Low GRE score - when should you retake GRE
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We are flooded with questions related to ‘should I retake the GRE’ on our forums at www.app2us.com
This post analyses the scenarios when one should consider retaking the GRE general test. The scenarios are written for Science and Engineering admissions.
Note that there are two important parameters on the decision to retake the GRE. One parameter is that is your score really low - as discussed in the seven scenarios below. Second parameter is that can you really improve. For example, if you scored 500 in verbal and 600 in the quantitative section, but you feel that you have given your best shot and really studied a lot before the test, then you may not see any improvement in your score if you retake.
Scenario 1: Quant is above 750 Verbal is above 600
These are good scores and there is absolutely no need to retake GRE.
Scenario 2: Quant is 700 Verbal is above 550
These are good scores but quant score is not competitive enough for top universities. If you retake, most universities will take the average. So if you are confident of scoring at least 780 in quant and sure that your verbal won’t go down, you may consider retaking.
Scenario 3: Quant is above 750 Verbal is above 400
There is no need to retake GRE. Quant scores are much more important than verbal. However if you think you had a bad day and can score 600 in verbal if you retake, then go ahead.
Scenario 4: Quant is below 650.
You have very little chances at good universities. You may retake if you can score 780 plus in the second attempt.
Scenario 5: Quant is below 600
Students with quant scores below 600 do get admitted at low ranked universities. If you really want to study at a good university, retake the GRE and aim for at least 750 in quant and try to improve the verbal score too.
Scenario 6: Verbal is below 300.
If your quant score is 780 or more, you may still have hope. If you do not have that high quant, then you should consider retaking the GRE. However please realize that if you scored 300 on the first attempt, may be your verbal skills are not that great. In second attempt you will need to score 500 so that your average exceeds 400. For a person who scored 300, it is difficult to score 500 second time.
Scenario 7: Your score is low and you failed to complete the test.
Since you failed to complete all the questions on the GRE, you would have been heavily penalized, resulting in a low score. If you retake and finish the test, your score will substantially improve. So consider retaking after some practice to improve your speed without compromising on accuracy.
These are hypothetical scenarios, may not exactly fit in your case. Still not sure, ask a question at www.app2us.com.
September 8th, 2008 at 2:16 am
how much should i score in gre so as to get admitted in some highly reputed colleges like california institute of technology,columbia inst of techn,MIT,stanford university etc to name a few ?
September 11th, 2008 at 10:49 pm
Please ask specific questions on the forum at www.app2us.com
October 23rd, 2008 at 11:34 am
Scenario 6: Verbal is below 300.
If your quant score is 780 or more, you may still have hope. If you do not have that high quant, then you should consider retaking the GRE. However please realize that if you scored 300 on the first attempt, may be your verbal skills are not that great. In second attempt you will need to score 500 so that your average exceeds 400. For a person who scored 300, it is difficult to score 500 second time.
i don’t find truth in this scenario…
it makes people discouraged if you say in the first attempt you get a verbal score of 300, then 2nd attempt it will not cross 500,
i am a example for it…
my first attempt i got a score 1060(790+270) V500
so remember one thing, its alwasy your HARDWORK, PRACTISE and DETERMINATION that makes you succeed your goals… work hard and put the necessary effort you will definitely achieve it.. its not a big deal to get a score of 1250+
November 22nd, 2008 at 12:24 am
Jayaram,
Your comment is very valid. “For a person who scored 300, it is difficult to score 500 second time.” - not impossible.
We are very happy for ppl to dramatically improve their score on 2nd attempt, but statistically, there are less cases of great improvements.
The purpose of this blog is to encourage not discourage, just a bit of realism is also required.
Again, your commen is much appreciated.
-app2us advisor
January 9th, 2009 at 5:30 am
Scenario 6: Verbal is below 300.
If your quant score is 780 or more, you may still have hope. If you do not have that high quant, then you should consider retaking the GRE. However please realize that if you scored 300 on the first attempt, may be your verbal skills are not that great. In second attempt you will need to score 500 so that your average exceeds 400. For a person who scored 300, it is difficult to score 500 second time.
hello sir,
my situation best fits this scenario,
got 780(quants)+310(verbal)=1090 in my first attempt
and 710(must have been penalised for not attending last 6 questions)+360(verbal).
now that i am confused about with what score i can apply to get better univs. Also you have mentioned that i can still have ‘hope’. it looks fuzzy to me. can you explain whether i(a person like me) can hope for a good university or a not so good one. as i am in the univ selection process and the deadlines are closing……
January 9th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
skb,
You do not have a choice on which GRE score shall be reported, all scores from the last 5 years will be reported by ETS directly.
Your retaking the GRE did not help. Frankly you have no hope in top 20 since your GRE Quant score is now diluted. Try outsude top 20.
Any more question should be asked at the forums at www.app2us.com
Best wishes,
app2us advisoe
July 14th, 2009 at 6:38 am
hi there,
I gave GRE last June and got 1300(520-v 780-q). Toefl IBT-105. I am trying for phd program. It’s going to be a month and ‘m yet to get AWA score. I plan to apply for CMU, RPI, UOW, UCSD, UCI, UTA, UMN. I have a pretty good acad track record but nil publications. Are my chances bright? please reply.
July 23rd, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Continue with the discussion on the forum please.