What's a good score in verbal?

[frenchlover]

Hello English folks!

I plan to apply to programs in French literature, and I was wondering what a good GRE score looks like for you all. I got mine today -- 163 in Verbal -- and I'm concerned that it isn't good enough for "good" programs in French literature. Should I retake it? It is an expensive test so idk but let me know what you all think.

[cowgirlsdontcry]

I think that it's a good score. That's what mine was and I was accepted by a program of my choice. It's the 93rd percentile. Copy the following link into your browser because my links never seem to work. Magoosh shows a breakdown of scores at various ranked schools. The top 10 schools in Foreign Languages/Literature had scores from 161-166. Your score of 163 is right in the middle. I would not take it over for a couple of points when you are definitely within the parameters. You don't have time to study for any kind of increase other than 2-3 points max and, as you point out, it's an expensive test. 

https://magoosh.com/gre/2013/gre-scores-for-arts-and-humanities-programs/

Here is a chart that Magoosh prepared regarding whether to retake the GRE. Copy into browser. 

http://2aih25gkk2pi65s8wfa8kzvi-wpengine.netdna-ssl.com/gre/files/2013/12/Retaking-the-GRE.pdf