 by Hige