neuroscience phd programs with "subject test recommended"....

[FastBallooningHead]

So,

 

I'm applying to neuroscience PhD programs. 3 of the 10-15 schools I'm applying to state that the subject test is not required, but it's recommended. The neuroscience program at one of these 3 schools is under the psychology department, so they are referring to the psychology GRE... the other 2 are under Biomedical Science departments, and it appears any related subject test will do. I'm currently registered for the October 25th GRE psychology test. However, I sorely underestimated the amount of time it would take to fill out applications, read about and email professors showing my interest in their research, write personal statements, etc. Thus, spending 10-15 days preparing for the psych GRE would really disable me from doing the applications to the best of my ability......... So, I'm curious how important it is to take this test given that the 3 schools simply "recommend" it. Does anyone know how heavily this test is weighed in programs like the ones I'm applying to? Briefly, here are some of my stats that might help you to respond:

--3.5 GPA (with honors) double major in psychology and an unrelated subject 

--GRE: 319: verbal: 162, math 157, writing 5

--2 first author publications (literature reviews) in the neurosciences in lesser known foreign journals and a couple years of research experience

--I should mention that I have very little classroom experience in the related physical sciences and math  (bio, chem, phsyics, calc) because I was a psych major ......though I took a grad level class in behavioral neuroscience as a non matric at a local college with a good neuroscience masters program and did very well.

 

What do you guys think?

 

Also, I'm curious what everyone thinks my chances are of getting into mid-upper tier programs... I know people hate this question and there is no way to give any concrete answer, so feel free not to answer if you don't want to....My main question is the about the psych GRE.... but I figured I'd ask this as well...

 

Thanks in advance for any feedback! 

[VulpesZerda]

I was signed up for the Sept 27 psych GRE and a couple weeks before it I realized, "whoah, I have not studied as much as I planned" and I cancelled it. Half my programs "recommend" it but I think it's okay. None require it! I was a psych major too so my thought was my psych GPA should be good enough to prove my knowledge.

Edit: from what I've gathered, this test is often just used to compare two applicants--the test could give you an edge if you do extremely well. Other than that it is not weighed heavily.

Edited October 8, 2014 by VulpesZerda

[FastBallooningHead]

Thanks, kind of what I figured...I also had a high psych GPA: 3.9.... so I figure that should prove my worth in the subject.... but I'm still a little worried because none of these programs take more than 10 students and so maybe it will come down the psych GRE......

[bsharpe269]

A couple of my programs recommend a subject test and I won't be taking one. I seriously just don't have the time. Since youre already registered then why not just take it and decide later whether you want to send it or not?

[FastBallooningHead]

...because I just won't do well unless I review the material for a few weeks... I haven't looked at half of the material in at least a few years....I'd rather reschedule the test for sometime next year in the case that I don't get in anywhere this year... that will save me some money...

[FastBallooningHead]

anyone else?

[bsharpe269]

...because I just won't do well unless I review the material for a few weeks... I haven't looked at half of the material in at least a few years....I'd rather reschedule the test for sometime next year in the case that I don't get in anywhere this year... that will save me some money...

 

That makes sense. I was going to sign up for one and at last minute decided not to for the same reasons pretty much. I have the same mindset... I think I can get into to some of my top coices without it so if I am wrong and dont then I will just reapply next year.

[FastBallooningHead]

Cool, good luck bsharpe!