Average quant score = no chance at top social psych programs?

[Whaletoes]

I've taken the GRE twice and despite a lot of studying for the second round I got an extremely average math score both times. 

 

1st session: V 166 Q 153 AW 5.5

2nd session: V 164 Q 154 AW 5.5

 

However, I got As in the math classes I've taken and my cumulative GPA is 3.93, with 3.97 major GPA. I'm going on my second year working in a research lab (political psychology) that's extremely relevant to what I'd like to do for a career, and this past June I started working in a second lab that's also related to my research interests. In these I've done a lot of independent work, including a university-stipended research project. And I'm anticipating very solid letters of recommendation based on what recommenders have told me.

 

The thing is, several of the programs I'm applying to have extremely low acceptance rates and very high average GRE scores and I'm just wondering if I have any shot at them with the GRE scores that I have.

 

Applying to: UC Berkeley, UCLA, UC Santa Cruz, University of Washington, Portland State University, University of Nevada, University of Colorado, Tulane University, and Northwestern University.

 

There are a few spots free for the GRE at the testing center near me and I'm also wondering if it would be worth the time/money to try again, and how third GRE attempts are seen by graduate schools.

 

Any thoughts?

[grad_wannabe]

All I can offer is condolence, as I'm in the same boat. Almost identical scores, applying to very competitive social-science-type programs. I'm taking it for a second time tomorrow, but that's my last shot, as most of my deadlines are early December. 

[Gvh]

 

 

There are a few spots free for the GRE at the testing center near me and I'm also wondering if it would be worth the time/money to try again, and how third GRE attempts are seen by graduate schools.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Regarding how schools view GRE attempts, bear in mind you have the option of only sending 1 set of scores, so the schools will only see these scores (regardless of previous attempts). If you haven't submitted your first scores yet, you shouldn't have anything to worry about.