GRE- so screwed

Graduate School
1

<p>OK.. I am in uber panic mode. </p>

<p>Last week, I received my score report and while I was happy with my V and Q scores (having gotten 600 and 700 respectively) I was shocked to see a 3.5 analytical score! This completely threw me off (I expected to perform at least within the 5-6 range). In my haste, I registered to take the exam again... which I did today. Suffice to say, I did much worse on my Verbal and Quant this time round (530 and 650) so I decided not to report my score seeing as my schools should have my current scores right now. </p>

<p>I am applying to MA's in Mass communication/Journalism programs and I fear that a 3.5 will hurt my chances. Should I acquiesce my efforts and hope for the best? Or should I retake the GRE in January with the hopes that I can get a better score then in case I dont get into the programs I want?</p>

<p>I am thinking of contacting the admissions of my top choices to explain my situation, but I am writhing in rage at the way I had performed this morning. I just hate standardized tests! </p>

<p>Here are my stats:</p>

<p>Communications Major at a large, tier 2 University in the Boston area
3.5 GPA
A sizable news clips portfolio
English is my second language if that helps? :) </p>

<p>Any advice would be nice!</p>

2

<p>Forget about retaking the GRE. Just focus on crafting your essays and portfolio. Your AW score is a bit low but as long as your writing samples are strong the adcoms may ignore it.</p>

3

<p>Thanks Tensighs. That is the message I am getting from most folks.</p>

4

<p>Nothing new from me, just to say that tenisghs' advice matches everything I've heard. Also, just an attempt to encourage you: I think I may have read your SOP on another thread (?), and if so, it seemed strong. The SOP has to be far more important than the AW score.</p>

5

<p>Yeah, that was my SOP. I am going to work extra hard on it now that the odds are stacked against me so to speak! Thank you again for your words of encouragement. </p>

<p>I think the next course of action would be to contact the admissions offices and see what they have to say (gulp!)</p>