<p>I took the GRE PowerPrep and well (410V/640Q). I understand the Quant section-I felt rushed. But the verbal? I know well over 1500 words and have been studying for this test since January 2011. I have taken the Kaplan course also. I want to get my Ph.D in chemistry, but it seems that this will not be a viable career path. My GPA is not steller-3.0, I have research experience but no publications, I will have strongs LORs but, I don't know. I have been out of school for 6 years and I know I won't do well on the subject test. </p>
<p>Maybe, I should just stop trying so hard and become a garder, or a trash man. I don't know at this point. It is hard to keep your head up and stay optimistic, but when faced with this, you have to start asking yourself some tough questions. I know I am smart, but I guess I will allow a test to keep me from my goal.</p>
<p>HEY! Don’t fret! Honestly, what I have learned is that for research PhD experience is way more important than your GRE. Because your GPA is not strong I recommend you apply to a masters program or apply to a research assistant position. Either of these will allow you to build up your experience even more and to possibly get a publication. During this time you can sharpen your verbal skills even more. Don’t let this stupid test get you down! I have a few recommendations to improve your score. First, buy the exam kracker MCAT verbal book; it’s full of reading comprehension practice tests that I’m sure will over-prepare you for the GRE reading comprehension. I know the GRE is changing soon, so find out how its format is and get a head start! You definitely wont have to worry about learning words since that will be completely scrapped from the new GRE. PhD programs want to see that you are a worthy investment for them so you need to tailor your resume to convey just that. It may take some time, but in the end it’s worth it if this is your dream!</p>
<p>I feel the same way. I took my GRE today and got a not-so-good verbal score (It burns me up that I got 110 points higher on the ETS paper practice test the other day). I freaked out and told my friends I’m going to have to work at Burger King. I’d swear the words were completely obscure, yet I know how strong my verbal skills are in reality. Just remember it really is some stupid, arbitrary test. Maybe you could try the new GRE like I’m going to- it’s supposed to be a better determinant of your intelligence. And research experience is just as important (maybe more) to graduate schools. Keep your head up</p>
<p>Yeah, don’t give up if you really want to study and be successful with whatever you wish to do. First off, you are not in a bad position to prepare a great application. Things you cannot control is the 3.0 GPA, which is just at the cut-line. Things you can control are your SOP, LORs, and the GRE.</p>
<p>SOP: Write a stellar SOP. Read books and good samples. Also, ask for proofreading to multiple people</p>
<p>LORs: Prepare a folder with relevant materials for the recommenders including 1. list of schools you are applying to with dates 2. summary of why you are applying 3. list of the things you contributed to the recommenders 4 resume 5. your SOP as an addendum. This was just a sample list, but having a personalized folder for that particular recommender can help them remember the great things you did.</p>
<p>GRE: Study vocab and learn math concepts. Verbal scores can range widely and really can’t be learned in days, but I really think that anyone can get atleast a 750 on math if they just dedicate a little time to learn a few concepts. Also, spend significant time on the first 10 questions!!!</p>
<p>Just a side note that top PhD programs in chemistry is extremely competitive. I would follow NeuroGraduate’s advice on applying for MS first.</p>
<p>If chemistry is truly what you enjoy learning, you will regret forever if you don’t at least try to apply. Everyone deserves to study what they love.</p>
<p>+1 to the others replies!</p>
<p>Also, powerprep is a pretty accurate software, BUT there is some luck involved. If for the first few questions you get all words you don’t know, your score can drop significantly. When you take the test you could very well get words you do know and your score could go up 100 points.</p>