Expert: Jay Cutts - 8/5/2009

Question
Hello Jay, I'm currently signed up to take the GRE-General Test two times (once a week from now & once about a month from now), however, I'm not feeling as prepared as I could be for the test coming up next week. Also, I wasn't planning on providing ETS with my list of schools until after I see how I performed--but if they will be able to see the results for the test I score lower on, I'm guessing I might as well submit all my scores up front.

That being said, I have two questions:
1. Are grad schools able to see both scores when I submit my scores for the higher-scoring test?
2. Do they typically consider the lower-scoring test when they make their decision for admission into their program?

P.S. I'm planning to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology

Thanks in advance for your help!

Answer
Hi, Shayla.

Yes, grad schools will see all scores that are on record.  Most schools do seem to consider the higher score, but they may be influenced by the fact that you scored lower the first time.

You have a number of other options to your current plan.  I'd be glad to go over them with you.  I'll probably need to know a little more about your situation, so you are welcome to call me at 800-353-4898, day or evening, 7 days.

My first thought is that if you are not prepared to get a strong score next week, why bother taking the test?  There are other ways to see how you are scoring.  

Secondly, for most PhD programs for Fall 2010 admissions, you will not need to have a score until early November at the very earliest.  I do understand what your reasons may be for wanting to take it early but for most applicants it is a much better idea to wait until almost the last minute.  I can go over with you how this could be to your advantage.

Finally, the GRE is very learnable but most people are not able to learn the necessary skills for it on their own, through books or even with the large commercial prep corporations.  I will be happy to find out a little more about your experience with the test and talk about what exactly you can learn that can make a large increase in your score.

I hope this helps for now.  You can review my website at http://www.cuttsreviews.com and I'll be glad to talk with you about strategies for significantly increasing your competitiveness.  There's no charge for talking together, of course.

Regards,

Jay

Jay Cutts
Cutts Graduate Reviews
800-353-4898