<p>Hey, how is everyone doing today? I'll get right to the point. First off, I just graduated from college with a 3.78 GPA in Computer Science under the Magna Cum Laude title. (Would've had Summa, but one teacher decided to give me a B, for no reason.) I want to continue my studies in Video Game Design, or something related to it, such as Software Engineering. My question, to you is this, how are my chances at getting into a decent graduate school with an abnormally low GRE score? (The week I had to take it, I had to study for 2 other tests, not to mention a book report. That week was just horrible. V144 Q145 A3.0) I want to take it over, because I feel that I do alot better, especially considering that I am totally free to do so now. So yea, just point at me and laugh, cuz I somehow found a way to flub up on the GRE. I'm just here for advice and opinions.</p>
<p>Well, given that applications for fall 2013 programs don’t open until late this year, you have months to study for, and retake, the GREs. So, don’t worry about it - just consider it a lesson learned, that the GRE is like any other comprehensive exam and really requires studying and focus. :)</p>
<p>For the field you want to go into, you need damn near perfect GRE Quant. scores to be admitted to event the lowest ranked university. Also, do you have any research experience? I would suggest that you study really hard this summer for the GRE, and raise your Quant, and writing score (the two easiest areas to do such, the Verbal is somewhat of a crapshoot) to at least 160Q, and 4 on the writing. If you can take a prep course, I advise that, because it may help with the writing section, but you can buy some books and just study for the Quant section, and practice a lot of problems on the computer. This is critical, because the GRE is not on paper, so practicing on the computer will help you simulate test day. If you don’t have time for a prep course, take the online version (Princeton Review, Kaplan). Kaplan has a problem bank with more than enough problems, so much so that, I was able to randomly generate 4-5 Quant sections a day on various subject for about 2 months (trust me, you won’t run out of problems, there are 2500 problems per math area).This option is cheaper than the classroom session, and will allow you focus your study. I would advise that you lock in your GRE score ASAP, so that you can spend the rest of this year writing essays, requesting transcripts, lining up letter writers, and submitting your applications on time (most are due by Jan 1. 2013, but some are as late as 1/15/12, but some are earlier like 12/15/12)</p>
<p>scaleupchem, I do have research experience in the field. (Last summer, I was researching a way to program for the Android Platform.) Many thanks for the advice about the Quant. (Many people have told me you can fail the Verbal, but have to practically ace the Quant for if you want to be an engineer.) In the meantime, I’m going to call some school ups and ask them about my shots getting into them.</p>
<p>You may want to avoid calling programs about chancing your admission. That sounds like a good way to annoy an admin. Look in the CC archives as well as at gradcafe and see where people with similar stats ended up going. Then do some research and find a program where your interests match well with multiple faculty and go for it. </p>
<p>But you really really have to re-take the GRE and do a lot better. GREs can only hurt you - a great score doesn’t really matter, but you have to get over the bar or be cut immediately. Get at LEAST 80th percentile+ in quant (considering your field) and aim for 70th percentile+ in verbal. Some programs take verbal more seriously than others, but it’s impossible to know which programs care and which don’t.</p>
<p>Think about what you want to do BEFORE deciding on grad school. If you want to design games, you don’t need grad school for it. You would only need to take some specialized courses (here and there) in gaming design.</p>
<p>If you look at the backgrounds of a lot of game designers, nearly ALL have only bachelors that range from art to computer science…and everything in between.</p>
<p>BTW, a decade ago, I was an engineer for a well known gaming company. Those were fun times.</p>