Should I take the revised GRE?

**araujo1987** · 05-28-2012, 09:11 PM

Hi everyone,

I applied to 12 places last year and received just two, unfunded offers. I'll try again this year.

I took the GRE two times (Q780 and Q800). Do you think I should do the new version of the GRE?

I think I can place at least a 167+...

Thanks you for your opinions.

**ecoetz** · 05-28-2012, 10:00 PM

I'm no expert on this, far from it, but I'm guessing the old Q800 will be as competitive as any percentile score over 94% (i.e. 166+) for at least two or three more cycles. I wouldn't think that the number of applicants with new GRE scores will greatly surpass the number of applicants with old GRE scores this year, or maybe even the next. Having said this, I don't think in any case that a Q800-->Q166 is worth repeating.

Setting myself as an example (as I can't go beyond this), I got a Q164 (~790 in old scale), got a t10, and I'm pretty certain that this was not the weakest part of my profile. I would have spent time improving in other areas like getting an MA (or more MA level courses) or improving my rapport with profs to improve LORs before retaking the GRE.

What other plans do you have before the next cycle? Maybe some more experienced TMers can give their two cents on the matter...

**araujo1987** · 05-29-2012, 09:59 PM

Hi ecoetz,

Thank you for your answer.

This next year I'll work as an RA with a well known theory professor and take a couple of grad math courses.

I've already discussed these topics with fellow TMers. This time is just this GRE deicision that is on my head...

**mathemagician** · 05-29-2012, 10:16 PM

You might as well give me the $100 rather than the ETS. I'll probably make better use of it.

**TomRod** · 05-30-2012, 12:36 PM

Originally Posted by mathemagician

You might as well give me the $100 rather than the ETS. I'll probably make better use of it.

Hah!!

**OneArmedEcon** · 05-30-2012, 03:17 PM

Originally Posted by mathemagician

You might as well give me the $100 rather than the ETS. I'll probably make better use of it.

$100? It was $140 when I took it two years ago!

**ecoetz** · 05-30-2012, 03:30 PM

Being Captain Obvious here, I believe my fellow TMers think you shouldn't repeat the GRE and that you are set with your current scores. I wish you all the best with your applications.

**araujo1987** · 05-30-2012, 07:43 PM

Maybe you've reached an uncommon result from a bunch of economists: consensus.

The only thing that worries me is the possibility of all other applicant who will compete with me apply with 166+ in the new test, while mine is equivalent to a 164...

**tm_member** · 05-31-2012, 12:38 AM

Originally Posted by araujo1987

Maybe you've reached an uncommon result from a bunch of economists: consensus.

The only thing that worries me is the possibility of all other applicant who will compete with me apply with 166+ in the new test, while mine is equivalent to a 164...

One of your scores is 780 which is equal to 163 right? And the other is 800 equal to 166+? You have nothing to worry about. Work on the rest of your application.