<p>I majored in Genetics and just graduated from UC Davis.
I want to apply for a ph.D program this year.
I checked a lot genetics programs, and most of them says, it's strongly recommended to take a subject test.
My two options: biology sub or biochem sub.
( the graduate advisor at our school thinks I probably don't have all the knowledge to take the biochem sub, if I can take and do well in any sub, probably the bio sub.)</p>
<p>So if I don't take a subject test, will that lower my chance of getting admitted significantly?
I have my name on one paper as the co-author, and I'm writing another one as second author. I really don't have a lot time to prepare the subject test, and really need you guys to offer me some advice.</p>
<p>Thanks.!~</p>
<p>Not significantly as long as it does not say “required”. If you have publications that are good, then not taking subject GRE won’t be abysmal to your application.</p>
<p>But if the admission said “required” then it’s a given that not taking it will significantly lower your chance XD</p>
<p>Although, even if it’s not required, taking subject test sometimes help in getting scholarships and such.</p>
<p>I’m in the same boat. I was planning to take the biology test but none of the schools I’m applying for require it. All say “not required,” one says “strongly recommended,” a couple don’t even mention it. </p>
<p>I’m not typically good at these tests and I’m guessing I’d get somewhere between 500-650. Would a score like this be a waste of $140 and my time? My general GRE score is 1250-1300. My science GPA is 3.4, cumulative 3.5. 2 years of related industry research. </p>
<p>Thanks…</p>
<p>I took it, got a crap (~55th percentile) score and sent it only to the school that required it. I was accepted to 5/6 of my schools anyway, with some of those five “strongly recommending” that I send a score. In the end, I think it was a waste of time and money. YMMV.</p>
<p>Thank you IMSAgeek! </p>
<p>Does ETS let you send it to 4 schools for free? (like the general GRE). If so, did you not even send it using that service? </p>
<p>BTW which school required it? - can’t seem to find any that actually do!..</p>
<p>I think I will probably take it.
If I did terrible, I won’t send the score.</p>
<p>Now my issue is which one is easier.
Biology or biochem?</p>
<p>It does let you send it to 4 schools for free. I think I used that service for the one school that required it, but I don’t really remember.</p>
<p>Scripps Research Institute in San Diego required it.</p>
<p>Basically I would only take it if you have a lot of time to study (and honestly think you will spend a lot of time studying). If you’re not going to have the time to put into it, it’ll end up being a waste of money. It could help your app if you get a really good score, but getting a really good score involves memorizing a lot of material. </p>
<p>FYI, I took Biochem. I have heard that Bio is easier, but I have no personal experience to back that up.</p>
<p>Hi, I actually heard the same thing.</p>
<p>material wise, bio sub has about 30% of the content I have never studied in my 4-yr undergrad.
But I’m familiar with all the biochem content, and because of that, I can tell, there’s gonna be tons of memorization, ex,
Metabolic pathway—Killer!! </p>
<p>I’m trying to finish my personal statement and CV as soon as possible.
Have a publishing-quality paper to write. You are right. time is tight.</p>
<p>Honestly, the best I can do is probably to start at the begining of Octobor, and study for 6 whole weeks, without doing anything else.</p>
<p>I did this for my general GRE test, I was in parents’ house for 5 weeks, no talking to people, no going out, and no internet.</p>
<p>Bio is easier than biochem, but the average will also be higher for bio, so plan accordingly.</p>
<p>My friend in a bio phd program now asked around who took the subject GRE. About a third of the students took the biochem sub. Another third of students took the bio sub. The last third didn’t take any. </p>
<p>I’m trying to put this all in perspective by putting myself in my own shoes in 1-50 years from now, and I’m thinking…ultimately having/not having a subject GRE score will probably not be the reason I get in to school or not. I just can’t see myself saying “I should’ve taken the subject GRE!” Because of this, I think it’ll be a waste of money, time, and stress, so I’ve decided to not take it. Not out of indolence, but for the reason above.</p>
<p>I’ll probably take a practice test this weekend. If the score is anywhere like I suspect it’ll be, fuhgetaboutit. </p>
<p>BTW I bought the Bio GRE Kaplan book from **Borders **and now I can’t return it. ARGHHH!! LOL!</p>
<p>THanks denizen.</p>
<p>Now I’m really trying to find a good prep book, but there isn’t any.</p>
<p>Would you recommend any book in particular?</p>
<p>p.s. I should probably check ETS website, see when is the last day to cancel a sub,</p>
<p>There isn’t really a definitive Biochem GRE book. When I was researching, most people used old biochem textbooks, which makes studying for the biochem test *that *much more frustrating.</p>
<p>So you already signed up? If you haven’t, I wouldn’t sign up with planning to cancel the test. You’ll be out $50. Also if you haven’t signed up, you have to sign up a month in advance. So assuming you’re taking it Oct 15, you have at least a month to figure out if you really want to take it or not. I’d take a practice test offered on the ETS website and go from there…</p>