<p>So I took the GRE yesterday and I got a 610V/580Q. I quess I was thrown off by getting the quant section first rather than the verbal. The order I received on all 8 practice test I did was verbal, then quant; however, that is beyond the point. So should I apply anywhere with these scores. My area is chemistry, and I am interested in a PhD program in cancer biology, or organic chemistry. My profile is</p>
<p>Undergrad GPA: 3.2
Research Exp: 7 years (3 undergrad, 4 Industry)
Pubs: None. Have tech reports w/ company ( 5 first authors out of a total of 8 reports)
LOR: Will get solid LORs from my mentors and supervisor.</p>
<p>I don't know if I should try to apply to some of my lower ranked schools with these scores (Syracuse, Northeastern, Wayne State) and just hope for the best. I am thinking of taking the new GRE, but I will need my scores by Dec. 1 for two programs I am interested in. Any advice on how to proceed? My power preps were PP1: 680Q/ PP2: 600Q. I just ran into a lot of odd problems, and a lot of comp and perm problems.</p>
<p>Since your GPA is 3.2 which I believe is average if not lower side, you want good GRE score. Your V is fine, but you should try to get at least 700Q to make it competitive for your major (biology and/or chemistry related). My suggestion is just study the Q part, retake GRE until it is 700+.</p>
<p>However, because your PhD major heavily emphasizes on research, research exp and LOR weigh much more than GPA and even more than GRE. You have a lot of research exp, but I’m worried because you don’t have peer-reviewed publications. I don’t know how a tech report will compare to peer-reviewed publications in term of adcom score; I hope it’s similar. What I do know is that a good amount of peer-reviewed publications and stellar LORs will get you far even with so-so GPA and GRE</p>
<p>I applied to a similar major with yours: Barely 3 GPA, 1350 GRE (800Q), only 2 years of research exp with two publications (co and 2nd author, JBC level journal), 2 stellar and 1 so-so LORs, got in top 15 with funding. Adcoms told me I got in because I am competitive due to my publications and LoR, and my Q kind of compensate my GPA.</p>
<p>The test changes Aug. 1 of this year. Like in two weeks. I can’t take it again, and I am pretty sure I can’t get in any PhD programs with scores like these. I am in a heavy area, although I have an extensive math background.</p>
<p>I don’t mean to be callous but even with your powerprep scores, less than 700 on Q for a science major is a concern. I took the GRE on Thurs, and I found both Q & V sections to be more challenging than the powerprep and I scores significantly lower than my practice exams. </p>
<p>I’m thinking about retaking it and I don’t think the new version will be anymore challenging that it won’t be possible to retake after maybe studying off the new Powerprep software and also maybe buying one prep book. </p>