Everyday Ethics

Although we typically offer discussion about how to interpret ethical principles embedded in our everyday activity, I want to take a moment to present something of value for my fellow PhD program hopefuls.  Specifically, I want to talk about perhaps the greatest scourge of the application process, the dreaded GRE test.

As a current graduate student at Colorado State University, I can tell you that GRE scores vary widely among my fellow graduate students.  During my brief time at CSU, we have had several students with GRE scores in the 500’s, as well as several with 700-800 scores.  Writing scores have varied from 4.5 to 6.  This supports the first point I want to make, namely that in evaluating your score, programs are far more concerned that you reach a critical minimum then how high your score actually is.

This conclusion is well supported by some research that I have done on my own regarding what top PhD programs really look for.  UC Riverside, for example, which is a Top 30 program according to the Leiter report, cites 1250 as a minimum score that an applicant needs in order to have the GRE not count significantly against them.  This does not mean one must get a 1250, only that breaking 1250 is something of an acceptable minimum score that will not lead to immediate elimination from consideration.

This sort of thing is really important for those of you who are out there killing yourselves trying to break 1400, or whatever it is that you think you need to score.  In most cases, your GRE score is not going to get you into a program.  The best it can do is not hurt you, but it doesn’t really help you that much.  So before you commit six hours a day for 3 months and hundreds of dollars in prep books and prep courses, be mindful of what it is you are really investing in.

More importantly, take a look at the incoming classes of your top choice programs for the last few years.  Specifically, look at the averages for people who actually attend, not just those who are accepted.  Many mid-level programs are safety schools for top candidates.  If those individuals are accepted, the accepting school can cite stats touting the GRE credentials of their accepted candidates.  However, their incoming class might have much lower scores, depending on where else their top choices were accepted.  Check out the 2008 class at CU Boulder for a great example of this phenomenon.  Programs want to look good, so they give you the best-looking stats that they can, but this doesn’t mean that these are accurate for what it takes to get in.  Further, keep in mind that one or two outstanding scores can pull the average way up.  The guy with the 800 is not typical, but he really does a number on the overall average.

Most significantly, try to stay calm about the whole thing.  Take the GRE at least once; see how it works and how well you do.  If your scores are good enough to get you into the place you want to go, leave it alone.  Chances are you are not going to get the 100-point bump you want by taking it again, and even if you do, the amount of work involved is not going to lead to getting into the school of your choice in the way you want it to.  Make sure you are above that crucial minimum for the schools that you want, and then focus on a good writing sample, quality recommendations, and a strong academic record.  The GRE can get you past the first cut, but it’s not what will get you into the school of your choice. 

About the Author

Elijah Weber is a graduate student at Bowling Green State University. He holds a Master's degree in philosophy from Colorado State University, and Bachelor’s degrees in sociology and philosophy from Chapman Univerity. He currently lives in Bowling Green, Ohio with his wife Laura, his newborn son Brandon, and his feline life-partner Monte.