Competitive GRE scores for MS/MRes programs?

[roblikesbrunch]

Hi,

I just took the GRE today and scored 161 V/163 Q. Are these scores competitive for a top 20 MS program? I only spent a couple of days preparing, so I suppose there is room to improve but I'd rather not sit through another boring 4 hour exam if it wouldn't significantly improve my chances. My undergraduate degree is in physics, from Brown, with a 3.7 GPA (I did a ton of CS/CE coursework on the side).

It should probably be noted that the majority of my applications will be to European schools in the UK/Germany/Denmark. I have EU citizenship (as well as US). From what I've seen they all require (or strongly recommend) GRE scores for students with a US degree.

Thanks! 

Edited April 1, 2016 by roblikesbrunch

[svent]

Try to get 165+ Q.

[marmalade_fever]

My friend who had a 160V/164Q was recently accepted to CMU for one of their Masters programs so I dont think this will rule you out of anywhere at all.

[roblikesbrunch]

On 4/1/2016 at 0:03 AM, svent said:

Try to get 165+ Q.

You haven't really constructively replied to my question.

[svent]

How about you apply this year with your current scores, then retake and get 165+ Q and apply next year and see what happens? Or just retake it without half-assing the test before applying at all.

[roblikesbrunch]

3 hours ago, svent said:

How about you apply this year with your current scores, then retake and get 165+ Q and apply next year and see what happens? Or just retake it without half-assing the test before applying at all.

You're still not replying constructively. All I want to know is whether or not a 163 Q is an adequate score for decent CS MS programs. That's it. Telling me to "wait and see" is not constructive, nor is going on and on about 165+.

[preantepenultimate]

I can't speak for European schools, but for a MS in the US at least you are in pretty good territory. My Q was exactly the same as yours (also on my first attempt, unprepared) and I was accepted to every top-20 MS program to which I applied, including Ivy League. Note that I'm in computer/electrical engineering, but ECE programs are usually in the same department as CS, at least, so that's some indicator.

For you, I expect that decisions at US programs would come down to the rest of your application (transcript, relevant CS work, research, recommendations, etc.). Unless you are lacking in one of those areas, I don't think you would see much benefit here from a higher Q. If you have some idea of how competitive EU programs are relative to US programs, maybe you can extrapolate that to get some idea of your chances there.

Hope that helps somewhat.

[roblikesbrunch]

19 minutes ago, preantepenultimate said:

I can't speak for European schools, but for a MS in the US at least you are in pretty good territory. My Q was exactly the same as yours (also on my first attempt, unprepared) and I was accepted to every top-20 MS program to which I applied, including Ivy League. Note that I'm in computer/electrical engineering, but ECE programs are usually in the same department as CS, at least, so that's some indicator.

For you, I expect that decisions at US programs would come down to the rest of your application (transcript, relevant CS work, research, recommendations, etc.). Unless you are lacking in one of those areas, I don't think you would see much benefit here from a higher Q. If you have some idea of how competitive EU programs are relative to US programs, maybe you can extrapolate that to get some idea of your chances there.

Hope that helps somewhat.

 

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. It's my impression that EU programs are less competitive than US, providing you're an EU citizen (as I am). So I think I have good chances.  

[svent]

Regardless of what anyone says here, taking the test and doing a better job will increase your chances of admission, even if only marginally. If your time (and money) is better spent on other things like research or coursework, then don't take it again.

Your LORs and undergraduate record will be the most important thing.