Schools that "recommend" but don't require subject tests

[Kimmo]

I'm applying for neuroscience programs. About half the schools I'm applying for recommend taking a subject test; one school 'urges' students to take it, but no school requires it.

I have no plans to take a subject test; how bad am I hurting my application?

Has anyone here gotten accepted to such a program despite not taking the subject test?

Thanks

[neuropsych76]

Do they want you to take the psychology subject test? If schools recommend it then you would be hurting your application by not having it.

Luckily I was only considering one school (university of new Mexico) that strongly reccomended that subject test. I asked around and apparently it's super hard to get in there without taking it even with a stellar application. That's just one example so maybe others can comment on this but I would recommend taking it even though it isn't much fun

[Kimmo]

Most don't specify and say to take it in the applicant's field of study. UCSD recommends the biology test.

The thing is my degree (Biomedical engineering), at least from my university, hasn't really given me enough background in any of the subjects for me to feel comfortable taking it. I'm most prepared for biology, but looking at the practice exam and hearing that people spend 3+ months preparing for it, there's no chance that taking it at this point and doing horribly would help me in any way... unless I put off going to grad school for 1 year, which I'm not willing to do.

Thanks for your advice.

[Neuronista]

I'm applying for neuroscience programs. About half the schools I'm applying for recommend taking a subject test; one school 'urges' students to take it, but no school requires it.

I have no plans to take a subject test; how bad am I hurting my application?

Has anyone here gotten accepted to such a program despite not taking the subject test?

Thanks

I'm applying for neuroscience too. And I'm as lost as you are.

As you mention, most programs say that the subject test is "highly recommended but not required."

But since I had an unsuccessful application season last year (without the subject test), I thought that taking it might improve my chances. I don't actually know how true is this. But I'm just doing it.

My GPA is not that high (3.3) nor my general GRE score (1110 + 5.0 AW). So I'm planning to retake the general GRE test and take a subject test in biology. (I actually e-mailed one of the programs and asked what subject test do they recommend. The response was exactly as what you mentioned: "anything related to your field of study." So I decided I'd take the biology test since my bachelor's was in pharmacy and my MS was in pharmacology and Toxicology. Biology would be the most closely related!)

I do have research experience (I have an MS degree already, and I'm currently an RA). I'm working on two publications. One has already been submitted and the other I'm still working on. So I hope getting at least one of the papers published before application deadlines will help improve my chances.

Good luck! I'll follow your topic and see what other people think!