Should I Retake the GRE with a Score of 312 (Quant 156, Verbal 156, and Analytical 4)?

Deciding whether to retake the GRE can be a daunting task, especially when you already have a decent score. With your Quantitative and Verbal scores at 156 each and a slightly lower Analytical score of 4, you might be wondering if it's worth the effort to improve your chances of admission to your ideal university. Before making a decision, consider the following factors and the advice from experienced professionals in the field.

Assessing Your Current GRE Score

Your current Quantitative (156) and Verbal (156) scores are excellent, placing you well above the median for most graduate programs. However, your Analytical Writing and Argumentation (AWA) score of 4 might be a cause for concern, as it is the lowest of all three sections and can significantly impact your overall application.

The AWA section is a crucial part of the GRE, and while it only accounts for a small percentage of your total score, admissions committees often give it significant weight. A score of 4 is considered below average, and it's not uncommon for universities to have a minimum AWA requirement of 3.0 to 3.5.

Considering Your University and Program

The decision to retake the GRE should primarily depend on the competitiveness of the universities and programs you are applying to. Universities often have their own average GRE scores for admitted students, and you should aim to be above or at least close to these averages.

For top-tier universities, it’s often advisable to retake the GRE to ensure your application stands out. Since AWA is a reflective measure of your analytical skills, it’s crucial to have a strong score to complement your other application materials. If you are targeting highly selective schools in the Top 25, a retake is highly recommended. However, if your target universities are in the range of the 25th percentile or lower, focusing on improving other parts of your application may be more effective.

Evaluating Other Components of Your Application

Your overall application is a holistic evaluation, and each component is considered in relation to the others. Strong letters of recommendation, a compelling Statement of Purpose (SOP), and excellent university grades can significantly offset a lower AWA score. However, if your university grades are poor, it might be more beneficial to retake the GRE to raise your overall application quality.

It's also important to consider the cost of retaking the GRE. Retaking the GRE once costs $205. While this might seem significant, it's cheaper in the long term compared to the financial and time investment of submitting multiple applications. Additionally, some universities may still consider your initial score, so if you have a strong application in other areas, a single higher score might be enough to boost your chances.

Conclusion

In summary, whether you should retake the GRE depends on the competitiveness of the universities you are applying to and the strength of your overall application. If your target universities are highly selective, and your AWA score is significantly below the average, a retake could be beneficial. However, if you have strong recommendations, a well-written SOP, and decent university grades, focusing on these areas might be more effective.

Ultimately, the goal is to present a comprehensive and well-rounded application that maximizes your chances of admission. Good luck with your decision and application process!