<p>So here is a little background. I am just completing my masters at the University of Michigan. I have a 3.8 GPA and have an outstanding resume from the all of the activities and jobs I have done the past few years. </p>
<p>Currently I am beginning the process of applying for PhD programs, mostly at schools ranked slightly lower than Michigan. Before I came to Michigan, my undergrad GPA was a 2.9 :( and my GRE was really bad except for the math (390 verbal, 3.5 awa, 770 something on math) which I took in 2011. </p>
<p>I am very nervous that the schools wont accept me because of my horrible GRE score. I asked the professors about it and they said it was up to me. To me, $200 seems like a lot to spend on something if it wont make much of a difference. I guess I just want outside advice and what people have experienced when applying for their Phd. </p>
<p>On a side note I am going for a PhD in Epidemiology, which I am also getting my MPH in next semester. I also have glowing letters of recommendation, along with a great personal statement that I have been working on with the writing department.</p>
<p>I would suggest retaking it. You don’t want to give them a reason to reject you…</p>
<p>The Math is fine but the total is sort of low and if the schools you apply to have a lot of applicants they may triage on the basis of GRE scores (total or verbal even). You should take it again to give yourself the best chances. However, put some time into preparing for it.</p>
<p>I look at grad school applications at lot. I haven’t seen a lot of variation on GRE retakes but it may make a difference if you felt your score reflected a ‘bad day’ or poor preparation. You can prepare of course, but the point of the exam is to capture aptitude, thus it isn’t just something you can study hard for and do better on (esp the verbal portion). So beyond a score based on solid preparation, it is unlikely you can ‘study your way’ to a high score. </p>
<p>Having said that, your overall performance is pretty weak so IF you have the time and ability to study for a retake and you feel you hadn’t already done that before, I would retake. Yes $200 is a lot, but so is losing a year in a professional job market (what will happen if your PhD is delayed a year because you didn’t get into a program), or in terms of future career success (what will happen if you end up at C school vs. B school). A tiny investment if you can pull it off.</p>
<p>To not be such a downer, some positives: They will focus more on your current grades than latter ones (and especially be impressed if your current high gpa is in the same field you are looking to go into). It also helps a ton that you want to go into a very quant field, which matches where your strengths lay on the GRE and it will be likely where the committee will focus its attention. And having great recs will help a lot too, especially if they can attest to how well you’ve done in terms of written and oral communication, and analytical ability. And Michigan is a great school. So you have all your ducks lined up except for some aspects of your GRE.</p>