3

I am planing to apply for Ph.D programs in Mathematics in U.S.

Since I have studied in U.S. for two years and eligible for TOEFL waivers according to the websites of many math departments, I don't have to retake TOEFL in order to apply. But my GRE verbal score is between 150 and 155, which is less than many applicants who have never studied in English-speaking countries.

I wonder how do the committees think of my case when I don't send my TOEFL scores to the school? Can I increase my chances of being accepted by sending my good TOEFL scores(say 100+) to the math departments which don't require TOEFL scores for my case? Or the committees simply ignore the TOFEL scores sent to them when they know the applicant doesn't have to send them?

Improve this question
2
  • Any reason you don't want to re-take GRE?
    – Nobody
    May 31, 2016 at 5:08
  • @scaaahu I will try again but according to many cases of my classmates, GRE verbal score is harder to improve than TOFEL scores. Many of them only take GRE general test for once. I am not confident in myself.
    – No One
    May 31, 2016 at 5:10

1 Answer 1

Reset to default
3

If you meet the requirements of a TOEFL waiver it would be a waste of your time to take this test. I would only worry about the GRE score if there is some sort of minimum admission score for the school you are applying too.

It's better to make sure that your statement of purpose is written in excellent English and that you provide other evidence of academic and research potential. Committees are used to dealing with international students and the challenges of English.

Improve this answer
3
  • Unfortunately there are no minimum admission scores for GRE on the websites of departments. They don't even give average GRE scores. As I indicated in my comment. GRE verbal is harder to improve and my question is not just about taking TOEFL but also about sending TOEFL scores. Do you think it is helpful for me to send my TOEFL scores?
    – No One
    May 31, 2016 at 5:23
  • People often hate to get paperwork they did not ask for. You don't even need to take the TOEFL, they didn't ask for your scores, sending them would be more irritating as they have to think about info they did not ask for. I doubt this helps but you can always contact the admission officers
    – Darrin Thomas
    May 31, 2016 at 5:31
  • Would also add this might not only vary from school to school but also from department to department. If you're really worried you should ask but I agree: a well written statement of interest should be enough.
    – Raydot
    May 31, 2016 at 20:46

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .