Not sure if I should re-take GRE

[Agent_Double_M]

I am applying for PhD programs in Microbiology/Immunology and I am not sure if I should re-take the GRE.

 

My scores:

 

Quant: 153

Verbal: 155

Writing: 4

 

With the SAT, I had to take it twice to get the score I wanted (1870), so I am unsure if I should fork out another $200 to do the same with the GRE.

 

What do you guys think?

[Paraliminal]

I think it depends on the minimum GRE scores set by the university to which you tend to apply. Check their requirements!

[MsAmira]

I believe you program may place quite a bit of emphasis on the quantitative section, seeing that you are applying to a science program. 153 isn't bad but it's not great either. If you can afford to re-take it, I would recommend it. But I second the above suggestion, check the program requirements or look at the average gre score for accepted applicants and you should get a rough idea of how high your scores need to be. Good luck!

[Crucial BBQ]

My scores last year were similar.  One program did not mention them, but all they wanted was something near the 50th percentile. I was waitlisted to a program and then ultimately denied.  I was told my GRE was the deciding factor-it was a little too low. 

 

$180 is a good chunk of change.  It could also be the difference between getting in somewhere or not getting in at all.  If you feel that you can do better, if even only by a few points,  it might be worth it.  Otherwise what is the other option?  Spending $1,000 on applications and being denied by all?  

 

I agree that you should contact your respective programs and ask.  I have found the program directors to be a great source of wealth as they (the ones I have contacted) see the applications from both the admitted students and the rejections.  They probably will not give you any hard-fast numbers but in the least they will tell you-perhaps in so many words-if you stand a chance with those scores.  

 

How is the rest of your application looking?  If you have a solid GPA your GRE scores might be considered a fluke.  And if you can get strong LORs and write a strong SOP you might not need to retake the GRE.  

[Machaon01]

Retook the GRE and went from V 170, Q157, AWA 4.0 to V169, Q160, AWA 5.5.  Percentile changes were V unchanged (99th), Q 68th to 78th  (that 3 point difference came out to 10 percentile points) and 58th to 98th on the Writing.  Since you're applying to a science PhD, you might just want to retake it.  For the math, I just did more sample tests.  For the writing, I practiced writing a long BS filled essay in less than 30 minutes. I needed a higher quant score more than a higher AWA, and I got it without too much effort, but the 200 bucks did hurt.  Something to keep in mind though, if you have a better idea of what schools you're applying to you can send your scores the day of the test for free to 4 places, I think it cost $27 each to send them after, so you can save $108.