Low Scores on the GRE®

[Az_Zulu]

I just took the GRE in December and also this past week. My scores are quite embarassing. In December I received the following scores: Q: 360, V: 310. Writing: 4. I studied for a month and retook it this past week and the results were even worse: Q: 290, V:410. I was getting a 510 on Q and a 410 on V when I completed practice tests so I'm not sure what happened. I started to get a bit nauseous during the last section this time around, which was the quantitative section, so I don't know if that had something to do with my horrific score.

I'm applying to Masters programs in SLP for this fall. One school doesn't require the GRE's which is great but it's not my top choice. I've always struggled with these types of standardized tests (i.e. couldn't break a 1000 on the SAT) and so I'm thinking I should definitely write an addendum on my applications. Those schools that require the GRE are looking for a score of a 1000 or more combined.

Some background academic history on me:
Bucknell University - GPA: 3.31, Degrees in Psychology and Spanish and followed the Pre-med track
Tufts University - GPA: 3.78, Masters in Child Development

I should also add that I took the GRE 5 years ago (so the scores have since expired). My scores were 550 Q, 410 V and 4 on Writing. I'm thinking I will attach a copy of these old scores to the addendum I write up. What do you think?

I'm currently working as a project manager in an Autism Research center, managing my own project. I also have previous work experience abroad working with kids on the spectrum. My boss is a renowned expert in the field and has offered to talk to a faculty member at my number one choice which I hope will help considering my current situation. I haven't told her my exact scores because they are just too embaressing.

Please send me any thoughts or comments you have. They will be greatly appreciated!

[Manish]

You need to give GRE again with better preparation and mock tests. I believe that any GRE test taker should register a test date only after he/she is confident in getting his/her desired score. So you should always give a diagnostic test before registering a date for GRE. It helps you to evaluate how much time you need to build your vocabs and maths. Better softwares, CAT's can again help you in scoring well, but still dedication is needed.

[Manish]

For particular you, I will recommend to give GRE again and score well OR just drop the idea for MS. Because there is of no use if you do MS in low level university. I dont know for your course there are universities which accept without GRE or not, but average score of GRE or you can say to get in the universities you need 1000 in verbal+quants. All depends on you. Take a better decision or you will end up in nothing. Best luck!

[Vuralorion]

hello az_zulu

I think you should seek for some non GRE requiring universities. I know that Portland State University does not stipulate GRE for some departments and it is a superior university, among top 500 universities. Also search some other universities that do not want GRE for your department admission. I am sure you will find an adequate university for you.

[Mo7aisen]

hi vuralorion,
I wonder how you can know the ranking of the US schools? from the list in the usatoday ranking, i can only get the ranking of the schols in the top 100 or so while the other beyond the 100 are just listed in their alpha order. thanks in advance

[Vuralorion]

hi mo7aisen

You can check the sites below for school rankings;

www.arwu.org (Academic Ranking of World Universities)
www.webometrics.info (This site uses different criterion for ranking. I know that the ranking is determined based on the size of web sites of universities)
http://graduate-school.phds.org/

Also make search on internet for additional rankings and rakings for your specific degree and program.