Not as well as I was practicing!

[naleih]

Well, I took my GRE last Friday, and was quite disappointed with my score. I received an 1150 cumulative, 510 V and 640 Q I had been practicing at or around a 1300 consistently prior to the test. However, I spent way too much time on the first section of the test- the Verbal- and had to guess on the last 9 questions. I am retaking it next month, at least I know what I did wrong! Hopefully I can reach my target score.

Am I right in assuming that schools see scores from all tests taken if they are sent scores? Does anyone have insight on whether or not they take the highest score, or do they usually average them?

[fidel1985ad]

Now first let me know the nature of the words did you face in your test.Are they known to you??? If so then the situation is not good.But if it is not so you must not be disappointed.If your are not from physical science or engnr you must not bother with your score in quant section because the score is fairly good. For verbal section I must say there is a high value of luck factor.If you are well in English vocabulary then the problem must be in RC.For RC I suggest to do at least 20 passages/day.Sources are BB,GRE BIBLE,Lots of online source,tcyonline.com,majortest.com etc...GOOD LUCK

[naleih]

Thanks for your feedback! I'm fairly certain that the problem was a direct result of the fact that I ran out of time...I spent too much time on the first set of reading comprehension questions, and thus had to guess through many of the last 10 questions. This was on the first Verbal section I received. I felt ok about the Quantitative section. The last section I had on the test was another Verbal, which I was happy about because I thought perhaps the first Verbal may have been experimental. I felt I did well on the last Verbal section, didn't run out of time, etc. However, because my score was so low, I am assuming the first section I received was the one that counted. I knew some of the words, but not others. I feel I have a fairly strong vocabulary- perhaps I just did have some bad luck!

I have been practicing at around a 650 V and 700 Q....I am certain I can bring my score up if I retake.

Also, I am applying to Clinical Psychology Ph.D programs, which generally require a 1200 minimum cutoff.

For now, I will keep reviewing vocabulary and math strategies, and hope for the best!

[Rioga4x4]

Hi Naleih, I just took the test and barely passed that very same barrel of 1200 (I got 1210!) and I am also planning to apply to a Cognitive/Social Psychology PhD. Do you think I should keep my score and focus on my portfolio or retake the test (I am sure I can get a way better Quant score than 620, but then again I would still have to dedicate more time to my prep).

Please advice me!