Low GRE verbal score dilemma

Graduate School
1

<p>I'm applying to Immunology PhD programs this fall, and I feel like everything is fine on my application except for my GRE verbal score. Here are my stats:</p>

<p>-B.S. in Biochemistry, minor in Biology, 3.73 GPA from a good school (US News ranks it in the top 50)
-5 semesters of undergrad research
-Summer research at UCSF
-Currently working in a lab at another top 50 university. I will have worked here for 2 years by the time I enter grad school in 2011. Possibility of getting published (but definitely not first or co-author).
-GRE: 730Q, 480V, 4.0 AW</p>

<p>And my current list of schools to apply to:</p>

<p>-UCSF
-Stanford
-Cornell (Weill)
-Mt. Sinai
-Boston University
-University of Washington
-UC Davis</p>

<p>Since vocabulary and standardized tests are not my strengths, I was ready to just accept my low verbal and writing scores. I figured I had a decent chance at getting into grad school. Until I talked to my PI from UCSF .... He's involved with admissions to the department I'm applying to and he recommended that I re-take the GRE. So now I can't decide if I really should re-take the GRE. I was planning on spending the next couple months working on an awesome personal statement! Also, I get extended time on the GRE so re-taking it is not a simple task - I have to fill out extra forms, it might take some time to get re-approved, and time slots to take the GRE are limited. I guess I really need to figure out if I can even re-take it first. I'd really love some feedback though!</p>

2

<p>Follow the advice and retake the GRE. What you think is an “awesome” personal statement may not be that in others’ eyes (especially given your current verbal GRE score). A better GRE score will be easier for them to notice when comparing you with other candidates who may also have an “awesome” personal statement.</p>

3

<p>I would consider re-taking the GRE. I could be wrong, but i’m pretty sure GPA and GRE won’t get you into schools, but they will keep you out. Most schools, especially higher tier schools like you are looking at have an official or unofficial cutoff score for GRE. To make them look further into your application (read your statement, recommendations, etc.) you have to survive that initial cutoff. </p>

<p>While your verbal is not as important in a science-based grad program, to be safe your Verbal could go up a bit. I recommend buying Kaplan’s Verbal workout book; it helped my score a ton.</p>