Biology/Plant Biology PhD programs--need advice regarding GRE scores

<p>Hi Everyone,</p>

<p>So I've been out of school for almost 4 years (working as a chemist) I want to go back to school for my PhD focusing on Molecular Biology (specifically plant molecular bio) </p>

<p>...I'm applying to pretty competitive programs: Stanford, Berkeley, UChicago, Caltech, UIllinois, UC SanDiego. </p>

<p>My concern is that my quantitative gre score is terrible...I received a 650- which puts me in the 60th percentile. (I had a full blown panic attack during the quantitative section- I was sick with bronchitis, and I'm convinced the medicine I was taking, caused it)
I know, I know...lamest excuse ever.</p>

<p>Anyway, I did amazing on my verbal -730; which was the 99th percentile. I would retake it, but it's too late for me if I want to apply for next year. (Again, I know I shouldn't have waited to the last minute!)</p>

<p>I'm pretty sure I have to address my low quantitative score in order to even be considered at these schools. Any advice as to how I can go about doing this? I'm very disappointed in my score, because I definitely know my high school math =) In my job, I do "data analysis" and "quantitative comparisons" on a daily basis!</p>

<p>Should I mention something in my statement of purpose?...or just not say anything? I don't want to make excuses for myself, but I also don't want to wait another year!</p>

<p>Any suggestions would be appreciated so much...this is stressing me out beyond belief.</p>

<p>Thanks!</p>

<p>I wouldn't say anything, because I just don't think the ADCOM care that much about illness for that one occasion.</p>

<p>Meh, I wouldn't worry about it. General GRE scores really aren't important. Particularly balanced by lots of research experience.</p>