Is my GRE score good enough? (int'l student)

[ImmunoB]

Hi I am an international student, and I received my GRE score today and it was V: 161 (87%) Q: 170 (98%) AW: 3.5 (35%)

I am satisfied with my V & Q scores, but I am worried about my AW score.

I am gonna apply biological science programs (specifically, immunology programs) of Top schools (Harvard, Yale, WUSTL, UofW ...)

Is my GRE score good enough to apply those schools? 

 

Thank you in advance!

[hj2012]

Hey there! I wouldn't worry too much about the AW score, considering the strength of your quant and verbal scores. Your prior research experience, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, etc. will all count much more in the application process.

[ImmunoB]

Hey there! I wouldn't worry too much about the AW score, considering the strength of your quant and verbal scores. Your prior research experience, recommendation letters, statement of purpose, etc. will all count much more in the application process.

Thanks a lot hj!

[hj2012]

Sure thing!  Hey, I'm currently living in South Korea, too! (Although I am American.) 

 

I do some part-time work for a 학원 that helps Korean students apply for graduate school, post-docs, etc abroad, and from looking at our bank of previous applicants, it seems that the distinguishing factor for success isn't necessarily GRE scores, but kick-ass recommendation letters, REALLY strong research background and a well-written statement of purpose. Especially if you did undergrad in Korea, make sure your letter writers understand what American grad schools are looking for. Sometimes the letters we see are really, really awful. 

 

Also, the schools you mentioned are super competitive! Make sure you're applying to a good range outside of just the top programs.

[ImmunoB]

Sure thing!  Hey, I'm currently living in South Korea, too! (Although I am American.) 

 

I do some part-time work for a 학원 that helps Korean students apply for graduate school, post-docs, etc abroad, and from looking at our bank of previous applicants, it seems that the distinguishing factor for success isn't necessarily GRE scores, but kick-ass recommendation letters, REALLY strong research background and a well-written statement of purpose. Especially if you did undergrad in Korea, make sure your letter writers understand what American grad schools are looking for. Sometimes the letters we see are really, really awful. 

 

Also, the schools you mentioned are super competitive! Make sure you're applying to a good range outside of just the top programs.

That's interesting! You must be working in Seoul!

And I agree that the schools I mentioned above are extremely competitive..haha. The schools are my top priority, but I am gonna apply many schools other than the schools

Thank you so much for your advice! 

[FullCircle]

same score here   

I don't think it will matter much as we apply to science programs and we are international students.

[ImmunoB]

same score here   

I don't think it will matter much as we apply to science programs and we are international students.

Thanks for your opinion FullCircle

I hope everything goes well with you!!