Should I retake GRE?

Graduate School
1

<p>I took GRE about 10 days ago, and I got 500 V and 660 Q. I do not know my writing score yet.</p>

<p>I am wondering if I should retake the GRE. I do want to retake it, but I am also afraid of getting even lower score on the 2nd trial.</p>

<p>The thing is that I actually didn't fully study for it on the first time.(I ran the powerprep, but I simply just ran the program to see what it's like. I didn't seriously solve the questions on there)</p>

<p>I did memorize some of the "highly frequent" vocab lists though. I thikn about 80% of the vocabs on the actual test was the ones I memorized on the highly frequent list .(I guess I was lucky for vocab section)</p>

<p>However, since I didn't really prepare for Reading Comprehension, I had great trouble on it.</p>

<p>Yet, I am not sure how I could study to improve the Reading Comprehension section. I read quite slow, and the time was the biggest obstacle on the test.
Due to the limitation of the time I could only read 2 passages out of 3. I just randomly guessed questions for the passage that I couldn't even had a chance to read.</p>

<p>This is same for the writing- I felt that I needed mroe time.</p>

<p>In my case, would studying for GRE with the prep books help me?</p>

<p>I am also not confident on the math section..I was actually delighted to see 660 Q(I know it's not a good score compared to others).</p>

<p>I am applying to master's program in counseling psychology which is in the faculty of education.</p>

<p>I called University of Minnesota and University of Wisconsin(Both schools are under top 5 schools for the program), and they told me that my scores wouldn't stand out, but it shouldn't hurt my application.</p>

<p>However, I want to apply to Harvard and when I called them they said:</p>

<p>Master of Education students
Verbal: 69% scored above 550, average 591
Quantitative: 85% scored above 550, average 660
Analytical Writing: 68% scored 5 or above, average 5</p>

<p>If I really want to go for Harvard, do I have no choice but retaking GRE?</p>

<p>Are GRE scores usually very important factor for admission?
Schools just keep telling me that they look at the holistic application, but that's about it.</p>

<p>I got admission letter from TC, Columbia since they don't require GRE scores.</p>

<p>I wonder if this means that I have some chance even if my GRE is quite low.</p>

<p>Thank you</p>

2

<p>Why do you want to go to Harvard so bad? If this answer is "Because it is Harvard" you need to find a time machine, go back to your senior year of high school, and apply there for undergrad. Go to the grad program that fits you the best.
If, however, Harevard IS your best fit, I don't know what to tell you. Your GRE scores aren't horrible, just not amazing, that's all.</p>

3

<p>First, read the first couple pages of the Grad School Admissions 101 thread.</p>

<p>So... The good news is that GRE is not that important in admissions. The bad news is that while an excellent GRE won't get you IN, a low GRE can keep you OUT. </p>

<p>Last year's means for Education were 450V/534Q/4.3AW. So your scores are a bit above average overall. As a data point, last year's U of Mn. Educ. Psych. scores for admits were 539.9V/652.2Q/4.7AW. So again, you're close to average. Which suggests that what the programs are telling you is true - your scores aren't bad enough to hurt AND aren't good enough to help. </p>

<p>Incidentally, if you are a slow reader, you might want to take a look at the syllabi from some of the courses you'll be taking to see if you can handle the reading load. Grad school in general runs MUCH faster than undergrad.</p>

4

<p>If, as WillC says, you are average then I don't know if IO see a reason for you to retake. The GRE is not a crucial test like the LSAT is for law students. I wouldnt say admissions boards don't care about them, but they don't seem to put much stock in them either.</p>

5

<p>But for Harvard, their average is 591 for verbal. Isn't 500 quite far below 591?</p>

6

<p>Average means, statistically that 50% of the people who got in got under 591, right?</p>

7

<p>Yes, but</p>

<p>Master of Education students
Verbal: 69% scored above 550, average 591</p>

<p>it says 69% scored ABOVE 550. So only 31% scored below 550..</p>

<p>and I have 500 which seems quite far below 550</p>

8

<p>Average =/= Median</p>