Not applying for the fall, when is the next appropiate time?

[muulex]

Hello, I am upset with my GRE scores. I landed in the 33rd percentile. I was hungover the day of the test and did not put as much thought into my test taking day as I should have or could have. For this reason, I'd like not to apply this year because I am not going to be satisfied with my choice of schools. When is the next appropriate time to apply?

[PathIntegrals92]

Well I think you will have to take off for a year and then reapply for Fall 2016 admissions because the next physics gre exam is offered only April 2015. You might find programs that accept for spring admissions (Spring 2016).


If your gpa is really good and you have strong LORs, you might be able to get into a decent school this time around. It's all up to you though.

Good luck!

[TakeruK]

Spring admissions are also quite rare and not many programs offer it so you might also not get the choices you want. I believe subject exams are now offered in April, September and October, so if you apply in a year from now (for programs starting Fall 2016), you can get at least 2 more tries (maybe 3) at the PGRE.

In the meantime, I think it would be a good idea to find a plan to strengthen your profile in other ways as much as possible for applications in a year from now. For example, maybe you can set up a research position? Good luck!