<p>i'm going to be completely honest here, and admittedly i'm not a science student, so i definitely don't know everything, but i think you need some candid advice.</p>
<p>everything on your application was competitive except your GRE scores. they are all too low. i suck at math and my quantitative score was higher. your subject test score was far too low. even though you're in sciences and the verbal score doesn't matter that much, there is always the danger that a verbal score that is too low will raise white flags.</p>
<p>more than anything, the GRE tests how well you take the GRE. it's not a demonstration of your knowledge or skills, but it is a demonstration of how well and how willingly you jump through hoops.</p>
<p>there is a very strong chance that your scores were not high enough to merit many schools even reading the rest of your application. unfortunately, a lot of schools use things like GPA or GRE scores as a cut-off, and if you don't meet their threshold, they don't even read the rest of your file. it's dumb and they're missing out, because in all other ways you sound like an ideal candidate. but it could be a very real obstacle and even the main reason you feel like you're having difficulty getting in.</p>
<p>that said, you had 3 interviews at three great schools. that counts for a lot, but with a higher GRE, you'd likely have more people knocking at your door.</p>
<p>i know you said you didn't want to take the tests again, but that's really the only weak part of your application, based on the information you've provided.</p>
<p>I have no doubt that your GRE scores killed your chances, and I think you're being a bit stubborn with your future by not taking those tests again. Not many people get excluded due to scores, but your record is very nice aside from the scores. Grad students put in stupid hours in labs (I know guys in my building that have cots in their offices), so I find it a bit hard to believe that you can't set aside time while holding a job to study for the GRE considering your life situation once admitted.</p>
<p>I've to agree with gthopeful. You applied to very competitive schools with tens of highly qualified applicants and difficult decisions to make. And you are giving them a good reason to exclude you of the competition. Departments are also more likely to be interested in someone that can easily get the school fellowships and GRE is important in fellowship nominations because it allows schools to compare applicants from different disciplines. I really hope you get accepted to this last school, but if not, i'm afraid you 'll have to take the GRE again. I am an international and i've seen a number of international applicants -who are not native English- score 1500+ by planning a long time study for months. I've also known a non-biology major who got a score in the 97th precentile in the GRE biology test. If you are really determined, you 'll find some time to study over your busy schedule.</p>
<p>Naomi- What school and program is your last interview? Maybe some of us have been to one there already and can give you some specific advice? Good luck!</p>
<p>--@mutation: I am actively engaging in the conversation...I've been asking questions regarding their research and I would simply ask have you considered this? Then I would elaborate why I made those suggestions. They would get excited and start writing things on the white board. </p>
<p>I am probably saying something wrong during my outings with the students because I act pretty professional around the faculties...</p>
<p>--As for the GREs. I realize my scores are low and I know I can do much better on the subject test only because I couldn't finish it (I left like 20+ questions blank). I'll try to find time to study for the GREs...although I work two jobs (bartender at night :) )</p>
<p>--I will be interviewing at University of Washington and I will probably change up my attitude and personality for this interview. </p>
<p>--I appreciate everyone's help. Thank you for caring! :)</p>