Well, I took the GRE today. I already have a MAT (MA in Teaching) from West Alabama. But I had previously taken the MAT (Miller Analogies Test) and they accepted it. But I am applying to Texas A&M's PhD program in English, and they required the GRE. It has been nearly 9 years since the MAT anyway, so I didn't have a choice. Granted my intended program is not a DL program, but I thought this conversation would be applicable for anyone considering a graduate program. I made a 680 on the verbal section (which should put me around the 95th percentile), but a 570 on the quantitive (about the 40th percentile). So here is my question: Will such a low score on the math portion have much bearing on acceptance into an English program, especially since I did pretty well on the verbal? I don't have scores on the essays yet, but I feel pretty confident about them. Wow, who would have thought that it might help to REALLY study up on the math, since it has been 18 years since my last math class? I just didn't feel very motivated to spend loads of time on math. I did brush up on some of the GRE vocabulary, so that I would be prepared. But that is really about all the studying I did.
I took the MAT a few months ago and, like you, didn't study at all for it. I was pleased to score in the 93rd percentile. However, the math on the MAT is not very difficult. I'm OK at math, but harder math might have brought down my score somewhat too. Isn't the GRE reported as an aggregate score? If so, it might be fine. It would be pretty ridiculous to be kept out of an English program because of a low math score!
I think they break it down. When I applied, had I already taken the test, I could have entered my scores into the application form, and it had spaces for "verbal" etc. In fact, your post made me wonder, so I went to the GRE website and their sample report has verbal and quantitative listed separately, along with the essay score.
Hopefully, your admissions officers will see that you are excellent at English. Who cares if your math is a little weak? Nobody is good at everything.
Somewhere the school has published an academic profile/ average GMAT among accepted PhD students, or at least a minimum required for admissions. I don't think this is typically considered a blind process by most schools. Also, many schools waive the GMAT if you already hold a graduate degree. In the small amount of browsing I did (master/doctorate nursing), I found "a combined score of 1200" was written all over the place. That seemed to be a common in the nursing field, since I'd estimate well over 75% of the programs I looked at used that phrase. Anyway, I'm sure your school can tell you well ahead of your application if your score meets the minimum, and is competitive....otherwise, how can you even determine if you should apply?
The verbal score is going to matter a whole lot more. Mathematical knowledge isn't even marginally relevant to PhD studies in English. If you have strong LORs and a strong GPA, you would be positioned well.
I would be willing to bet that your essay score will be weighted the most heavily for a PhD in English.
It is in some circumstances. See "Scientic and engineering problem solving with the computer" by Bennett, especially Ch 4.
Just got my official scores. I already posted the analytical (570/40th percentile) and verbal (680/96th percentile). Today, I learned the essay writing score - 5 (84th percentile). I am a little disappointed with that score. I hoped for at least a 5.5... oh well, now I have everything needed to submit my materials to Texas A&M for their program. Now to wait to hear if I am accepted...
I think you will make it. Your verbal and writing are well above average, even though you were not happy with the writing score. I can't imagine that they would keep you out of an English program because you are slightly below average in math. Very few individuals are skilled in all subjects; it's normal to be great at one and weak in another.
