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[totoro]

Our numbers were 15-20 applicants. 6-7 admits. 3 or so new funded positions each year.

[anthroarch]

I use to teach for Kaplan (SAT, not GRE, but they are really quite similar) and my opinion is that with your scores, you shouldn't shell out the money for the class.  Your verbal score is too high to benefit from their very basic instructions.  Maybe some of the math strategies could help - but in my experience, all of the strategies they will teach you in a $900 classroom course can be found in the $30 prep book they sell in the bookstore.  If you are missing some basic math concepts or need a refresher, then the class may be worth it.  But if you remember the math and it's just the WAY they answer the questions that is messing you up, take a pass.

Also, I scored a 6 and I'd be embarrassed for anyone to see the essay I wrote for the GRE and assume that was the way I actually wrote.

Thanks, Juillet. I ordered a book and will go through that and probably re-sit the test sometime in October. I assumed I can get a decent bump by studying this time or even just by sitting the exam for a second time and knowing what I'm getting into. I also had the flu at the first retake, which shouldn't probably have hurt my score, but makes for a nice ego saving/confidence boosting excuse for me.

[kitschykewl]

While I agree with everyone stating it'd be best to retake (with a month of solid studying, you could bring up your score 200 points), the ultimate deciding factor isn't necessarily how high your stats are, but the originality, and distinction of your proposed areas of focus.

If you use that GRE score, I don't think it will be automatic grounds for placement in the "reject" pile. If your SOP & writing samples show immense promise, and a unique subject matter, it will more than make up for a lower GRE score. Too often you see individuals with unbelievable GPA's & GRE scores lacking in this regard, looking to study topics, and trends that have simply already been done (for instance, English candidates wanting to focus on 19th century British literature). That, not their scores or letters of recommendation, ultimately hinders them from getting into the top-top programs.

I say go for retaking (it can't possibly hurt), but spend the bulk of your time on the parts of the application that stem for your thought and your ideas. (as an example, I was accepted into the #1 program, at a top 10 overall university, in a field related to yours, and my GRE score was 10 points less).

Best of luck!! I'm sure you will do fantastic :)