Scored 317 on both GRE attempts (V: 154 Q: 163 AWA: 4 vs V: 149 Q: 168 AWA: 5). Which score to submit? Applying to the PDP programme at UC Berkeley

[15Krishna]

Dear all, 

 

I have attempted GRE twice and scored 317 in both attempts (first attempt: V: 154, Q: 163, AWA: 4.0 and second attempt: V: 149, Q: 168, AWA: 5.0). 

 

I am interested in the 1-year PDP programme (chemical engineering) at UC Berkeley. 

 

1)     I am in a dilemma on which GRE score to submit to UC Berkeley and seek your advise regarding the same. 

 

My background: Bachelors in chemical engineering, specialization in process systems engineering from Singapore. CGPA 4.4/5. I have been working as a process engineer for 4 years now. During my undergraduation I had done two internships, one as an undergraduate researcher at my university for 3 months and another at a pharmaceutical company for 6 months. I have not published any papers during my undergraduation. 

 

I fear that my GRE scores from both attempts could hold me back from securing an admission to Berkeley. 

 

2)     With my background, could you please share your opinion on what my chances are with getting in to the PDP programme?

Could you please help me? 

 

Thanks, 

Krishna 

[grad29]

I would suggest retaking it and trying to get that Verbal up. If you can't - I would suggest sending the second, V: 149, Q: 168, AWA: 5.0. You have an increase in your AWA and Q. Yet your verbal is 149, which is really low. If you scored a 154 once, you can do it again. What's another $200 and 21 days when you're looking at your dream school and getting yourself in a career?

[15Krishna]

Dear westy3789, 

 

Thanks for the suggestion. You are right, if it's been done once, I should be able to put in the required amount of effort to get a 150+ on verbal. I will check the available GRE dates and fix an exam slot  

 

Thanks again, 

15Krishna

[percheme]

Hmmmm I know that at certain schools, they would consider both scores (if you send both), and consider the highest one. Not sure how it works at Berkeley, but that could be something to look at on their website. Maybe try the department's email and contact them  chegrad@cchem.berkeley.edu

[realbrian]

Hmmmm I know that at certain schools, they would consider both scores (if you send both), and consider the highest one. Not sure how it works at Berkeley, but that could be something to look at on their website. Maybe try the department's email and contact them  chegrad@cchem.berkeley.edu

 

Thanks percheme, you actually answered my question I was wondering whether to take the test one more time if the grad school does not look at the highest score in each section.

[percheme]

No problem realbrian, anytime!

[15Krishna]

Dear Percheme,

 

I couldn't find info on the admissions webpage. Thanks for the tip, I will mail and ask them . 

 

Regards, 

15Krishna

[hardikvp]

Hey, 15krishna , did you apply to PDP.

And if yes, did you get any decision or change on the portal?

[15Krishna]

Hi hardikvp,

Extremely sorry for the late reply, was on field assignment and did not get a chance to login earlier on. Yes, I did apply for the program and got an email with the letter of acceptance a couple of weeks back. The portal has not been updated with a decision yet.

Did you call up and clarify with the graduate admissions office?

Regards,

15Krishna

[rack_attack124]

On March 14, 2016 at 10:55 AM, 15Krishna said:

Hi hardikvp,

Extremely sorry for the late reply, was on field assignment and did not get a chance to login earlier on. Yes, I did apply for the program and got an email with the letter of acceptance a couple of weeks back. The portal has not been updated with a decision yet.

Did you call up and clarify with the graduate admissions office?

Regards,

15Krishna

hey how did you get a 5.0 on AW? I took twice and got 4.0 AW both times! also, how did you get 168 on quant? I got 161 and it's lower than the scores of people who are admitted to programs I'm interested in! Oh, and also if you need to improve verbal, I would suggest trying to learn some more vocab words and reading a lot.

Edited April 7, 2016 by rack_attack124
more info

[Yeahthatsnotright]

The 168 is an awesome score! Congrats!

 

My advice on improving verbal (if you decide to take it again) is to use the Magoosh vocabulary app.  Just study the vocab as much as possible like when you are standing in line to get lunch or if you are in the bus/train or for a few minutes before bed.  Continue doing this everyday and you will be fine!

[Zhaoyue]

Hi Krishna,

I am also from Singapore and has pretty similar background as you. Believe you were also graduating from NUS

I have interest of applying for PDP as well. May I have your contact and seek some advice from you? Much appreciated your help!