Bad Quantitative Score
Posted: Thu Dec 19, 2019 1:25 am
Hello Everyone,
I'm a senior physics major in the US. I know this question has been asked in various forms over the years, but I think my circumstances are fairly specific, so I'm hoping you'll all humor me in asking a common question.
Anyway, I'll get on with it: I got a 153(49%) on the quantitative section of the general GRE. Embarrassing, I know. That said, I like to think my pGRE exonerates my math ability to some extent, as I got a 760(60%). As for the rest of my application, I would describe it as "solid." It all ranges from good to somewhat great, but nothing on it is stand out amazing.
This would all be a problem if I was trying to go to MIT, but fortunately, I am not. I'm really just trying to get into a solid school with lots of research going on. And considering my application, I think this is a reasonable ambition. But, I can't stop thinking about my quantitative score. As much as I would like to just assume they will see it as the fluke that it was, I just can't stop imagining that it will cast a shadow of doubt over everything else on my application. So much so that I'm considering retaking it, but the problem is, I've already applied to 4 out of the 8 schools on my list, as they had Dec 15 deadlines. On top of that, out of the last 4 schools I'm applying to, only one is one of my reach schools, Urbana Champaign, which is the most selective program I'm applying to, so I'm not expecting to get in there anyway. This all has me seriously doubting whether or not a retake would even be worth it.
So, If I were to retake the gGRE, only half of my applications would contain the improved score. I'm thinking I may be better off putting that $200 dollars towards a couple more applications instead, but I really don't know. Furthermore, I've heard that gGRE can affect grant money. Is this the case? Because that would certainly bear on my decision.
So what do you all think? Some guidance from someone who is a little more experienced would be greatly appreciated.
I'm a senior physics major in the US. I know this question has been asked in various forms over the years, but I think my circumstances are fairly specific, so I'm hoping you'll all humor me in asking a common question.
Anyway, I'll get on with it: I got a 153(49%) on the quantitative section of the general GRE. Embarrassing, I know. That said, I like to think my pGRE exonerates my math ability to some extent, as I got a 760(60%). As for the rest of my application, I would describe it as "solid." It all ranges from good to somewhat great, but nothing on it is stand out amazing.
This would all be a problem if I was trying to go to MIT, but fortunately, I am not. I'm really just trying to get into a solid school with lots of research going on. And considering my application, I think this is a reasonable ambition. But, I can't stop thinking about my quantitative score. As much as I would like to just assume they will see it as the fluke that it was, I just can't stop imagining that it will cast a shadow of doubt over everything else on my application. So much so that I'm considering retaking it, but the problem is, I've already applied to 4 out of the 8 schools on my list, as they had Dec 15 deadlines. On top of that, out of the last 4 schools I'm applying to, only one is one of my reach schools, Urbana Champaign, which is the most selective program I'm applying to, so I'm not expecting to get in there anyway. This all has me seriously doubting whether or not a retake would even be worth it.
So, If I were to retake the gGRE, only half of my applications would contain the improved score. I'm thinking I may be better off putting that $200 dollars towards a couple more applications instead, but I really don't know. Furthermore, I've heard that gGRE can affect grant money. Is this the case? Because that would certainly bear on my decision.
So what do you all think? Some guidance from someone who is a little more experienced would be greatly appreciated.