<p>Do most biology-phd's take the subject test for the application? I haven't heard much about this. In general, would the main GRE suffice? If yes, then why is this option available?</p>
<p>for many schools you need both the main GRE and one subject test. Either the bio or the biochem would work for most schools.</p>
<p>I opted out of the subject test and did just fine at great schools- which did not require it. I know that some places do require it (ie-TSRI) but not most. The only thing that I can think of for why it would be included is to, perhaps, either show that you are awesome at tests or to improve the overall stats.</p>
<p>I didn't apply to a single school that listed the subject test as "required", they all said it was "recommended". I am guessing that if you have a deficiency elsewhere in your app, the subject test score might be able to compensate. For instance, a lower gpa might be offset by a really good subject score. Aside from that, I can't imagine why it would be recommended at all.</p>
<p>are there any review books to suggest? how did you study for it?</p>
<p>There are more review books available for the biology subject test. Molecular/cell bio umbrella programs generally accept either the biology or biochem/mol. bio. subject tests.</p>
<p>Isn't there also an ordinary (some molecular, some evolutionary and ecological) Biology GRE? If you're nervous about taking such a chemical exam, consider the alternative.</p>