GRE advice

[dobsonek]

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I know, another GRE thread.

I just finished my second attempt at the GRE. My quantitative score either stayed the same or went down one point (I can’t remember rn but I think it stayed the same), but my verbal score went up 6 points.

So I went from a 149/148/4.0 to a 149/154/tbd. I sent the score to some programs just to avoid the fee, but is it even worth doing, considering 149 is below the minimum for most programs?? Should I just take the test again to try and improve my math score? I find it really frustrating because I used magoosh and spent the majority of my time studying the math.

 

[On-the-way-to-DPT]

I know, another GRE thread.

I just finished my second attempt at the GRE. My quantitative score either stayed the same or went down one point (I can’t remember rn but I think it stayed the same), but my verbal score went up 6 points.

So I went from a 149/148/4.0 to a 149/154/tbd. I sent the score to some programs just to avoid the fee, but is it even worth doing, considering 149 is below the minimum for most programs?? Should I just take the test again to try and improve my math score? I find it really frustrating because I used magoosh and spent the majority of my time studying the math.

I think there are a couple of things to consider.
1) Not all schools have a minimum of 150, however if you are only planning to apply to those schools you need to look at how the school will take your GRE score, which leads to #2.
2) Do the schools you are applying to pick and choose the highest score from different test days? if that is the case, send the scores because a 6 point increase in verbal is significant!
3) If you really are only applying to schools with a minimum of 150 maybe reconsider schools with a lower minimum because while you have proven you can increase your score, it would be nice to have a backup plan just in case you don't get above 150 the 3rd time you take it.
Just my thoughts but of course, do whatever you think it best!

 

[letsdothisptthing]

I want to second the post above me! I think most people believe that majority of schools require a minimum of 150 on each section when that is not the case. There are many schools that don't have a minimum GRE requirement. I would contact the schools you are applying to that have those requirements and ask about it. I have also heard stories of people applying to schools with 150 minimums with 149 scores and still getting accepted (not really sure how that works). I personally contacted UTSW since they state that they require 150 on PTCAS but they told me it is just recommended.

If the rest of your application is strong, I don't think there is a dire need to retake your GRE. Unless your GPA is on the lower end then it might be helpful to retake so your GRE score is at least competitive. There are so many areas of an application to look at beyond just the GRE. My score is similar to yours and I have come to terms with not needing to beat myself up about my GRE score especially when there are strengths in the rest of my app.

 

[dobsonek]

I want to second the post above me! I think most people believe that majority of schools require a minimum of 150 on each section when that is not the case. There are many schools that don't have a minimum GRE requirement. I would contact the schools you are applying to that have those requirements and ask about it. I have also heard stories of people applying to schools with 150 minimums with 149 scores and still getting accepted (not really sure how that works). I personally contacted UTSW since they state that they require 150 on PTCAS but they told me it is just recommended.

If the rest of your application is strong, I don't think there is a dire need to retake your GRE. Unless your GPA is on the lower end then it might be helpful to retake so your GRE score is at least competitive. There are so many areas of an application to look at beyond just the GRE. My score is similar to yours and I have come to terms with not needing to beat myself up about my GRE score especially when there are strengths in the rest of my app.

Unfortunately my cGPA is on the lower end and I although I’ve retaken severs prereqs, I still have 2 C’s (and B’s in most of them), and depending on how the programs factor in retake grades my pGPA might also be lacking. This is my third cycle applying and I really want it to be my last so I’m just trying to make sure I have all my ducks in a row!