grm024

I'm applying to Chemistry PhD programs and I just got 740 math and 410 verbal.
I have 2 papers (one from industry and one from an academic lab) as well as 5 different research experiences and a GPA around 3.7. In light of this, will the 410 verbal weed me out right away?

NB: I have no intention on retaking it because of nearing deadlines

MasterMoe

This is exactly why people should not write the GREs too late into the cycle. At the very latest mid-October so they have time to rewrite if they bomb.

And bomb you did. To be frank, that verbal score is disgusting. The GRE verbal isn't a proper measure of your comprehension and use of the english language but there is no excuse for a 410. I mean what is that? 40th percentile?

Your Quantitative score is meh as well but probably won't keep you out of schools.

I understand most schools do have cutoffs for GRE scores but are somewhat flexible. Your verbal score is most certainly below that bottom limit no matter what it is.

Just hope they're flexible in your case.

safetypin00

Who cares. You did the test and you are not planning on redoing it and you are applying this season.. so just wait and see. Why bother worrying about it more based on what people on CC will say. I mean, it is pretty obvious the verbal is pretty low. But there are too many other things that matter.. it might hurt you or it might not matter at all... but more importantly, just wait and find out. The worst that can happen is you don't get in anywhere, study, re-do it, apply next year.

TheDad

If you have no intention of retaking---and the timing is pretty well impossible at this point anyway---then why ask?

I would rate your chances somewhere between "seriously damaged" and "mortally wounded," but I don't know the nuances of Chem programs. How competitive the programs you're applying to are also matters.

SuperGrad

It really depends on the schools. You should see if they have their average GRE scores posted.

Also, if English is not your first language it might be less of a problem.

Your application as a whole is what matters.

Momwaitingfornew

At this point, you cannot do anything about it. You have papers, great GPA, and extensive research experience, so those may override the verbal score. If you are set on attending only a top tier program, brace yourself now for the possibility that, while you may gain admission to one or two, you may instead end up waiting a year to strengthen your scores. Otherwise, make sure you include some less competitive schools.

I've said this to other students who have one aspect of their application out of whack: please let us know your results after everything is over. It will be helpful to see how an applicant with strong qualifications except for one GRE score fares in the process. Universities repeatedly say that GRE scores are not all that important, but many will do unofficial cut-offs. Your real-world results may trump a standardized test score -- or they may not.

BTW, you might want to talk to your LOR writers about how upset you are with that verbal score and how it may affect your chances. They might be able to address it in their letters, or they make a call to researchers they know at your application institutions. Don't ask for any of this, however. Let it happen.

This is where your LOR writers may come in.

belevitt

Yep, that verbal score may weed you out at some programs but i would be surprised if it does at all of them. You aren't able to change it now so don't worry about it. If it causes you to be rejected out of hand at everywhere you apply, then work another year and retake the GRE. More likely, I suspect this will be the last you hear of it.