GRRR(E)

"Allison Jones will never think about the GREs ever again. (until the writing score comes in the mail)" --facebook post, August 21, 2010, 12:35 p.m.

"The GRE Program recently implemented a review process of individual test performance for the computer-based GRE General Test Verbal and Quantitative sections. The purpose of the process is to analyze each test taker's performance data because, in a very small number of cases, the computer algorithm may not have selected an optimal distribution of test questions that would have allowed the test taker to fully demonstrate his or her true ability level. It appears that this may have happened to you on the Verbal section of the test." --letter from the ETS to Allison Jones, August 31, 2010

"Sorry, sucker... looks like you're taking the verbal section again." --translation of letter to Allison Jones by Allison Jones, September 4, 2010

I was disappointed with my scores. I scored 20 points higher on the math section than I did last time, but no differently on the verbal. And my math score was higher than my verbal, which is against the laws of nature. And I'm pretty sure every question in the verbal section involved the word "madcap," which probably should have been a sign. So a redo is by no means the worst thing in the world. But seriously, ETS? You couldn't have done this before I celebrated being completely finished with anything involving standardized testing? Before I submitted my first grad school application and did a happy dance of accomplishment?

Oh well. At least I can have all sorts of madcap adventures with my vocab flashcards.