Help! poor GRE Chemistry score

[periodictable_a]

I have a good GRE score 160V, 163 Q, 3.94 GPA, research experience at a National university but I did poorly on my GRE chem. I had a family emergency and had no time to study for the subject test. I got 16 percentile. I did not know how much to expect because I did not get a chance to do the practice test.  
 

I am planning to apply to Cornell and Northwestern but they require Chem subject test. Shall I apply to these schools or not? Any help or suggestions would be really appreciated. 

 

 

[asaprocky]

you should still apply (what do you have to lose? basically a denial if you don't so it can't get worse) and mention what happened in your SOP. I know you're suppose to really only talk about your strengths but a few sentences explaining your situation won't hurt. Good luck!

[HERDERRCHEMISTRY]

Might as well apply; I'm sure strong letters of rec and research experiences would overcome that.  That said...if you mention that you didn't have time to study because of a family emergency, I think they might question your study habits.  Sorry if I'm making unfounded assumptions, but I don't really see how an emergency could affect your studying significantly unless you literally waited until the last week or so to study.  I feel like an admissions committee could ask why you didn't feel the need to start studying earlier.