<p>I've noticed a lot of posts about low verbal scores as a worry for PhD candidates, but for some reason, I have managed to do poorly on the math section with a 530. </p>
<p>I'm interested in people's opinions (or expertise) about whether it matters very much for English PhD candidates to up their math scores. Here are my other stats: 730 Verbal, 5.5 Writing, and have yet to take my literature subject test. I basically failed to practice for the math portion because I was stupid and thought I would do better - so think that I could up it if I took it again, but don't want to do it if it doesn't really matter. I'd like to apply to top English PhD programs like Yale or Berkeley, among others. Thoughts? </p>
<p>Thanks!</p>
<p>Check with the programs you're interested in - they may not care about the quant. at all. </p>
<p>Universities that provide fellowships on a competitive basis across departments will be interested in both scores. I see Yale, for example guarantees support for 5 years to all admitted students.</p>
<p>Berkeley mentions the Verbal and Subject scores but apparently ignores the Quant.</p>
<p>So CALL as soon as school starts and everyone's back in the office. I would only retake if you are in a competitive fellowship situation AND you're sure you can do significantly better the second time.</p>
<p>I have not heard of any English programs caring about the quant score, providing it is relatively respectable (500s seems to be OK). Checking with individual programs is fine, but I would not worry in the least. Your verbal and analytical writing are excellent. If you retake it to up the math score, you may do worse on the verbal, so personally, I'd just study for the lit test. Your lit score will be FAR more important than your quant score, and the subject tests are no joke.</p>