General GRE + grad school (what's my chance)?

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SUMMARY

The discussion centers on concerns regarding GRE scores and their impact on graduate school applications, particularly for high-energy physics programs at institutions like Princeton, Santa Barbara, and Cal Tech. The user anticipates a verbal GRE score around 450, a writing score of 500, and a Physics GRE score of 990. Despite a strong academic background, including a 3.9 GPA and research experience at CERN, the user seeks reassurance about the significance of the verbal score and its potential effect on their application, as well as insights on the NSF graduate fellowship. Recommendations include utilizing the website physicsgre.com for insights on applicant profiles and admission results.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of GRE scoring and its relevance in graduate school admissions
  • Familiarity with the NSF graduate fellowship application process
  • Knowledge of high-energy physics graduate programs and their admission criteria
  • Experience with academic research and its impact on graduate applications
NEXT STEPS
  • Research GRE preparation strategies specifically for non-native English speakers
  • Explore the NSF graduate fellowship eligibility requirements and application tips
  • Utilize physicsgre.com to analyze applicant profiles and admission trends
  • Investigate effective time management techniques for balancing research and GRE preparation
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for prospective graduate students in physics, particularly those concerned about GRE scores and their implications for admission into competitive programs, as well as individuals seeking NSF graduate fellowship opportunities.

tim_lou
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Hello, I know this has been asked many times... but I am greatly worried about the verbal GRE session.

English is not my first language but I've been around long enough to be considered a fluent speaker. Realistically speaking, I'll probably get around

Verbal: ~450 (what if I completely bomb it and get ~200-300?)
Writing: ~500
Qualitative: probably 800

My Physics GRE is 990. I heard that people don't really care much about the general GRE but I'm afraid that such a low verbal score may kill my application before the people even see it.

Other than the General GRE, I have 3 summer + 2-3 semesters of research (one summer at CERN), really good recommendation letters + 3.9ish GPA with plenty of grad classes.

My goal is Princeton/Santa Barbara/Cal Tech High Energy Theory, I believe/and people say that I have a great shot at the top schools, however, I would like some completely honest opinions from other people. If the verbal will affect my admission, I'll take a week of focus to straighten it out (of course, I would much prefer focusing on my research + classes). Also, what about the NSF graduate fellowship? Do I have a pretty good shot at it?

I'm getting slightly stressed out even before school begins... this semester will be hectic. I'm trying to plan out how I'll spend my time early on and so any comment is appreciated. Thanks for the help.
 
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As I am just entering a university program this fall, I have nothing to really offer you as personal advice. However, I have been looking at a website lately, physicsgre.com, that has people profiles (GRE scores, GPA's, research lengths, etc.) and could give you a good idea in what shape you're in and which programs you should look at. This site also tells you not only what schools people applied to, but also if they got in or not, when they were notified, and what date they were notified on.

Hope this helps, and good luck at grad school! :)
 
Sorry I forgot to mention this. When you get to the site, click on Prospective Physics Graduate Student Topics, then scroll down and click on 2008 or 09 (whichever you choose) Applicant Profiles and Admission Results. Enjoy!
 

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