Question regarding which set to send (repost from Psyc forum)

[kurumi2117]

Applying to programs in (Applied) Developmental Psychology and Human Development/Family Studies.

I took the GRE twice about a month apart. The first time, I was very strong on Verbal (164), very poor on Quant. (148), and just alright on AW (4). I just retook it after a month of studying the Quant. and went down significantly on Verbal (159), up on Quant (152), and haven't received my score on AW but I am certain it went up at least a half point because I was well-prepared (used Score It Now) and thus, was able to write higher quality essays.

My question is, which scores do I send? I was thinking of sending both sets but my Quant is so terrible on the first set.

Background information: Most of the programs I'm applying to list their admitted students' GRE averages as a combined score, and I exceed that. However, I'm not certain how having a high score on one and low on the other affects my chances. There are a few more competitive programs where I only meet the minimums set by the department if you take V from one and Q/AW from the other. I feel my application is pretty strong otherwise: I am applying with a Master's degree from a less prestigious state school (GPA: 4.0) with an empirical thesis; several years of teaching (including intro. statistics), research, and volunteer experience; one poster presentation at a conference as first author; several advanced statistics courses with A grades; and a sizable and fairly prestigious scholarship. Additionally, one of my letter writers is a statistics professor with whom I have worked closely and he has offered to vouch for my statistical ability despite my low Quant. score.

I am consulting with my mentors but wouldn't mind receiving some feedback in the meantime. This process is takes you over, you know? I'm sure everyone understands.

Edited November 7, 2014 by kurumi2117

[TakeruK]

In my opinion, I would submit both sets!

[VulpesZerda]

I think I would too.. Everything else you have going on makes you a very strong applicant for sure. One of my programs (social psych) says they look for above 80th percentile in at least one section. So I suppose not all programs expect two amazing scores.

[kurumi2117]

Thanks so much for your opinions! If nothing else, it helps me tame my crazy at this point in the process.