<p>how optional is the optional GRE subject test?</p>
<p>UM's grad school in math says that the GRE math subject test for admission into the Phd program is optional. I found this rather odd. </p>
<p>Would it look bad if I didnt submit the GRE math subject test, since its optional, as they say?</p>
<p>I have no idea how much weight subject tests is in the grand scheme of things. But before I wrote mine I just told myself to try my hardest and if I score bad don't bother submitting the scores, but if I do well I dish them my scores. My feeling is that most people approach the tests this way.</p>
<p>You only don't need to submit GRE math subject scores if you're planning on going into AIM (Applied & Interdisciplinary Mathematics). I don't see how they could possibly hold it against you, since they go out of their way to mention at least 3 times on the admissions page that GREs are not required for the AIM program. My guess is they're trying to attract people whose background and expertise is more in a specific field (biology, physics, chemistry, etc) that the mathematical methods will be applied to, rather than the mathematical methods themselves.</p>
<p>I think it also depends largely on your background and transcripts. If you have all the appropriate coursework and did well in it, I think the exam is more optional. If you are missing a lot of the elective type courses that would help show your proficiency you might want to take it, especially, as has been discussed, if you are coming from a totally different background/major all together.</p>
<p>I mean, if you already have a masters in the field, the subject GRE becomes extremely optional in my opinion.</p>
<p>Im currently a Junior at FIU doing a math major.</p>
<p>I will be applying to UM's math grad program right when I finish my BS in math.</p>
<p>Up to now I been able to maintain a 4.0 in my major (math) and a 3.88 in my general gpa.</p>
<p>I plan on applying to more schools which may require it, rather than have it optional so I might be forced to take it.</p>