HELP! :( Stuck and I don't know what to do

[SarahTilley13]

Hi!

So I am in a dilemma and I'm not sure what to do. I took the GRE in november and scored 147 V and 143 Q with only a 3 on the writing, not so great. I took it again today and did HORRIBLE on the verbal.. 131 V but scored 149 Q and I am pretty sure I killed the writing portion (pretty sure I got a 4, maybe even a 5) but since my verbal score was so low I am not sure if I should send it in.. do you think schools take the highest of each sub test score? I don't want to be rejected based on the horrible verbal score today. None of the schools I am applying to give me any information. ( I am not applying to super amazing schools or anything) Any advice would be greatly appreciated..

Thank you!

Sarah

[NCAR823]

You're applying to speech programs- most consider just your q and v portions, with emphasis on the verbal. I would suggest sticking with the first, because having a higher verbal score is more important than your quant or writing.

Edited December 17, 2013 by NCAR823

[kbell]

Just a different POV, but I get the sense that the writing portion is considered by SLP programs along with the verbal, and the quantitative portion is seemingly not as important. Sometime about a year ago I asked this question to one of UVA's SLP professors (since I was concerned about a lower quantitative score relative to my verbal and writing scores) and she more or less said not to worry because the verbal and writing scores are more important in SLP admissions.

 

Anyway, I would also recommend that you send only your first score because your first verbal score is much better than your second one. I don't think a stellar writing score in your second attempt would necessarily make up for a much lower verbal score.

[virginiarunninggirl]

Some schools have a minimum requirement for the GRE. One of the schools I am applying to required a 145 verbal, 140 Quantitative, and at least a 4 on the writing section. You might look at the schools that have minimums and contact the school to see if you would still get a look. I know one of the schools I am looking at will not look at your application if you do not meet the minimums.

As far as I know, they do not mix and match the GRE scores. I'd go with your first set. Also, if you have a stellar gpa, look into schools that do not look at GRE scores.

[ImHis]

I would personally call the directors of all the programs you are applying to gain a definitive answer which scores they will focus. Some schools weigh both heavily as screening tools. Others, not so much. It's best to speak with a member of the adcoms.

[erica_speaking]

Here's my advice on this. The reality is that these are low scores for the GRE. I would say continue with the spirit of submitting an application, and if for your are not accepted this year, then DON'T PANIC. Getting into grad school for speech is tough. Keep in mind that at the application level, you are unfortunately only a 2-dimensional application, so maybe other facets of your application will outshine your GRE.

 

In the absolute worst case, you apply next year. Try to see every response as an opportunity, no matter what the outcome is. As I was trying to say, in the worst case scenario, and you're not accepted because of a 'test', re-take it, But the next time, take your time to learn the GRE. My Kaplan teacher once said, "the GRE doesn't test how smart you are, it tests you on how well you can take the GRE". It's really a matter of strategy and perseverance. 

 

We have no crystal ball as to how the next few months will play out, just keep positive and patient.

 

Best of luck!!!

Erica

[twinguy7]

I agree with most of the posts.  Send the first one.  And as Erica just said, stay positive.   There are also schools that have Spring admissions which are easier to get into than fall I've heard.  Do well on your statement of intent and be realistic with yourself.  I have a HORRIBLE overall GPA(2.77) so I focused on schools that look at your last 60 and also schools where no one wants to go because the city or local is undesirable(midwest, etc).  I am applying to 11 schools and I'd be happy to get on a waitlist or 2  Hope that helps!

 

Mike

[vpeters25]

Send your best verbal score for sure!  I did a lot of searching for GRE scores since I had a really bad score as well.  My verbal score was in the average range, but my quant was well below average!  It probably made a difference that I applied to spring admission schools, but with those scores I got into 3 of the 4 I applied to.  I didn't have any research experience, just a little bit of volunteering and job experience working as a caregiver for a disabled woman. Not sure how I would have fared if I had just decided to apply for fall, but it is possible to get in with low scores!

[twinguy7]

I am curious to know which schools you applied to for spring admissions, just in case I end up having to do the same thing.  Thanks

[RCeeB]

Schools will take the best scores of each section. For example, in 2012, I scored a 151 V and 143 Q wtih a 5.0 AW. Last year I scored a 153 V and 141 Q with a 4.5 AW. So what I have been reporting is 153 V, 143 Q and 5.0 AW...BUT you need to send in ALL of your test scores from the past 5 years. Hope that helps.

[AmandaLeeW23]

I would like to know the schools for Spring, too!