Advise needed! Should I adjust my school list?

[nunezy]

Hello,

 

I'm applying to Biochemistry/molecular biology Ph.D. programs and I wanted to know if my recent GRE scores (160Q, 155V, waiting for AW) no longer qualify me for my original list of school's I'm applying to. I have other strong points on my application such as 3.92 cGPA (3.98 biology), 2.5 years of research in undergrad, currently doing research at NIH, an article publication in a journal, and several abstracts published. I have a long list of experience with different techniques, giving presentations, leadership, good LOR, decent personal statement, etc. I cannot retake the GRE's because it is too late in the application season. 

 

I was applying to Harvard, Stanford, UC Berkley, University of Washington, Washington University in St. Louis, and University of Wisconsin-Madison, and I know my score doesn't fall in the average scores at these school. So now I'm thinking I should save money and forget about applying to the big names . Or should I still give it a shot considering the other aspects of my application? (I have very low confidence)

 

Does anyone have some insight on how important GRE's are for Ph.D. program in the science fields? 

[Monochrome Spring]

From what I understand, GRE scores in the sciences are used primarily for 1) weeding out the lower end of the applicant pool with minimum score requirements and 2) nomination for fellowships.

 

Given your high stats other than your GRE, I don't think that you need to worry about not applying to those programs. You have to keep in mind that GRE scores are not the only factor in your application. If you are really worried about score cutoffs, you can email those programs and ask if they have a minimum GRE score.

[nunezy]

From what I understand, GRE scores in the sciences are used primarily for 1) weeding out the lower end of the applicant pool with minimum score requirements and 2) nomination for fellowships.

 

Given your high stats other than your GRE, I don't think that you need to worry about not applying to those programs. You have to keep in mind that GRE scores are not the only factor in your application. If you are really worried about score cutoffs, you can email those programs and ask if they have a minimum GRE score.

 

Thanks. This was very helpful!

[Icydubloon]

If your GRE AW is 4.5 or higher, you will be competitive for the schools you listed. GREs are usually used as a filter for the graduate school (not the department for which your applying). Yes, your department looks at the GRE score too but it's mainly a filter to make the graduate school happy.

[wandajune]

Those GRE scores alone probably wont disqualify you, especially since the rest of your application is strong. If you're very concerned though, perhaps take one of the big names off the list and add in a safety school or two.

[Loric]

Or just add the safety schools. Nothing ventured, nothing gained.