should I mention the reason behind scoring low on the GRE?

[anotherriver]

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Hello all, like the title suggests, for the first test, I scored 380 V 700 Q. However, I went to the bathroom during one of the verbal sections (I got two). But since I thought I did pretty well on the math, AWA, other verbal section, I decided to gamble... and the result is the score above.
Now, on the second test I got 530 V 780 Q. Not so great but I think this was a more accurate relfection of my verbal abilities (duh). However, I am worried about the admissions getting caught up on the first verbal score since it is so low. Should I explain about the first situation? I searched the thread and some suggest to email the professor that I wish to work with (or should I mention it in the application?). On the other hand, some say not to since it will draw an unecessary attention. Any advice regarding my situation?
Thanks,

 

[buzzworm]

Hello all, like the title suggests, for the first test, I scored 380 V 700 Q. However, I went to the bathroom during one of the verbal sections (I got two). But since I thought I did pretty well on the math, AWA, other verbal section, I decided to gamble... and the result is the score above.
Now, on the second test I got 530 V 780 Q. Not so great but I think this was a more accurate relfection of my verbal abilities (duh). However, I am worried about the admissions getting caught up on the first verbal score since it is so low. Should I explain about the first situation? I searched the thread and some suggest to email the professor that I wish to work with (or should I mention it in the application?). On the other hand, some say not to since it will draw an unecessary attention. Any advice regarding my situation?
Thanks,

In this case, I think you might be better off not mentioning it. They'll get both sets of scores, so they'll see the vast improvement on the second test. If you do bring the lower score to their attention, you'll want to give them a really convincing reason for it, and "I decided to gamble" (even if you reword it) might not come off well.

 

[hamsterpants]

Hello all, like the title suggests, for the first test, I scored 380 V 700 Q. However, I went to the bathroom during one of the verbal sections (I got two). But since I thought I did pretty well on the math, AWA, other verbal section, I decided to gamble... and the result is the score above.
Now, on the second test I got 530 V 780 Q. Not so great but I think this was a more accurate relfection of my verbal abilities (duh). However, I am worried about the admissions getting caught up on the first verbal score since it is so low. Should I explain about the first situation? I searched the thread and some suggest to email the professor that I wish to work with (or should I mention it in the application?). On the other hand, some say not to since it will draw an unecessary attention. Any advice regarding my situation?
Thanks,

I wouldn't mention it unless asked, I mean what would you say " Oh, I went to the bathroom so that is why it is low ?" 😉

 

[cara susanna]

The same thing happened to me when I took the GRE the first time (not sure which verbal was real and taking my chances). You gambled, you lost, there's really no way to explain it that would come across well.

 

[Buzzwordsoldier]

All due respect to cara susanna, but this situation has high comedic potential and I strongly encourage you to begin considering writing a screenplay. Which comedian would you want to portray you during the whacky adventures you had on the way to/from the toilet and to provide the obligatory absurd voice over regarding the pros and cons of "risking it all"?

 

[cara susanna]

"not sure which verbal was real and taking my chances" meaning going over it really quickly and not trying very hard. Not using the bathroom, I was able to do that during the break. 😉

 

[anotherriver]

So it's a no no. Thank you all for the advice!

 

[aagman01]

Yeah,

if they bring it up in an interview, mention it.

Otherwise, if they assume anything, it will likely be that you were dedicated to getting into a doctoral program, and worked hard to improve your GRE.

So it's a no no. Thank you all for the advice!

 

[hamsterpants]

I wasn't gonna share but here is my gre bathroom story.

To go to the bathroom in my testing center was a big deal, you had to sign out with your id and all, get the key and the bathroom was way down the hall. I just did not have that kind of time. Especially since early practice tests had me running out of time on the math. Of course at our break, I drank a large bottle of pepsi. Toward the end I had to go so bad (I had also had coffee and water before the test), I was dying and in pain but I needed the time. Finally I couldn't stand it. I had kicked off my shoes because it was extremely hot in the test room and I ran out the door, signed out and ran down the hall in my barefeet. I then zoomed back. gross- barefeet in a public bathroom! but I was desperate. I think I gave the testing staff a laugh.

 

[neuropsyance]

Fact of the matter is they are going to either view it as bad (unlikely in my mind) or view it as just a fluke. So with that in mind let's also think about this whole first phase of applications.

That is, you should be playing up your strengths so you are selected for an interview. There's a time and a place for weaknesses, your statement is not, your interview, however is (if asked).

You don't want to give them anything to think about other than that you are qualified and a good research match!

 

[anotherriver]

I wasn't gonna share but here is my gre bathroom story.

To go to the bathroom in my testing center was a big deal, you had to sign out with your id and all, get the key and the bathroom was way down the hall. I just did not have that kind of time. Especially since early practice tests had me running out of time on the math. Of course at our break, I drank a large bottle of pepsi. Toward the end I had to go so bad (I had also had coffee and water before the test), I was dying and in pain but I needed the time. Finally I couldn't stand it. I had kicked off my shoes because it was extremely hot in the test room and I ran out the door, signed out and ran down the hall in my barefeet. I then zoomed back. gross- barefeet in a public bathroom! but I was desperate. I think I gave the testing staff a laugh.

haha you gave me a laugh. glad to know that i'm not the only one 🙂