GRE Screw Up

[emily.rose]

Hi everyone! So I've recently decided to apply to about 4 MA programs this round rather than going straight to the PhD. I've chosen some schools that I think I would really enjoy but that I think are fairly middle of the road -- state schools, small liberal arts colleges, no Ivy's. I feel really confident with all of my application components EXCEPT my GRE scores. I'm embarrassed to say I got 71% verbal, 40-something% quant, and 3.5 on writing. I have a full time job so I didn't prepare as well as I could have, and I've just always been awful at standardized tests. I have a good GPA, wrote an honor's thesis, have some fairly prestigious professors writing me recs, but I can't help but get anxiety over those GRE scores, which really don't reflect what kind of student I was as an undergrad or could be as a grad.

 

So what I'm wondering is: is it worth it to bust my ass and retake the test again in time to include possibly improved scores on my apps this year, or should I just let the rest of my application speak for myself? I would eventually like to pursue a PhD and will retake the test by that time, but I don't know if I have it in me to write my SOP, edit my writing sample, AND study for the GREs. Any advice would be appreciated!!

[Dr. Old Bill]

It is often said that GRE scores don't matter much, and that is true for the most part. But anything below a certain general baseline (maybe 160, maybe 155) should probably be addressed in the SOP.

 

The one big X factor here is that you say you're planning on applying to state schools. Bear in mind that many state schools base their funding on GRE scores, and your scores probably won't cut it at most places.

 

I'd say you should take it again. It's a pain, and it's expensive, but your current scores might be a bit too low to get you past any undisclosed admissions threshold.

 

By the way, slightly off-topic, but if you're in Arlington, you should probably check out George Mason. Not a "great" school by any means, but they've got some interesting looking MA programs in English. Their late admissions deadline (mid-March) and fairly high acceptance rate (70%+ IIRC) makes it a plan B for me, since I'm also within driving distance of GMU.

[oldmangandhi]

Apply to U Chicago's PhD program in English and make sure you check the box that says you are ok with being considered for the MAPH. From what I've heard nearly everybody who applies for the phd gets in for MAPH. U Chicago has an excellent brand name and the MAPH can potentially take you places, provided you can pay the fees and afford living in Chicago. If you don't know what MAPH is, I really recommend looking it up. I know my suggestion is a little convoluted - but you are much more likely to get in for MAPH as a phd applicant than as a MAPH applicant. U Chicago's phd program is diabolically competitive to get into (with your GRE scores, you are most likely to be rejected), but their master's program accepts a LOT of people because very few actually end up enrolling. You have nothing to lose, except the application fees. 

[lifealive]

Hi everyone! So I've recently decided to apply to about 4 MA programs this round rather than going straight to the PhD. I've chosen some schools that I think I would really enjoy but that I think are fairly middle of the road -- state schools, small liberal arts colleges, no Ivy's. I feel really confident with all of my application components EXCEPT my GRE scores. I'm embarrassed to say I got 71% verbal, 40-something% quant, and 3.5 on writing. I have a full time job so I didn't prepare as well as I could have, and I've just always been awful at standardized tests. I have a good GPA, wrote an honor's thesis, have some fairly prestigious professors writing me recs, but I can't help but get anxiety over those GRE scores, which really don't reflect what kind of student I was as an undergrad or could be as a grad.

 

So what I'm wondering is: is it worth it to bust my ass and retake the test again in time to include possibly improved scores on my apps this year, or should I just let the rest of my application speak for myself? I would eventually like to pursue a PhD and will retake the test by that time, but I don't know if I have it in me to write my SOP, edit my writing sample, AND study for the GREs. Any advice would be appreciated!!

 

Retake the GRE. It is important. All aspects of your application are important. Prepare and retake--seek out tutoring if you have to. Even if the test isn't important this year (and I do believe that the verbal score does matter for MAs), it will come up again when apply for a PhD. And, as you pointed out, you don't want that hanging over your head.

 

Just retake. Retake, retake, retake. Multiple scores don't look as bad as a low score.

[emily.rose]

Thanks for the advice everyone! I just signed up to retake the test Nov. 1, so hopefully that gives me enough time to study my butt off. I've already kind of set my expectations low for this round of admissions since I have a full time to fall back on. But I don't want any regrets and I definitely don't want to have bad GRE scores hanging over my head as I apply and wait for decisions, so here we go again ETS!

 

Wyatt's Torch, I just moved from Arlington to a different part of VA, but I'm applying to schools mostly out West, and one in the Northeast. Ready for a change of scenery!