Send dismal PGRE scores to mechanical engineering programs?

[pablo4429]

So a little background,
physics major/math minor
3.81 overall GPA, 3.65 physics
4 good letters of rec
combined 4.5 yrs research with 3+ at a good internship with a very renowned government funded private research company in southern California, don't want to name names

However, I just took the practice PGREs and score a 590 which is embarrassingly low. I was already thinking about applying to mechanical engineering phd program and was going to send my GRE scores along with my applications but I am wondering, assuming I don't gain 250 points overnight would sending them help or hurt if I don't do so well?? I was also going to apply to some applied physics places, but with those kinds of PGRE scores I can't see where I could get in. Am I screwed for physics grad school now if I choose to go that route?

thanks all

 

[fss]

You should work to bring your Physics GRE score up. Most places require them for a higher-level Physics degree.

 

[DyslexicHobo]

Maybe I'm misunderstanding your situation, but why are you sending your Physics GRE scores along with applications to a mechanical engineering graduate program?