pizymisa

Which program did you choose? I guess that depends on other applicants, whether or not they have all taken a subject test.

I majored in Genetics and just graduated from UC Davis and want to apply for a ph.D program this year. I checked a lot genetics programs, and most of them says, it's strongly recommended to take a subject test. My two options: biology sub or biochem sub. ( the graduate advisor at our school thinks I probably don't have all the knowledge to take the biochem sub, if I can take and do well in any sub, probably the bio sub.) So if I don't take a subject test, will that lower my chance of getting admitted significantly? I have my name on one paper as the co-author, and I'm writing another one as second author. I really don't have a lot time to prepare the subject test, and really need you guys to offer me some advice. Thanks.!~

I just hope I can get a 3 finger crossed. I'm not a good writer at all

I would still recommend you to take the new GRE in August. Perhaps you are not familiar with the new GRE. many things have changed. Math is much easier, shorter, with a on-screen calculator. Verbal is different. I don't know how you feel about reading. Judging from your superb writing skills, reading shouldn't be a big issue for you. Then, the new GRE, which emphasize on reading ( the comprehension part) will work to your advantage. new G only allows 30 mins each in AW section. If you are a strong writer, this still works to your advantage. Your percentile will increase.

I assure you that part doesn't count for your essay score. It's a survey and you probably get a essay format for the new GRE.

actually I am serious. That's what I heard from a number of people. Some seems to think this is bad news, if I really can't strike a high score in writing. Some seems to think it doesn't matter. I studied 5 months for GRE, but writing is more a skill that develops over years. So the internsive study didn't help much with that after all.

Hello, guys. I'm new here. But I'm really concerned about my GRE scores, and I don't know who I can ask, I just graduated from UC Davis,majoring genetics. I'm planning to apply a genetics Ph.D program. and took the GRE test Today...I got 1600. This really troubles me. I'm not confident at my essay part, a 1500 would probably be more suitable. (I'd be lucky to have a 4 for writing) I thought there was no way to get all the questions for the comprehension part right. I heared that if you have a very high score, schools expect you to have a 5.5 to 6.0 essay score; otherwise, they think you cheated and won't consider your application. AHHH...... Should I take the new GRE this August, and not study for it to get a lower score to even out the 1st one? :(