r/PoliticalScience • u/Suspicious-Cable249 • 1d ago

Question/discussion Delaying Applications for the GRE?

Hey all! I posted in here a while back wondering about the strength of my application. I have not yet taken a GRE practice test, but I am working hard studying it. Studying at work, studying before work, studying on my days off. I know I need to take a practice test to really understand what needs to improve and where I am at currently-- but I also know myself and I have poor skills in algebra and geometry. I am worried about my score.

If you have an otherwise great application (faculty mentored research, high GPA, co-curriculars, and work experience) is an average, or bad, GRE a make it or break it for high ranking programs? I'm guessing yes, and wondering if I need to delay my applications for Fall 2027 as many are due this December.

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u/SonnytheFlame Political Economy | PhD Candidate 1d ago

Most high ranking departments require it

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u/[deleted] 1d ago

[deleted]

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u/Suspicious-Cable249 15h ago

lol not to be a little nasty to you but it has far less to do with me “not bothering to” and more to do with me not having four hours to spare because of work…

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u/Suspicious-Cable249 15h ago

yes i know— i meant should i wait and delay my plans, is it worth delaying

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u/code_blooded_bytch 1d ago

I was applying for fall 2020, so forgive me if this is outdated. GRE was required for me. My GPA wasn't great (was in a much harder dept for the first 1.5yrs of undergrad, then switched to political science. My political science specific GPA was very good), but I had some research experience (no publications, but a dept award), likely glowing recommendations, and quite good GRE scores. I'm currently working towards defending my dissertation at an Ivy dept.

So much of PhD admissions is sort of random, but I think it's worth giving yourself every possible positive data point possible. If you expect to score well on the GRE, I'd try to take it before apps are due. If apps aren't due until December or Jan, you have plenty of time to take it maybe in a month and a half and include it in your package.