<p>Hi!
I took the GRE yesterday and got a ridiculously low score (400q, 470v). Out of all the words I studied I only saw one. I was so anxious I ended up just guessing for the most part.
I got there and was supposed to take it at 4 but didn't have my passport on me (I did have my license) . After a breakdown at their office I went home to get the passport only to come back and learn that I didn't need it. I was so stressed and frustrated and with no sleep. I should've studied more words, more math, more everything. I am not a native speaker (been in the States 6yrs), did I completely kill my chances?
I am sooo ashamed, all that time I studied was worth nothing. I suck :(</p>
<p>That kind of attitude breeds failure. Are you an Asian? Not meant to stereotype, but the word "ashamed" is overused by Asians.
Study more and take the exam again. Instead of thinking about failure, just go and kick ass! Don't cram, get a good night of sleep before the exam. You can find out if you are prepared to take the exam or not by taking the practice CAT on the Powerprep software that ETS sent you.
When you are fully prepared to take the real thing again, tell yourself "GRE is my biatch!!"</p>
<p>Yes! I experienced the same thing last year. The ETS losers didn't even specify in their website that I need to bring my passport (well in fact they did only at the bottom of the page in tiniest font ever) and I couldn't take the exam that day. My precious $130 literally evaporated from my bank account. I am a little surprised that they were willing to let you take it without it.</p>
<p>Anyhow, 400-470 GRE scores are likely to hurt you, I think, so it may be in your interest to take it again. Given the anxiety and frustration that overwhelmed you taking the exam, I think you can achieve satisfactory scores next time you take it. In any case, do keep in mind that GRE scores are only one of many points of consideration for grad school admissions, and their importance also depends on your field and the kinds of schools you are applying to.</p>
<p>Yes, those scores will hurt you. The gist of what I've read and been told is that you want a combined score around 1200+ for normal programs and 1400+ for "high end" programs. Adcoms will cut you some slack for not being a native speaker though not a lot given how long you've been in the states.</p>
<p>Now, you still have time to cancel those scores (you have a week I think). Do that, then relax, study up and take the darn thing again.</p>
<p>As anewtypedude says, use PowerPrep to judge your readiness. It is virtually identical to the real test.</p>
<p>Two small tips for next time:</p>
<p>1) The first 8-10 questions on V & Q determine your score to a 200 point range</p>
<p>2) In the AW section structure is as important as content. You want something like: a) Thesis statement b) 3 or 4 argument paragraphs c) Conclusion.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>taking practice tests always helps! if you have time to take it again, definitely study and take practice tests to prepare and gauge your progress. positive attitude helps too -- even if your final score doesnt end up your ideal, think about how you can work with it rather than how it would restrict you.</p>
<p>and for the record, i'm asian and i hardly ever use the word "ashamed."</p>
<p>While that's undeniably a low score, you might still get into some master's programs if your other stats are good.
I know someone who got a 870 on her GRE's (V+Q) but she got into all the schools she applied to for a master's program, even Purdue and Northwestern. But I think her gpa and letters of rec were excellent.</p>
<p>I just took the GRE and I'm experiencing the same anxieties. I scored horribly (450v, 520q.) I did get a 6.0 on my writing section (96th percentile) and am hoping that since I'm applying to a graduate program in the humanities, my other skills will outshine my poor GRE scores. I have a high GPA, was invited and completed a graduate course as an undergraduate, did an honors thesis, president of an organization, and have written a really strong and compelling personal statement. Hopefully, these other accomplishments will highlight the fact that I just don't do well on standardized tests! I never have. </p>
<p>I really hope that these scores don't hinder my chances of getting into a PhD program. Applications are due on Friday, so I am not retaking the test. Anyone have a similar situation? Positive outcome?</p>
<p>v470, q400 and haven't rec'd the writing score. i know its terribly low, but i've adjusted the list of schools in which i'm applying and putting together the best possible package. fingers crossed.</p>