I just got my Chemistry subject test GRE score and it’s completely different from what I expected. Before I started reviewing, I took a practice test to see where I am and I got ~52 percentile. After studying my butt off, I took the official practice test from ETS and got ~70 percentile. But my score for the real test is 44 percentile which I have a hard time believing. I tutor chemistry for a living; I understand chemistry!! Am I in denial or could they ave screwed up my score? :((
Never trust the score you got. Your passion is chemistry. If you did poorly there is always a second chance. Go out there and retake the test. Don’t lose hope.
The score you got is the score you got - actual scoring errors are pretty rare on those tests. But it is definitely possible for someone who knows the material to get a worse score than they are capable of getting. Regardless, the solution is always to retake the rest. Good luck!
Everybody who takes it is pretty good at chemistry. And honestly, some people who take it already have master’s degrees in Chem, and are looking to get into PhD programs. And maybe have taken it before, and are trying again to raise their score.
Your problem, I assume, is that you are out of test dates for this year and want to apply to grad schools for next year.
You probably can request a rescore, but I’m not sure how long it will take, and your application due dates are likely right on top of you. And your score most likely won’t change.
Options you have depend on the rest of your application and what schools you are targeting. Some students take a gap year to get more research experience, and you could also work on your score if you did that.
“Your problem, I assume, is that you are out of test dates for this year and want to apply to grad schools for next year.”
That’s exactly it. It was poor planning on my part to take it so close to the applications deadline. I’m hoping the rest of my application makes up for this since the test isn’t even required for most school. I already submitted my applications anyway. So, I can’t do much about it but wait.
If it isn’t required and your app is solid otherwise, then don’t submit it for those schools. Good luck with your admissions! If you aren’t happy with your admission results and decide to go for a gap year, you will want to study up and retest, I expect.
For others, there is a lot to be said for taking a shot at the subject GRE spring of junior year. Then you’ve had a good look at the test, and have a better idea how to study if you need a 2nd attempt in the fall. It isn’t cheap to take it twice, but can be worthwhile. Competition for good scores is pretty fierce.
Have you considered taking the GRE chemistry subject test?
That is what this thread is about, @NASA2014. The OP took it and is unhappy with their score. The test is only offered 3 times a year - once in the spring and twice in the fall, and the last fall date is past.