Am I completely screwed?

[fran]

I took the GRE today and like several other posters on this board, was devastated by my scores. I scored 430V and 590Q. The verbal score is the most embarrassing and I would imagine is going to be a major barrier to getting accepted into a PhD program. Retaking it is not an option so my question is very simply: do I have a shot at a decent school-or any school-with these scores? I am looking at programs in Political Science. I have an MA in POLS with an A- GPA, a decade+ of work experience and I am sure that the rest of my application will be strong. I know some schools say the GRE score won't make or break an application, but really...that's a bad score.

[KieBelle]

Have you looked at the websites of the schools you're interested in to see what the average GRE scores are of those they admit? That might give you an idea of how far off your scores are from where they need to be. Or you could call the admissions office and just flat-out ask them if those scores are too low.

[pea-jay]

Definitely check into the GRE requirements. Some universities will be upfront with the requirements and others <CoughNYUCough> are ever so elusive. Like other posters have noted in related forums, even if it wont preclude entry, it may cost you in terms of access to funding. Given you're poli sci, the verbal score will indeed be a hinderance. If you find universities are noting cut-offs above that line, you may need to consider a retake.

[fran]

Thanks for the replies. I actually previously emailed a school specifically about GRE requirements and while they were very nice about discussing other things, they totally ignored that question. I guess I know that the scores are way too low to at the very least compete for funding and without it I wouldn't go so I'll either wait another year or go outside the US. I just wish it didn't cost $200 for the stupid test! If it was cheaper I would have just cancelled it and rescheduled because I was definitely not in the right place to take it today, but c'est la vie.

[socialcomm]

How were your practice test scores in relation to your actual scores? You said you won't be able to retake... but I think it would help you out a lot to retake it if you're able to study over the next few weeks and still take it in time to meet deadlines.

[fran]

My practice tests were way higher and they were a lot harder too. I never scored anywhere near 430 so I was quite shocked to see it. I really can't take it again in the immediate future so I'll have to re-evaluate my plans. I am sure I did very well in the essay section-is there any way that would even slightly counter my poor verbal score or is it just impossible to get past?

Edited October 23, 2009 by fran

[DrFaustus666]

I took the GRE today and like several other posters on this board, was devastated by my scores. I scored 430V and 590Q. The verbal score is the most embarrassing and I would imagine is going to be a major barrier to getting accepted into a PhD program. Retaking it is not an option so my question is very simply: do I have a shot at a decent school-or any school-with these scores? I am looking at programs in Political Science. I have an MA in POLS with an A- GPA, a decade+ of work experience and I am sure that the rest of my application will be strong. I know some schools say the GRE score won't make or break an application, but really...that's a bad score.

If you really have no option of retaking it ... how about your admissions essay (make sure the English is perfect---not good---perfect!) and your recommendations ? If you are able to get somebody REALLY strong or well known (say, a Senator or Congressman) write you a recommendation, I don't think those scores would stand in your way.

[cheesethunder]

yea i got like same score

440 580quant took it again 540v 530Q so like the same score

im making my SOP wonderful and told my letter writers my low gre and asked if they coudl comment o nmy stats skills/ writing to make up for it