Extremely low GRE: continue or cancel applications?

[unfortunate]

So I took the GRE today and probably completely destroyed my career in research...

 

I've got V:149 and Q:149, I took the GRE last year with a very little preparation just to see how the actual test is and got V: 141, Q:151, AWA: 3.5. I knew my weakness was vocabulary and reading comprehension (not a native speaker), so I was gradually studying for the next year just to find out I hardly improved anything and even did worse in math.

I'm completely devastated as I already have spent $500+ on tests, transcript evaluation (degree from UK institution) etc.

 

Should I continue applying for PhD in biology (interest: molecular genetics) with either one of the low GRE scores or I can assume that my application will be rejected straight away?

 

Additional info:

Degree: Master's of Sciences (It's a combined bachelor's/master's degree meant for students who intend to continue with PhD)

GPA: 3.63

Research experience: 14 US credit worth of research project last year (mark awarded: A); 10 week as a undergraduate research assistant; 20 US credit worth research project this year;

 

My recommendations are from 2 research project supervisors, and my tutor who is a PhD student.

 

I'm applying to schools that are ranked between 50-150 places in biology.

 

I'm very embarrassed about the GRE situation and giving up is the only thing I can think of right now...

 

p.s. thank you for reading this

 

[katethekitcat]

If you apply, you might get in, especially if you find a university that's a good fit for your research interest. That fit matters more than your stats.

 

If you don't apply, you have a 0% chance of getting accepted and continuing with your career in research.

[Thesbane]

If you are certain about pursuing a PhD, you can't give up on it so easily. There will be many more road bumps along the way once you get in. GRE is probably the least important aspect of your application package anyway. What matters more is your experience and enthusiasm in research. Why do you want to apply to such and such program? Is there faculty whose research interests you? Read their articles, and try to make contacts with these individuals expressing your vision and desire to partake in their research projects. If a faculty likes you enough, he/she will do everything possible to get you through.

[jl2782]

I was in a similar situation like yours where I took the GRE with a month of preparation and scored in the high 140's for both verbal/math with my AW score being a 4.0. I retook the GRE thinking that I would get a much higher score with two months of studying and I was in shock when I received my scores. My verbal score decreased, quant increased, and my AW went down to 3.5. With that said I still applied and I just got a interview at one of the schools that I applied to for a Ph.D. in Microbiology. I would recommend still applying, because you'll never know the outcome until you do. I also agree with katethekitcat, fit is more important than your stats, so make sure to convince the admission committee that you are a great fit for their program. 
 
There's still hope. Don't give up yet!!! 

Edited December 17, 2013 by jl2782

[jjduval]

Don't quit, bruh. I don't have much experience in the Ph.D. department, but I do know that prospective Ph.D.s don't quit because their GRE score might be too low. 

 

Now, get on your feet and take that hill.

[5224]

Dont quit. I get a 144/140 in verbal and quant respectively and I, still, will apply. GRE scores do not determine your acceptance. If could prove, within your application package, that you are a strong candidate, GRE scores will not affect the admission committee decision.

In my case, for example, I have never been good at standardized tests. Not all people can work under the same circumstances(i.e time pressure). And not being good at standardized does not mean that you are a weak prospective student. to fit, experiences, knowledge, being passionate,  impressive work samples,  and strong Statement of Purpose worth more than a simple test that just value how can you reason under a finite number of answer in the conditions that are presupposed by taking the test. 

 

Standardized test scores does not aim to a level of knowledge, skills, nor intelligence. Professor on admission committee knows that. So, do not hesitate from applying.

 

 

[scienceowl]

I'll agree with everyone else here. I think maybe only top of the top of the top schools would have a GRE cut-off to discard applicants. Most schools don't use GRE scores as a determinant for a good applicant. Overall fit is the most important thing. Go for it and good luck!

[microarray]

I was in a similar situation like yours where I took the GRE with a month of preparation and scored in the high 140's for both verbal/math with my AW score being a 4.0. I retook the GRE thinking that I would get a much higher score with two months of studying and I was in shock when I received my scores. My verbal score decreased, quant increased, and my AW went down to 3.5. With that said I still applied and I just got a interview at one of the schools that I applied to for a Ph.D. in Microbiology. I would recommend still applying, because you'll never know the outcome until you do. I also agree with katethekitcat, fit is more important than your stats, so make sure to convince the admission committee that you are a great fit for their program. 

 

There's still hope. Don't give up yet!!! 

Not to derail the topic - but where did you get an interview? I just got an interview for Michigan State

 

 

To add to the topic- I did really horrible on GRE and I did not expect to get interviewed from schools that seem to stress importance of high GRE score. I think the most important thing is that your research is relavent, and you are really excited about grad school. You know what you want to do and why you want to do it.

 

Hang in there!

[unfortunate]

Thanks guys!

 

The reason I was so concerned because when I was emailing with one of the researchers from one of the Universities, he emphasized that 'you would almost certainly need is GRE scores'  and regarding the SoP ' in my experience that's not given a lot of weight'. I automatically assumed that GRE are very important. Oh well, I have nothing to loose now

[jl2782]

Not to derail the topic - but where did you get an interview? I just got an interview for Michigan State

 

 

To add to the topic- I did really horrible on GRE and I did not expect to get interviewed from schools that seem to stress importance of high GRE score. I think the most important thing is that your research is relavent, and you are really excited about grad school. You know what you want to do and why you want to do it.

 

Hang in there!

Hi Microarray,

 

I got an interview at Indiana University-Bloomington for their Microbiology Program. 

 

Good luck on your interview at Michigan State:-)

[lavieenrose]

Hi OP,

 

just like everyone has said. Don't give up. Have faith, you're already on the course, what's the worst that could happen? you are already in so don't throw in the towel just yet.

 

No one can definitively say if you're in or not.

 

Hang in there and  keep smiling 

[lavieenrose]

also change your name to something positive and up-lifting. 

 

"unfortunate" is definitely not it. 

 

[mthomp39]

I think you have a pretty solid application, and given you aren't applying to what are considered the top-tier institutions, I don't think your GRE score will be that much of a killer.