Low quantitative score for M.S in engineering?

[8Phant0m8]

I recently took GRE for the 2nd time and my score is 158Q 150V 3.5AWA. I'm not a native English speaker but finished undergrad in the US so I don't need TOEFL. But my question is my GRE scores too low; especially quantitative since average is around 162Q?

 

Here's a list of school I'm applying for M.S with thesis option:

 

Ohio State University - Aero/Astronautical Engineering

Illinois Institute of Tech - Aero/Astronautical Engineering

University of New Hampshire - Mechanical Engineering

Boston University - Mechanical Engineering

Northeastern University - Mechanical Engineering

 

I graduated from a regional engineering school (not ranked) and I have good academic record with 3.64 GPA and 3.88 Major GPA. One undergrad research project with a highly recognized hospital. Had internships with good companies and currently working at a world renowned aviation business (~2 years). One LOR from Dean of Engineering who oversaw our research project and 2 are from related field.

 

I think my other parts of my application is in good shape but I'm really worried about my GRE scores. Do I have a chance in applying to these schools?

[.letmeinplz//]

Remember that "average" means that some people scored less than that. The rest of your package is pretty good.

 

I would think there are some 170Qs getting into those schools so the Quant scores accepted can't all be 162s.

Edited February 5, 2015 by <ian>

[8Phant0m8]

Thanks for your feedback <ian>. I hope to get pass the initial screenings, especially OSU since their Q average is around 163-164. I don't know their GRE cut offs though.

 

Do you think my above average GPA can make up for my low GRE scores?

[.letmeinplz//]

Thanks for your feedback <ian>. I hope to get pass the initial screenings, especially OSU since their Q average is around 163-164. I don't know their GRE cut offs though.

 

Do you think my above average GPA can make up for my low GRE scores?

Most of the schools I applied for explicitly stated that GRE scores being below averages for the program were never cause for rejection and that they take the whole application into consideration. Good major GPA, LORs, and relevant experiences are definitely going to be considered.

 

I know OSU stated they had a minimum GRE score (against what ETS has instructed for universities) in my program. I am not sure about AE though.

Boston University states "Q: Are there minimums on the GREs or GPA? A: No. However, we do expect students to have a strong undergraduate record and test scores." in their FAQ. You can try looking at the FAQs of your other schools to see if they replied in the same way.

 

But think of it this way, if a school judges you on how you did on a 4 hour long standardized test and not on your proven success in the field with relevant coursework and real world work, do you really want to go there?

[8Phant0m8]

OSU Aerospace does not specify any minimum GRE score requirement. However, I would lean towards schools using GRE cutoff scores as initial screening. I'm guessing they decide the cutoff from the average of the incoming applicant pool and thats probably why there is no cutoff scores listed on most program websites.

 

All these programs don't have any set minimum GRE scores. That worries me more than anything for my applications. Haha.