GRE Scores - What can I do?

[sunnyshine]

---

Members don't see this ad.

I took the GRE for the second time today and I am kind of frustrated because, despite much preparation on my part, my score hasn't really improved. The first time I took the test I received a V: 460 Q: 610. Today I took them and received a V: 560 Q 540. I don't think my scores are high enough but I have studied to the point of being nauseated. I feel as though this as good as I can do and that if I took the test again I wouldn't do much (if any) better. Sorry, I guess I kind of just wanted to vent a little. Do you think my other stats might help overcome my GRE score?

Cum GPA: 3.52
Last 45: 3.79
Credits Completed: 140
Veterinary Hours: 250 (just started working full-time with a vet so I anticipate having about 300-400 more veterinary hours by the time I submit my application.)
Animal Hours: 400 hours split about evenly at a zoo and an animal laboratory (200 hours each)
I have a B.S. conferred and all of my prereqs are done

I have a bunch of community service stuff too and I worked for six + years at a nursing home.

Is there anything additional outside of the GRE that I can do to pump up my stats? Are they good enough as is?

Sorry for the novel I wrote here

 

[zeebra44]

I took the GRE for the second time today and I am kind of frustrated because, despite much preparation on my part, my score hasn't really improved. The first time I took the test I received a V: 460 Q: 610. Today I took them and received a V: 560 Q 540. I don't think my scores are high enough but I have studied to the point of being nauseated. I feel as though this as good as I can do and that if I took the test again I wouldn't do much (if any) better. Sorry, I guess I kind of just wanted to vent a little. Do you think my other stats might help overcome my GRE score?

Cum GPA: 3.52
Last 45: 3.79
Credits Completed: 140
Veterinary Hours: 250 (just started working full-time with a vet so I anticipate having about 300-400 more veterinary hours by the time I submit my application.)
Animal Hours: 400 hours split about evenly at a zoo and an animal laboratory (200 hours each)
I have a B.S. conferred and all of my prereqs are done

I have a bunch of community service stuff too and I worked for six + years at a nursing home.

Is there anything additional outside of the GRE that I can do to pump up my stats? Are they good enough as is?

Sorry for the novel I wrote here

It depends, where are you considering applying? Our numerical stats are almost IDENTICAL, and I was accepted to Minnesota and Missouri. The only advice I can give you? Apply to schools that don't weigh GRE scores as heavily...and of course, apply to your in-state.

 

[beautyvuitton]

I will be taking the GRE in the near future. I'm curious how you studied for the V and Q? Did you use the Kaplan and Princeton Review and do practice exams?

 

[sunnyshine]

I used the CD that I received from ETS + I studied with Kaplan.

 

[beautyvuitton]

How long did you study before taking the GRE? i've been using Kaplan, Princeton, and ETS books since May and I'm scheduled to take the GRE in Dec. I'm not a good test taker, so I'm not sure how to prepare, besides memorizing vocab and math formulas. I really appreciate you starting this thread. thanks! 🙂

 

[turquoisewolves]

I think you did a really GREAT JOB of bringing up your Verbal. I tried 3 times to raise my low Verbal score (480) got the same score each time. I have given up on it and am still applying and hoping for the best. I bet a 560 is a lot better percentile than you think too.

Depends on what schools you are applying to, but I know some take the highest score for each section. So that would help!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

 

[sunnyshine]

Thanks for the advice guys. And thanks for the encouragement turquoisewolves. Now I am wondering which schools consider your GRE by section?

 

[nyanko]

UC Davis is one that takes the best out of each section across multiple testing dates (definitely helped me as the second time I took the GRE my quant went way up but my verbal went down a little).

That is a good raise in your verbal score, good job!

 

[flipflopper]

My GRE's were not very good either and my GPA was similar to yours. I had more experience and a did a lot of research (presented at 2 international conferences etc.). I had experience as a vet assistant, was a zoo keeper volunteer and did research. It also took 2 tries for me to even get interview offers.

I was offered interviews at VMRCVM (IS), Mississippi State, Iowa State, Western, RVC. I got accepted to VMRCVM, Mississippi, Edinburgh. I never ended up going to my Iowa or Western interview.

Like was said before, apply to schools that don't put so much weight on GRE scores, or schools with lower GRE averages (like Mississippi).

PM if you want and i'd be happy to give you a more detailed break down of my GRE scores. How did you do on the writing section??

 

[BlacKAT33]

I'm trying to remember which school weighs GREs with 5% of the total points. I think it was Missouri. Also, I know for sure MO stresses high GPA and yours is competitive (3.5) and above avg last 45 (3.8) so this would be a perfect school in terms of stats. Maybe someone else can confirm it was MO i am thinking of