Anyone take the GRE subject tests to beef up application?

[beanbagburn]

Have any of you found that taking the GRE subject test helped you in getting into a public health program? I'm interested in a special master's program and am wondering if taking the subject test in biology would help my application, which lacks some science courses.

which subject areas would be best for public health? biochemistry?

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[beanbagburn]

Let me add that I'm also taking the MCATs this June-- would taking the GRE subject test in biology be superfluous since the material would be covered by the MCAT?

 

[abcabc1]

Have any of you found that taking the GRE subject test helped you in getting into a public health program? I'm interested in a special master's program and am wondering if taking the subject test in biology would help my application, which lacks some science courses.

which subject areas would be best for public health? biochemistry?

I don't think it would help for Public Health. It could help for PhD programs in Biostatistics at the major schools (UW, HSPH, Bloomberg), but that would be the Math subject test (which is VERY difficult).

You can enhance your application in other ways: general GRE, coursework, a clear case as to why PH school is right for you and why school X is the best program for you, etc.

 

[envepi]

Did you major in Biology? I've heard that the subject tests are not really tests you can study for and take without having taken a lot of coursework. More specifically I mean the test prep materials are not a substitute for coursework. It might be more of a hassle for you then helpful especially with the MCAT.

 

[beanbagburn]

Yeah, I made a clear case in my personal statement, and did very well on the general GRE (97% and 94% on the V and Q, respectively). However, I thought that having a great score on the subject test in a science would prove that I'm proficient in that area since my major was in psychology and I lack basic science courses.

Really? It won't help at all or enough to make a difference?


And yeah, the second poster may be darn right, since i'll be taking the MCATs, it might be just extra work...

thanks for the responses, both of you.

hm...

 

[waystinthyme]

Yeah, I made a clear case in my personal statement, and did very well on the general GRE (97% and 94% on the V and Q, respectively). However, I thought that having a great score on the subject test in a science would prove that I'm proficient in that area since my major was in psychology and I lack basic science courses.

Really? It won't help at all or enough to make a difference?


And yeah, the second poster may be darn right, since i'll be taking the MCATs, it might be just extra work...

thanks for the responses, both of you.

hm...

i personally think your general GRE scores will be enough. many schools simply require >50% in each category and you are well above these requirements.

if you're interested in determining what affect subject tests will have on your application at a particular school, i would suggest calling the admissions office and asking--they are often happy to share this type of general information.

-waystinthyme

 

[pinkyellow]

Have any of you found that taking the GRE subject test helped you in getting into a public health program? I'm interested in a special master's program and am wondering if taking the subject test in biology would help my application, which lacks some science courses.

which subject areas would be best for public health? biochemistry?

I had wondered about that for a bit as well ... until I realized the Subject Test in GRE Biology encompasses everything from molecular stuff (what I had expected only at first) to... ecology, evolution... yes, those phylum names, botany, famous scientist's names, earth science... EVERYTHING. I don't think it would be worth the time trying to study for all that versus volunteering or RA-ing at a lab that pertains more specifically to your app. 🙂

but I mean, if you do manage to do excellent on it.. then any great score will be a good app booster. so... it will be up to you. But personally, I feel that there is no major need to take the Bio Subject Test.

 

[beanbagburn]

Interesting...

So who on earth takes the subject tests?

And what, if any, master's and doctoral programs actually require/recommend these?



I think my main point from before was, would these make up for a lack in an application??

 

[jaya88]

Hi,
Have you asked anyone in admissions?

There are a lot of specific fields and Masters programs that use the subject tests but usually they are used to help select between people who have extremely similar undergraduate majors and concentrations--whether it be biology or literature. However, since there is no prerequiste undergrad major for most MPH programs, I don't know that it would be beneficial. You can explain your science background, etc. in your personal statement (advice I received from admission's people). I would worry that the subject test may cause some schools to wonder if you were only applying to the MPH program as a back-up.

However, you indicate you are applying to a special program so it probably depends on what that special program is. It sounds like there may be more to it or something.

Overall, I think that if you contact people at the schools you are interested in and explain your thought process they can guide you in the right direction. I've found most schools to be very straightforward on what they want and what is helpful or not. For example, I was told to retake a portion of the GRE. I said I would just retake the whole thing but they said they would rather I focus my attention and brain power on test day on the section I did poorly on as my other section was fine. It was a relief to hear that. You are going to feel better if you receive your advice from the source.

To me it seemed odd to contact schools directly as it seemed contrary to what you would do as an undergrad or when I thought I was interested in law school. I have found MPH programs, etc. to be much more approachable and helpful.

Just my thoughts!

 

[jcmoore2010]

subject tests are fairly interesting...had taken back in 1993 for application to graduate program in psychology, turns out didn't need it...was accepted into the program...

 

[MPHandPsych]

Interesting...

So who on earth takes the subject tests?

And what, if any, master's and doctoral programs actually require/recommend these?

Specific programs, outside of public health can require these subject tests. For example, clinical psychology graduate programs can require the psychology subject test...I would second what everyone else said. The GRE subject tests are really for those specific programs that request them as an applicant- why would you want to give more money to ETS when you don't have to? I don't think it will enhance your application if (A) you test well on the general GRE test and (B) you're taking the MCATs anyway. If you're applying for the master's programs then you're totally fine- I had a psychology background and tested ok on the GREs and didn't have a problem getting into several MPH programs. Now if you're applying for doctoral programs, I would look at the specific admission criteria for the department that you're applying to...but I have yet to see a program that recommends or requires any of the subject GRE tests. Just like it's not encouraged to take the general GRE test multiple times, I think having a bunch of different test scores is a bit of an overkill, and something you probably would get asked about if the program you apply to conducts interviews. Also, remember that when you send GRE scores to schools they get all of your scores. So let's just say hypothetically speaking you take a subject test and don't do too well...now the schools will see a so-so subject test score and the general test score which could raise some red flags.