Get in with a GRE in the 140's?

[socrocks1]

So I've been out of high school since 1995 and working full-time in a corporate setting. Of course I rarely use math and have since forgotten basic things that we most likely learned in 5th grade. My GRE score reflected this. Do programs dismiss applications with GRE scores in the 140's for verbal and quant?

[alphacat]

I am not sure if they 'dismiss' per se, but unless you have a really strong background in other components of your application, it makes you a weaker candidate among others. The GREs and your latest GPA is their baseline elimination method for the first round of cutting the applicant number down..

I would strongly suggest going over the math and adopting some habits to increase your vocab score. the GRE really helped me prepare!

 

Good luck with everything!!

[faculty]

GRE scores are only one piece of an application, although they are often used for quick weeding. 

 

If it has been so long since high school (and perhaps undergrad), you want to signal to schools that you're willing to put in the time to learn new (or relearn old) tricks. If you don't get in this application cycle, it would be a good idea to study to improve those scores for the next time around.

[gingin6789]

I am not sure if they 'dismiss' per se, but unless you have a really strong background in other components of your application, it makes you a weaker candidate among others. The GREs and your latest GPA is their baseline elimination method for the first round of cutting the applicant number down..

I would strongly suggest going over the math and adopting some habits to increase your vocab score. the GRE really helped me prepare!

 

Good luck with everything!!

I have a question for you ... you said "latest GPA."  I went to two colleges, so I have two different GPAs.  Does this mean they MIGHT only consider my latest GPA? I'm happy either way, but I'm just wondering.

 

As for OP's question, I would also recommend having your recommenders address your lower scores in their letters.  My thesis advisor was talking to her colleague at a top 25 school and he said that they look for Quant scores in the 60th percentile range. If the applicant didn't have a score in that range, he said that would "have to be explained."  So, there's still hope, and if the scores are EXPLAINED by you and hopefully your recommenders, then you stand a higher chance of being considered!

[amlobo]

GRE scores are only one piece of an application, although they are often used for quick weeding. 

 

If it has been so long since high school (and perhaps undergrad), you want to signal to schools that you're willing to put in the time to learn new (or relearn old) tricks. If you don't get in this application cycle, it would be a good idea to study to improve those scores for the next time around.

 

This is spot-on, to me.  I was an older applicant and hadn't taken the GRE math in probably 14 years.  I studied A LOT.  When I first looked at practice tests, I couldn't remember any of the math, but I really took the time to re-teach it to myself.  Of course, everyone has different aptitudes, but a good amount of studying can at least give you a fair shot at the math.  I studied for probably 2-3 solid months and was happy knowing I did everything I could.  I worked full-time in a professional career, so I know it's a time crunch, but I'd encourage you to put in the time if things don't work out this round.

 

I noticed you said 140s in "verbal and quant".  I feel like a lot of programs will not penalize you for a lower quant score if you have a high verbal; low on both is a lot harder to overcome, in my opinion.  For instance, my own program's average GREs were above 80th percentile for verbal, but only 40th or so for quant.  Of course, every school is different... and obviously, since our quant average was barely above 150, I would imagine that some people had to have been in the 140s and gotten accepted.

[alphacat]

I have a question for you ... you said "latest GPA."  I went to two colleges, so I have two different GPAs.  Does this mean they MIGHT only consider my latest GPA? I'm happy either way, but I'm just wondering.

 

As for OP's question, I would also recommend having your recommenders address your lower scores in their letters.  My thesis advisor was talking to her colleague at a top 25 school and he said that they look for Quant scores in the 60th percentile range. If the applicant didn't have a score in that range, he said that would "have to be explained."  So, there's still hope, and if the scores are EXPLAINED by you and hopefully your recommenders, then you stand a higher chance of being considered!

 

Yes, most probably, they will consider your latest GPA. If the other one is better, they might take note. If the latter one is better, it is definitely for your benefit.

[gingin6789]

Yes, most probably, they will consider your latest GPA. If the other one is better, they might take note. If the latter one is better, it is definitely for your benefit.

Thank you very much!! Yes, my latest GPA is better.  It is great to know this!