GRE :1st Attempt :1320 ; 2nd :1120 : Multiple score policy.

[FirstRAY]

Hi All,
I have taken GRE twice first in April 2008 and second in May 2008.
My scores are : 1. 1320 (520(V),800(Q),3.5(AWM)) -- April
2. 1110 (580(V),530(Q),4.0(AWM)) -- May

I have dropped mails to a number of universities regarding which of the scores they consider i.e. the best score or the latest score or the cumulative one.

While most of them replied saying they take the best score , a few of them said they review all the scores.

How do you think would my scores impact my overall application?

I have done my BE in Electronics and aiming to do my MS with specialization in Embedded Systems.

[Oldman]

Firstray,

Well, the fluctuation in quant you may be able to justify in your essays. Say you were having a bad day. Scoring an 800 is not a fluke and you can validate this with a BE in electronics. The improvement in verbal you can say reflects your true ability. What you may want to check on is the AWA. Most look closely when it's below 4.5.

How do you explain the drop in quant?

[FirstRAY]

Thanks for the reply.

I was too much focussed on Scoring high on Verbal and drop in quant was basically due to bad time management.But I have a very good track record in my boards and engineering degree program. One low score in quant cannot negate all that.

Should I take a GRECS to enhance my chances.
I have 2 years work exp in software industry and have a pretty solid academic record.

[Oldman]

I could speculate, but that's all it would be.

I think you should ask these questions to those schools who are telling you they review all scores.

[econ_phd_2009]

firstray , i really feel sorry for u.. it's very much tough time for u. i think u should talk to ur schools as oldman mentioned earlier. best of luck

[Dorlen4]

if the second score was higher than the first one, it wouldn't be a problem. It would, in fact, be an advantage.

If I were in your place, I would take it again and aim really high. That way your 2nd score will be quite justifiable, and any excuses, you will come up with, will then sound convincing.

[Jeanette]

Personally I think the mistake was retaking it to begin with. Taking it a third time will only compound the problem. Remember that GRE is only part of your application package.

[FirstRAY]

Thanks Guys for sharing your views. Here's the say on the above thread straight from the horse's mouth :
I have written communication from ECE department of Universities like Virginia Tech, Colorado Boulder , ASU , Utah and like. All of them take the best score.

@Dorlen,
A person who has scored better on the second attempt is no better than the person who scored less in the second attempt. In case of such a discrimination the whole concept of Multiple GRE attempts becomes baseless and biased.

[Dorlen4]

yes, but logically if you score more the second time, it will mean more than one positive thing: 1- you've improved 2- you're a hard-working person 3- you don't give up easily

You qualify for all that from what I can see, maybe with more focus on the math you will do a lot better next time.

good luck

and if they do take the best scores, then no need to retake it of course