GRE Scores (Competitive?)

[AsKingfishersCatchFire.]

Hi all,

 

I know the GRE is not everything in determining acceptances to English MA/PHD programs, however, I am wondering in general what will get one cut? Does GRE determine funding in a lot of circumstances or is it more the writing samples/papers? I got a 156 (V) 72% percentile, 153 (Q), and a 5.5 (97%) on the Writing Section. Although these are not the "best" scores for English applicants, and I know they may not help for 1st tier programs, but I am simply wondering would these scores negatively affect my chances at even the lowest of ranked programs on the English PHD ranking lists? Should I re-take, I'm considering it...

 

Any information would be greatly appreciated!

 

 

[antigone56]

All three of your scores are close to mine, and I think you and I have almost no chance at the very top schools.  With a "good everything else" plus some luck and a good fit, maybe at some second-tier schools that don't immediately eliminate us without looking at our materials.

 

I think third and fourth-tier schools are where you would have the best chance, though.  A 156 on Verbal is acceptable to, for instance, my own M.A. and B.A. school, which is in the low 90s on the rankings list.  I talked to one of the professors recently who said that high 60th and 70th percentiles are acceptable to them (I'm sure he means in combination with a decent GPA, good writing sample, good letters, etc.)

 

Fortunately for me, I'm not really aiming all that high.  I would be happy to go to a school at least equal to my B.A. and M.A. school, and since I would get in there, according to one of my professors, I assume I'd have a chance at schools of equal(ish) caliber, and probably even a little higher.  Just not Harvard or Berkeley.  

 

That being said, apply to at least a couple top schools that you're interested in just in case.  If you were at 153 Verbal, I'd say forget about the top schools, but I think 156 is high enough for the reach-application, assuming you feel pretty confident about your writing sample, etc.  

Edited October 21, 2013 by antigone56

[antigone56]

Oh, and about funding.  Who knows.  I've heard different things.  I mean, at some schools, being admitted means getting funded.  So I don't think it matters what your GRE score is; if you get in, you're funded.  I've also heard breaking 1200 (308 on the new scale) means you'll clear the funding bar.  

 

Um, I really don't know.

[antigone56]

Also, I recently looked at U. of Oregon's English site (I think they would be considered third-tier), and it said that their minimum is 153 but that most of their admits have higher scores than that.  I think them stating that minimum, though, says that they will look at the materials of 153; the 153 won't immediately be cut.  

[AsKingfishersCatchFire.]

Thanks a lot for the responses! Would you mind mentioning what school you MA/BA was at? I'm always curious to find out what experiences people have had at certain schools? Also, by no means I'm shooting for the top 20 schools, but definitely anything 2nd tier and below! 

[Francophile1]

Hi!

I am in a foreign language MA/PHD and I applied to 9 schools with similar scores. Got into 7 of them. I can basically say couple of things:

1. It depends whether you are applying to MA or PHD, as MA requirements are more flexible as far as GRE goes

2. As mentioned before for 1st tier schools you need higher scores. As it is often said that: GRE scores can't get you in but they can keep you out! Very true

3. Of course other materials matter way more, but if it comes down to choosing between similar applicants they might eliminate you based on a lower score.

4. I got in to most 3 tier schools with this score and some 2nd tier very good ones too. You have to make sure that your writing sample and other materials are stellar

5. As far as funding goes for PhD most of the time if they accept you you will be funded, this does not depend on the GRE.

 

Good luck, and if you have any questions just ask away!

[AsKingfishersCatchFire.]

Hi Francophile1,

 

Thanks for the response, very helpful! I know you said you got similar scores, would you mind mentioning what specifically those scores were? Also, are foreign language GRE scores equivalent roughly to English grad scores? Is there any differences or no as to what they generally look for? Congrats on getting in!

[champagne]

Many departments are hamstrung by their graduate schools when it comes to school-wide fellowships. You could give have the best writing sample out of the entire applicant pool and have the most well-constructed SOP showing your absolute fit within the department, but graduate schools as a whole want their departments to maintain the "prestige" of the institution research fellowships by disallowing anyone below a certain level standardized test score to qualify for the program. You should be fine for TA/funding positions that are available as part of your acceptance, but you might miss out on the larger, more lucrative university-wide fellowships.

[Francophile1]

I had the same Verbal and I think 4 or 4.5 on the essay part, math was lower (but they don't really care about math)

As far as fellowships go, it depends on department rules. Fellowships are usually reserved for Phd applicants and sometimes the department determines who to give them to or the grad. department. I know for a fact that in public schools (like mine) fellowships are hard to come by and only 50% or less of admitted applicants get them.

[Francophile1]

As for your question regarding differences in GRE scores I think they are weighted the same. It just really depends how many applicants they have