<p>It helps but isn’t necessary. It might depend on if you plan on going straight to grad school after graduating, or if you will take some time off. Prestigious grad schools will want experience more than pedigree. I’m only speaking for the sciences too, so this could be different depending on what field you’re trying to go for.</p>
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<li><p>I think it could hinder your chances but it depends on how good of a student you are. I’ve known people that have gone from CSUEB to UC Berkeley (chemistry), to UCSF medical school, and to the Mayo Clinic (full scholarship MD/PhD). It is easier to slack off at a not so prestigious undergrad school, and that would be where you get hurt. </p></li>
<li><p>Graduate schools admission requirements are going to differ from school to school and from department to department. However they mostly require 3 letters of recommendation, a personal statement, a personal history statement, GRE general test scores, GRE subject test scores (sometimes optional however usually strongly recommended depending on department/school; a good subject score will only help you), and official transcripts.</p></li>
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<p>Another thing that graduate schools look for is undergraduate research (very important, often a deciding factor), and other things that you do that can help your admission such as tutoring experience or summer internships. Good luck!</p>
<p>The GRE general test can be taken any time of the year, at any of the registered testing centers. Can only take one gre per calender month, with a limit of 6 times per year I think? Not entirely sure about that, you can find the info on their website; just go to google and search. The important thing is if you are going to take the subject test, it is only offered 2-3 times per year, once in the spring and 2 times in the fall I believe. The general GRE consists of an English and math section as well as an evaluation of an argument essay and another essay. Start planning for the GRE tests (registration, etc.) midway through your junior year, but you should be studying off and on for them, especially if you are not good with the vocab.</p>
<p>It is like the SATs. Most people take them a few months to a year before applying to grad school. Test scores are valid for 5 years or something like that. The application process starts the year before you would start classes, so you should try to take the GRE for the last time around October (you can take it multiple times). The latest deadlines will be anywhere between December and February for most schools. A decent timeline for going directly to grad from undergrad is to study during the summer before your senior year and take your first GRE in June/July. This will give you plenty of time to study and retake it in Aug/Sept if needed. The latest you should take the GRE is October or EARLY November. It’s a lot more stressful waiting for your scores if you wait until Nov to do it. Get your apps turned in on time and then interviews will start between Jan-Mar.</p>