Chemmie

From my experience, a strong interest research is more important than some exam not that is not significant to your research in any way. You have a strong background for those schools, but I would definitely apply for 8-12 schools total. There are plenty of great schools in that area, but also keep an open mind about location.

I would not send it. Most chemistry programs say it's recommended, but in reality, most programs don't care. A lot of people I know in top tier chem programs did not even take the exam, and I did not even consider it.

I would not worry too much over it if the document was mailed before the due date. Also it takes time for some systems to update. I had a similar issue for a few schools last year since I mailed my transcript early December, but it was not gonna be arrive before the deadline. I sent them a quick email to let them know to keep an eye out for my transcript and to notify me if they didn't receive it. In the end, it wasn't an issue.

When I wrote when I was half asleep due to the amount of work. Just an update for you guys, I decided to use my time to develop more skills not related to my field of research and travel.

A little background about my situation, I lost my father unexpectedly during the beginning of my graduate program. It has been a few months, but still a complete struggle to do my work, both class and research. Every time I try to do a major piece of work and can't handle the stress to the point where just the thought of my work makes me nauseous. My doctor has recommended I take a year off school to deal with my grief. When I was home during the holidays, I almost decided to take an early medical leave because it was painful mentally and physically to come back, but I choose to come back and finish the rest of my semester since there's only two weeks left. I might feel better after taking some time off, but I am afraid that when I come back, my symptoms might start up again. I don't want to move across the country again just to leave. How would I know when I am ready to come back? I was wondering if any of you had a similar experience.