Should I retake the GRE?

Question

I didn't study AT ALL for the GRE exam I took in April 2006 and I got:

Verbal: 490
Quantitative: 410
Analytical: 4.0

At the time, I was already in a graduate program so the test was just a formality. It wasn't like I needed it to be admitted. I didn't anticipate going further. Now, I've decided to pursue a doctorate in public policy. (I am currently applying to programs. I'll graduate with a master's in May 2007.) I'm wondering if I should just explain these scores or try again? Is it worth it?

Answer 1

Those scores are low for a PhD in public policy, particularly the quantitative score. I strongly encourage you to try again. While you can sometimes explain these, it's much better to not have to. This score may be too low to explain.

Furthermore, acceptance in a better school frequently means better chance at getting funding to pursue your degree. The better policy schools have fellowships, while the lower you go down the school food chain, you have fewer funding opportunities. It's well worth your time to try again.

I know it's annoying to study, but you really should! Study testing on the computer. Enlist a friend to study with you or enroll in a course. It's very much worth it.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Of course it is. I mean, if you have your eyes set on a goal, you should not cut yourself any slack when it comes to obtaining what you want. By all means, take it again, since that way you can improve and also make your application more competitive than other applicats'. Good Luck

Answer 3

If you are going to the same school, I would just explain it.

If you are going to a different school, I would take it again.