Are my GRE scores competitive?

[danielyamahoto]

Hello, I took the GRE yesterday and I got a 710 in verbal, and 560 in quantitative. I am applying to comparative literature programs, so I'm hoping that the quantitative section won't matter as much. However, I just wanted to get some feedback on whether my scores are competitive for good graduate programs in comparative literature or if I should retake it next week. I don't know my writing scores yet. I am looking at schools like NC Chapel Hill, USC, UCLA, and Columbia (maybe that's too much a reach for me, though). My major GPA is 3.85, and my overall GPA is 3.745. Also, I'm 18.

Thank you so much.

Sincerely,

veryworried.

Edited October 25, 2009 by kittykatherina

[JerryLandis]

I'm 3 years older than you and, despite those extra years of learning, wasn't able to manage as high a score as you did. Your math score isn't amazing, but it's not too bad either, and your verbal score is certainly competitive. Your GPA is also high. I don't know what Columbia looks for but I don't think the competition at UNC-CH is horribly cutthroat - great school though, I'd rather go there than Columbia any day!

[kfed2020]

Your scores are fine; don't even worry about that. Focus on those writing samples!

[swisnieski]

You're 18 and applying to grad school????

[danielyamahoto]

Yes, I just finished my BA in English. I only mentioned it because I was wondering if maybe it could offset my somewhat mediocre scores in the eyes of admissions. Nowadays, a lot of kids go to college early, especially in California, so I feel it doesn't even give me that much edge.

Edited October 25, 2009 by kittykatherina

[melusine]

wow... so does that mean kids in california graduate high school at 14???

i'm 22 and i thought i was relatively young.. (

but props to you!

[swisnieski]

Well, your GREs seem good enough for your grad school interests (your verbal score is 90th+ percentile, which is good), but I think you can boost your application some more by weaving your relative youth into your SOP. I have never in my life heard of anyone that wasn't a genius getting a BA at age 18.