Should I retake the GRE for Chem PhD?

BrownParent
Tue, 27 Jul 2010 03:50:10 +0000

They will know how hard the grading is at your U. I think GRE is just a hurdle, not even a tipping point, especially for top programs. Your V is great, near 90%. It is only the Q that is just above minimum expectation for such programs, likely, at around 87%.

My daughter had similar scores, similarly only made time to practice the week before due to research obligations, couldn’t practically retake due to study abroad in demanding program, and just was satisfied to leave it. I can’t imagine it would have made a difference, and she did get some nice offers (only one on your list, only 2 overlaps, but different science field.) The offers that she got really wanted her and there were professors who specifically chose her as someone they wanted to work with due to her resume.

Your call on this. The essay portion seems to wildly vary with expectations, and many say it doesn’t count much if at all.