<p>What role does the GRE play in admissions to a top 10 history department program? I have scores in the low-600's and a 6 on the writing section and am concerned that my application won't even be read because I fall below a magical cut-off number. Does anyone have any useful info about this? My undergrad and graduate GPA's were close to perfect from a top 5 history program, but I'd like to know if my test scores are my Achilles heel.</p>
<p>Did you take the history subject test of the gre? I think there is one, but I could be wrong.</p>
<p>No, most programs do not require it.</p>
<p>are you applying for a masters? phd?
you're going to want your verbal score to be at least in the upper 600s to get into a top phd program. if you call the departments directly, they can give you average scores from the previous class.</p>
<p>Yes, it's for admission to a PhD program. I've heard so many conflicting stories on this one issue and just wanted to see what other people's experience was.</p>
<p>The stats for the University of Minnesota are here:</p>
<p>Last year's average was 643.4V/632.6Q/5.4AW</p>
<p>As someone else said, contact the departments where you're applying and ask. But don't be surprised if they don't even keep track. UofM is a little unusual in the degree of detail they publish.</p>
<p>While the GRE is not un-important, it is not the crucial factor that the SAT is in undergrad admissions. FAR more important are your GPA, recs, SOP and writing sample.</p>
<p>The Classics profs. I've talked to here at Penn have consistently told me that the GRE is important 1) for university-wide followships in places that don't fund everyone, and 2) to support (not override) your academic record.</p>
<p>There is no history subject test anymore - they discontinued it years ago.</p>
<p>It somewhat depends on the program and the university - but I would say for top 10, your verbal should be in the upper 600s. Berkeley lists its average as about 660V, 660Q, 5.5AQ. You can call or email program secretaries and ask what the average is - they may tell you, they may not. However, if you have good research experience and letters of rec from well-known professors, it may not matter as much. Ask your undregrad advisor - he/she will know better, especially coming from a top program yourself.</p>