<p>I'm trying to figure out (along with half the other people on these forums) if I should retake the GRE in order to improve my chances of getting in to a top tier grad school in neuroscience (UCSD, JHU, UCSF, etc.) I got 640V and 730Q and am still waiting on the writing portion. Outside of the GRE scores I have a 3.9 GPA, will be graduating with majors in Neuroscience and Cell and Molecular Biology from Tulane University, strong recommendations (2/3 from people directly involved with my research), ~2 years of research experience, am second author on a recently submitted paper to a very good journal, and will be presenting a poster at SfN 2011. Other than my GRE scores and the fact that my undergrad degree is coming from a school with not as much name value I feel like my application would be fairly good and my PI has pushed me to only apply to "top 10" schools. I understand that most schools don't weight the GRE all that heavily but will my scores keep me from getting to the interview stage at the caliber of schools that I'm looking at? I'm trying not to let the ego boost of my PI's faith in my get in the way of my realistic chances of getting into grad school. Any help/advice would be much appreciated.</p>
<p>Your GRE scores are good. Your GPA is excellent. Having even higher GRE scores won’t make any difference in your application to the top schools. The most important criteria is your research experience and your references. I would say you’ve got a decent chance to get into a top ranked school based on your research. Good job.</p>
<p>I took GRE general test today and got the following scores.
Verbal -690
Quantitative -690</p>
<p>i’m worried about my quantitative score. should i take the new GRE? Which i’m assuming i have to prepare for a lot as i’m not used to the new one.
I want to apply for the biology programs at Yale, Berkley, MIT, University of Washington, Northwestern and Princeton U.
I have research experience of more than 3 years and 2 years of those are in cell and moleular biology.
I have won awards for my research and many travel awards to present at national meetings.
I also have a GPA of more than 3.6 and have a major GPA of more than 3.8.
I also have minors in chemistry and Math.
I will for sure get really good recommendation letters. However, i’m an international student.
What should i Do? Please help?</p>
<p>abqNola, I think your scores are fine. My friend got in to all of the above mentioned schools with a total GRE score of 1370. He had a similar GPA and similar research experience as you do and came from a small college.</p>
<p>hey i am also applying to ns grad this year and will also be at SfN 2011. </p>
<p>i got 1510 gre, 3.86gpa and 3 years research but no paper along with 3 good recs, im just not sure if not publishing can hurt you at the top tier institutions. (im also international but go to a us undergrad)</p>
<p>my advice is that with such a strong gpa, u should be able to do better on the GRE, it certainly couldnt hurt. i always thought that if you have a very high gpa but a low GRE then it gives the impression that your school was “easy” which i dont think is the case with Tulane. what do you think?</p>