getafix

Thanks for responding. I am planning to take the exam after the first semester of my junior year. By then i hope to have covered close to 90% of the topics they listed on their website. I think I've done most of the quantum chem and physchem topics, and quite a bit of the organic. Hope to cover what is left of organic and inorganic in the coming semester. I hope that puts me in a competitive spot. What do you mean by "pre-req" for foreign students? Most of the places list it as a requirement, I am aware, but what are the quotes supposed to imply? haha

Hi! I'm a (soon to be) third year undergraduate (starting this oct.) student from Nagoya University, Japan. I plan to take a crack at the chemistry GRE after I finish the first semester of my third year, and so I intend to start preparing soon; so that I can allow myself enough time since I will be balancing GRE prep with regular coursework. a. Am I allowing myself enough time? I am planning on reviewing my coursework, paying special attention to the topics that appear in gre syllabus. At the same time, attempt practice tests. However, I am not so sure about this course of action so I welcome suggestions. (this will be my first time taking the test). Textbooks that I plan on using: Volhardt, Schore for Ochem (and Clayden Warren & Greaves), Atkins for PhysChem, Housecroft and Sharpe for Inorganic (and Cotton and Wilkinson), and Gary D Christian's text on analytical chemistry. These are the books I have used in my courses, but I am open to new recommendations. b. Is the Princeton Review prep book for the chem GRE any good? If not, I would love to hear some alternate recommendations. It would be best if someone recommends books/material that they have used in the past and found useful. c. Again on the subject of test prep material, what are some good places to find practice tests? Preferably, free but I don't mind paying if they aren't too expensive. I have downloaded the one from ets' website. d. What's a good score/percentile to aim for top tier unis (MIT, UCB, Caltech northwestern and suchlike). I know that there's no cutoffs and perfect scores don't guarantee anything but still I would like hear people's opinions...to get a feel for the playing field. Some context/personal details: GRE General: 169V/166Q/5.0AW; current GPA (might go up once i get my grades for this semester..fingers crossed) 4.08/4.3 scale (grading: S, A, B, C where S = 4.3, A=4.0, B=3.0..etc. However, the S grade is reserved for the top 10% of the class). So far haven't been able to secure any research experience. In our department, undergraduates aren't allowed to get involved with research before their 4th year (which is disappointing). However, I have spoken to a few people and I am trying my best to start early in my third year...I know this is damaging my chances and I am working real hard to remedy this situation. I should be able to get good LORs and write a good SOP etc. I am passionate and driven..and in case someone's curious, my interests lie in Supramolecular Chem.