GRE Biochemistry or Biology

[ZSs]

Hi,, I like to do a phd in molecular biology. And i hope to carry out my studies in USA. Do I need to take the GRE biochemistry test or the Biology test? Is it possible to do GRE biology test and still get selected to a molecular biology programme in a good university?

 

Thank you so much,,,

[bsharpe269]

What is your undergrad major? Many schools dont require the subject tests. You can probably find out what test is required, if any, by looking at the websites of the specific programs that you are interested in.

[ZSs]

Thank you,,,,,

Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. But I haven't studied Biochemistry. I heard that doing subject tests can increase the chance of being selected. Is it true?

Edited July 3, 2014 by ZueSz

[Vene]

If you do well I'm sure it'll help, if you do poorly it will hurt. I didn't take any subject tests when I applied to pharmacology programs as a biology major. Out of 5 programs I got 2 interviews, one at the University of Minnesota and one at the University of Vermont. What I decided when I applied was I was competitive enough without it (>3.5 GPA which increased as I did undergrad, senior research project, 1 year of experience as an industrial chemist) so I didn't bother.

I don't think that molecular biology programs care if you do a biology GRE or a biochemistry GRE instead. Most programs don't require it anyway.

[username1824]

I didn't take the subject test (well I did, but I bombed it and didn't report my scores) and I get interviews at the top schools in my program. My undergrad mentor told me that you should only take the subject test if your grades in biology classes seem low.

[biotechie]

Very few schools actually require the subject test. Most say the recommend it, and I would take it if your previous studies hadn't been in molecular biology. I got into my top choice program with 75% on the general GRE, a 3.6 MS GPA, and no subject GRE.

 

I would look into the schools you want to go to. If it says the exam is required, you probably need to take it.

[ZSs]

Hey guyz,,, Thank you very much for your support. It really did help. I really appreciate it. Thank you all

@ bsharpe269 @Vene @ username1824 @biotechie