How much do your GRE scores count toward the Grad school's decision to accept you?

Question

I am freaking out. I am applying to grad school and taking the GRE's in 3 days. I had good grades in undergrad but I'm so bad at these kinds of tests!Any advice please!

Answer 1

The GREs are only one of a number of factors important to admissions decisions.

However, the GREs *do* weigh heavily in determining the level of support extended to the student. This is because fellowships and assistantships are often offered by the university, rather than the department. Departments nominate their top candidates (with great GREs) to compete with other candidates across the university for these awards.

But don't freak out. The GREs are really not that difficult. If you are in the arts or humanities, your analytical score won't be looked at very closely. But do make sure to get a high score on the writing portion. That shouldn't be too tough, since you've been writing college-level essays for years!

Best wishes to you!

Answer 2

A lot of it depends on the discipline and the quality of the school.

For example, if you are applying to a PhD program in finance at a top school, you need great grades and a match score close to 800. This is because they get 300 applications per year and accept four or five students. The verbal score is much less important, though.

On the other hand, if you are applying to a large state school for a popular field, it is less important -- because they need lots of TAs. They let more people in, but make it harder for them to stay.

If you have good grades, you will certainly get into some graduate program. Depending on the field, you will even get into a good one. If your GREs are high, you will have more options.

Answer 3

I feel your pain! I am in the same boat, as neither of my masters degree programs required the GRE but my new PhD program does, so I am taking it soon.

The doctoral adviser with whom I spoke said not to worry about the test - it is the well-roundedness, the ability to write, and the match between me and a faculty member's interest that will determine acceptance. Given that I had great grades in previous grad work, I'm not studying too much for the GRE. Get to know the folks who are making the acceptance decisions, as that gives you a leg up in the process.

Now, if you are applying to a very competitive master's program, your scores do need to be good to get your foot in the door. If they have hundreds of applicants for 30 spots, great GRE scores will count.

good luck!