Should I take the GRE Subject Test more than once?

February 7, 2009 12:52 PM

If I take the GRE Mathematics Subject Test in April, and then again in October, will graduate schools necessarily see my April score when I apply?

... or do I choose which score I would like them to see?

I want to take it in April to get a better idea of what I need to brush up on.

posted by alligatorman to education (6 comments total)

Yes, they will see both scores.

However, I don't think schools will care much about your April score, unless your October score is worse. In my experience, taking a "practice" exam is a pretty good idea.
posted by muddgirl at 1:00 PM on February 7

They'll see both scores, which, like muddgirl said, isn't a big deal.

But if you're just wanting to get an idea of what to brush up on, why don't you find a practice test, take it under simulated testing conditions, and see how you do?
posted by SpringAquifer at 1:06 PM on February 7

I've taken the GRE myself, and from all I've read from preparatory materials is that the schools who receive scores from multiple testings will receive them as averaged between the two scores.
posted by tybeet at 1:25 PM on February 7

Do you know anyone who's taken the GRE recently and still has their PowerPrep CD? I think those might actually be old GREs - the formatting is exactly the same and your scores on the real test will be within a small margin of how you do on the PowerPrep test. At least, mine were - within 10 or 20.

In any case, that software will give you an excellent idea of what you need to brush up on, and it's a lot cheaper than taking the test twice. Take it in a cold, quiet room for extra realism.
posted by crinklebat at 2:06 PM on February 7

My mom works in university admissions. They will see both scores, but only your last score will be considered for admission. A large improvement in your score always counts in your favor.
posted by halogen at 2:15 PM on February 7

I run graduate admissions for a Ph.D. program in mathematics, so I think I can answer this definitively. I see both scores.
posted by escabeche at 3:34 PM on February 7