Applying to PhD in US: Navigating GRE Scores and Requirements

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In summary, the student is a Chinese undergraduated student who is planning to apply to American universities for a PhD. They recently took the GRE general test and are unsure of what information the scores convey to the universities and how professors will interpret them. They are also curious as to why physics professors would want their graduate students to recognize complex words. The response is that the verbal part of the test is not as important as the mathematical part, which is a way for professors to gauge a student's math skills.
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Hi, I'm a chinese undergraduated student. As I want to apply to some American universities for PhD, I took GRE general test these days. However, I have no concept with what they want to know about applicants through their scores? And how professors will realize applicants with their scores? I'm not sure why physics professors hope that their graduated students can recognize those complex words. Could anyone tell me? I'll be very grateful for your help.
 
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'm not sure why physics professors hope that their graduated students can recognize those complex words.

They don't. The verbal part of the test is not very important. You are supposed to do well on the mathematical part, so that professors know that you're good at math.
 
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FAQ: Applying to PhD in US: Navigating GRE Scores and Requirements

What is the GRE and why is it important for applying to a PhD program in the US?

The GRE, or Graduate Record Examination, is a standardized test that is often required for admission to graduate programs in the US. It is designed to measure a student's readiness for graduate-level work and includes sections on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Many PhD programs in the US require a certain minimum score on the GRE as part of their application process.

What is a competitive GRE score for a PhD program in the US?

The definition of a "competitive" GRE score can vary depending on the specific program and field of study. Generally, a score in the 75th percentile or above is considered competitive, but it is important to research the average GRE scores for the programs you are interested in to get a better understanding of what is expected.

Are there any PhD programs in the US that do not require GRE scores?

While the majority of PhD programs in the US do require GRE scores, there are some that do not. These programs may have alternative requirements or may place less emphasis on GRE scores in their admissions process. It is important to research individual programs to determine their specific requirements.

What other factors do PhD programs in the US consider besides GRE scores?

In addition to GRE scores, PhD programs in the US also consider a variety of other factors when making admissions decisions. These factors may include undergraduate grades, letters of recommendation, research experience, and personal statements. It is important to have a well-rounded application that showcases your strengths in all of these areas.

Can a low GRE score prevent me from being accepted into a PhD program in the US?

While a low GRE score may make it more difficult to be accepted into a PhD program, it does not necessarily mean that you will be automatically rejected. Admissions committees will consider your entire application and may place more weight on other factors such as research experience and personal statements. It is important to have a strong overall application and to research programs that may place less emphasis on GRE scores.

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