GRE math subject test for (bio)statistics PhD programs

[hellostat]

Hi all,

I am a rising senior studying statistics with concentration in biostatistics, also double majoring in math. I am planning to apply for both biostatistics and statistics PhD programs for Fall 2017, and I am leaning towards stat programs. Currently I am sort of concerned about the GRE math subject test. Although nearly none of the biostatistics programs require/recommend the subject, many top stat programs do, either require (such as Stanford) or strongly recommend (such as UW). I am curious about how large the role of the subject test plays in admission? If it is very important, I wonder what score/percentile on the subject is usually considered good or "not bad"?

Some basic info about me:

• Undergraduate at a top 5 state university. General GPA: 3.80+   Major GPA: 3.95+
• Most math courses taken directly relate to statistics: Cal1-3, Intro to differential equations, real analysis I & II, linear algebra (one applied and one theoretical), numerical analysis, combinatorics, probability. All A's except A- in real analysis II. I am concerned about the complex analysis, algebra and number theory parts on the subject test since I have not taken them yet.
• Most statistics courses taken are in biostatistics: SAS computing (A), sample survey method (A), applied biostatistics methods (A), linear model (B+ . I also studied Casella&Berger by myself
• Will be taking measure theory and statistical theory for first year Stat PhDs in senior year.

Considering my particular case in which I have not yet got a general GRE score nor have had courses in every topic on the subject test, I am struggling about whether to take the test. I hope to make the decision based on its importance.

Thanks so much in advance! I will really appreciate any information you have!

Edited July 27, 2016 by hellostat

[all_things_optimized]

Speaking for UW Stats, submit GRE score only if it's really good. Otherwise don't bother. At best, there is an epsilon boost to your profile if you submit an 80%+ score. Reporting average scores will hurt you however. It's not recommended for bio-stats. Also, as a tip, make sure to apply for both the statistics and biostatistics programs at UW -- you can pick from among them later, and having admits in both gives you the option to switch almost seamlessly between the two later on, if you desire.

[hellostat]

23 hours ago, all_things_optimized said:

Speaking for UW Stats, submit GRE score only if it's really good. Otherwise don't bother. At best, there is an epsilon boost to your profile if you submit an 80%+ score. Reporting average scores will hurt you however. It's not recommended for bio-stats. Also, as a tip, make sure to apply for both the statistics and biostatistics programs at UW -- you can pick from among them later, and having admits in both gives you the option to switch almost seamlessly between the two later on, if you desire.

Thank you optimized! So I guess I will not spend time preparing for GRE math unless I'm confident to do well almost surely. 

I will definitely apply to both programs at UW, considering the flexibility as you mentioned. It's my favorite school