General GRE + grad school (what's my chance)?

In summary, the verbal GRE score may not be the only factor considered when applying to a top school, but it is a factor. If you do poorly on the verbal GRE, your application may be less likely to be accepted.
  • #1
tim_lou
682
1
Hello, I know this has been asked many times... but I am greatly worried about the verbal GRE session.

English is not my first language but I've been around long enough to be considered a fluent speaker. Realistically speaking, I'll probably get around

Verbal: ~450 (what if I completely bomb it and get ~200-300?)
Writing: ~500
Qualitative: probably 800

My Physics GRE is 990. I heard that people don't really care much about the general GRE but I'm afraid that such a low verbal score may kill my application before the people even see it.

Other than the General GRE, I have 3 summer + 2-3 semesters of research (one summer at CERN), really good recommendation letters + 3.9ish GPA with plenty of grad classes.

My goal is Princeton/Santa Barbara/Cal Tech High Energy Theory, I believe/and people say that I have a great shot at the top schools, however, I would like some completely honest opinions from other people. If the verbal will affect my admission, I'll take a week of focus to straighten it out (of course, I would much prefer focusing on my research + classes). Also, what about the NSF graduate fellowship? Do I have a pretty good shot at it?

I'm getting slightly stressed out even before school begins... this semester will be hectic. I'm trying to plan out how I'll spend my time early on and so any comment is appreciated. Thanks for the help.
 
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  • #2
As I am just entering a university program this fall, I have nothing to really offer you as personal advice. However, I have been looking at a website lately, physicsgre.com, that has people profiles (GRE scores, GPA's, research lengths, etc.) and could give you a good idea in what shape you're in and which programs you should look at. This site also tells you not only what schools people applied to, but also if they got in or not, when they were notified, and what date they were notified on.

Hope this helps, and good luck at grad school! :)
 
  • #3
Sorry I forgot to mention this. When you get to the site, click on Prospective Physics Graduate Student Topics, then scroll down and click on 2008 or 09 (whichever you choose) Applicant Profiles and Admission Results. Enjoy!
 

FAQ: General GRE + grad school (what's my chance)?

What is the General GRE and why is it important for grad school?

The General GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is a standardized test used by many graduate programs as part of their admissions process. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing skills, and is designed to assess a student's readiness for graduate-level coursework. High scores on the GRE can strengthen an applicant's profile and increase their chances of being accepted into a competitive graduate program.

How do I prepare for the General GRE?

Preparing for the General GRE involves familiarizing yourself with the test format and content, practicing with sample questions, and developing test-taking strategies. There are many study materials available, such as review books, online courses, and practice tests. It is recommended to begin studying at least 3-6 months before your test date to allow enough time for thorough preparation.

What is a good score on the General GRE?

The GRE is scored on a scale of 130-170 for the verbal and quantitative sections, and 0-6 for the analytical writing section. The average score for each section is around 150-153. However, what is considered a good score can vary depending on the program and field of study. It is important to research the average scores of accepted students in your desired program to get an idea of what score you should aim for.

How much do General GRE scores matter for grad school admissions?

The importance of GRE scores in the admissions process varies among graduate programs. Some programs may place more emphasis on GRE scores while others may consider it as only one aspect of an applicant's profile. It is best to check the specific requirements and admissions criteria for each program you are applying to in order to determine the weight of GRE scores in the admissions decision.

What are my chances of getting into grad school with a low GRE score?

The answer to this question also varies depending on the program and field of study. A low GRE score can be offset by other strong components of an application, such as letters of recommendation, research experience, and a strong personal statement. It is important to showcase your strengths in all aspects of your application and not solely rely on GRE scores. Additionally, some programs may offer GRE waivers or have a holistic admissions process that takes into account more than just test scores.

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