Wish me luck!

[graceomalley]

How did it go, Owlie?

[Owlie]

Thank you all!
Apparently my brain is broken. Since the test is computerized (who thought that was a good plan?!), you get your scores back instantly. It seems that the verbal section is harder for everyone, so that a score in the 90th percentile in verbal is the same as a score in the 40th in math. There was a 90-point gap between my verbal and math scores. So while I did very well on the verbal, I have quite a bit of work to do in math.

Ah well, at least I know what I need to do.

[Miranda]

Ah well, at least I know what I need to do.

I think just taking the test in itself is quite an experience. Good attitude--keep that up and all will be well.

I took the test twice. Did all the pre-study stuff etc. Did score I think better second time.

DH took it with me on the 2nd time on a whim. No preparation what-so-ever. STILL scored way higher than me. Which I kinda expected. Why did he take it *really*? Just to see if he could get a higher score than me (typical DH).

What did he *do* with the test and letters he received from grad schools asking him to apply based upon his GRE score? NOTHING! Too much 'work' for him to be forced to apply himself further.

I went on and got my Masters in Business Administration.

Good luck on your second try! Now you know a lot of what to expect--helps.

[Tri Girl]

I applied for grad school at a school that didn't require the GRE because I'm scared to death of that test. I don't want to know how stupid I really am. I don't test well at all, so it makes me nervous.

I'm glad you took it and got your results back immediately. When is the next one?

[Crankin]

It is not unusual to have a large discrepancy between verbal and math scores. I took the GRE once, many years ago and it confirmed my lack of math ability. However, i still made it into a PhD program, which I eventually left because I decided I wanted to have kids instead...
Anyway, the big difference in the different types of intelligence runs in my family (my kids). Both had verbal SAT scores well into the 700s and math scores in the 500s. The oldest one, who really didn't like math took a prep class and raised his math score 40 points. So, with a little concerted effort, you can improve it.
Of course, it seems that now-a-days everyone is perfect in everything!

[Owlie]

I'm glad you took it and got your results back immediately. When is the next one?

I won't get the writing section results back for another month, most likely. My next test date is October 22. Happy freakin' birthday, Owlie.

[tulip]

I won't get the writing section results back for another month, most likely. My next test date is October 22. Happy freakin' birthday, Owlie.

That's my birthday, too! And I have to give a big presentation to a new client on that day... I'm sure we'll BOTH do great!

Oh, and in my experience (two Masters degrees), GRE scores are not that important to grad school. Not nearly as important as all the other factors, including life and work experience, and the ability to write well.