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Just wondering who else plans to take the darn test (general and subject)🙁
GRE anyone?
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I took the regular GRE and the biochem subject GRE twice (for an HHMI fellowship application). The GRE is not bad, although the vocab is particularly nasty. Another aspect that is annoying is that the test is computerized, so it gets more difficult as you do well. The plus sides are that you get your score right when you are done, and you can take it whenever you want.
The subject tests are killers. I have always done well on standardized tests, but I bombed it both times. I know someone who aced it in English, but he read the Norton anthology twice front to back and spent the whole summer preparing. Good luck!
Treg
🙂
The subject tests are killers. I have always done well on standardized tests, but I bombed it both times. I know someone who aced it in English, but he read the Norton anthology twice front to back and spent the whole summer preparing. Good luck!
Treg
🙂
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I'll be taking the biochem test as well but I'm assuming that since I did so well in these classes in grad school (and tutured other students) I'll be OK. What text would you recommend I use to study? I hadn't planned on taking this dam test ( before I decided to transfer schools) so I'm totally unprepared🙁
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The GRE subject is extremely difficult. I prepared using Biochem texts by Lehninger and Stryer, as well as a text called molecular cell biology. I took a 400 level biochem undergrad and 2 grad level biochems right around when I took the test, and I still did pretty badly. It is really broad, as well as intricately detailed. I think that on amazon you can get some books to study for it. If I were you, unless you are applying for HHMI (only applicable to entering or 1st year grad students), I wouldn't do it. I would say that you have to study at least as much as the MCAT science, perhaps more.
Just my 0.02
Treg
🙂
Just my 0.02
Treg
🙂
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Trust me, I'd really rather not take either test. But I may need the new scores in case I decide to finish the PhD first (at a new school which requires them) which I may do since my research is going well.
As for the books, I have Lehninger, Devlin, Voet & Voet, the Molecular Biologuy of the Cell. Some practice test questions would be nice too!
Thanks Treg!!!
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On the frequently asked questions section of the Harvard MD/PhD site there is a note that some fellowships require GRE scores. Treg, you already mentioned that HHMI wants to see GRE biochem scores.
Does anybody know of fellowships/scholarships that MD/PhD students can apply for that require GRE. Do they require just the GRE general test or subject test as well.
I'm asking because I'm wondering if I should take the GRE now. If I'm going to need it in the future when applying for fellowships then I might as well take it now that I have a bit of time on my hands.
Cheers everyone
Does anybody know of fellowships/scholarships that MD/PhD students can apply for that require GRE. Do they require just the GRE general test or subject test as well.
I'm asking because I'm wondering if I should take the GRE now. If I'm going to need it in the future when applying for fellowships then I might as well take it now that I have a bit of time on my hands.
Cheers everyone
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It really depends on the area of research you are going into, unless you are applying NSF/NIH/HHMI, all of which require the general GRE (I think). HHMI will pay for the subject if you are applying for a fellowship.
If you know what type of research you will be doing, look for funding in that area. Agencies include american diabetes association, MS society, american cancer assoc., etc. They usually have a lot of info on their websites.
I could be wrong, but if you are funded for MD/PhD, it is difficult to justify to the funding agency that you need their award. Also, some will automatically disqualify you if you have over a certain level of funding. These things are generally all or nothing, and will only allow you to hold one award at any given time. Of course, you can try to get the award "honorary" for your CV.
Trust me, I have tried to max out my grad school $$ as much as possible. Any extra $$ is always useful!! Also, don't overlook smaller, regionalized awards. A few years back, I had a mouse in my cohort that spontaneously developed these bone abnormalities in its extremities. For fun, I tried to breed it, and took some x-rays and histo (mouse xrays can be done with dental facilities 🙂 ). Anyway, there was an arthritis assoc. in my town here that was begging for applications, which consisted of a half page about your potential work. I applied, kind of "why not," and I got $1000! The mouse never amounted to much, except some $$ in my pocket.
Good luck with your applications.
Treg
🙂
If you know what type of research you will be doing, look for funding in that area. Agencies include american diabetes association, MS society, american cancer assoc., etc. They usually have a lot of info on their websites.
I could be wrong, but if you are funded for MD/PhD, it is difficult to justify to the funding agency that you need their award. Also, some will automatically disqualify you if you have over a certain level of funding. These things are generally all or nothing, and will only allow you to hold one award at any given time. Of course, you can try to get the award "honorary" for your CV.
Trust me, I have tried to max out my grad school $$ as much as possible. Any extra $$ is always useful!! Also, don't overlook smaller, regionalized awards. A few years back, I had a mouse in my cohort that spontaneously developed these bone abnormalities in its extremities. For fun, I tried to breed it, and took some x-rays and histo (mouse xrays can be done with dental facilities 🙂 ). Anyway, there was an arthritis assoc. in my town here that was begging for applications, which consisted of a half page about your potential work. I applied, kind of "why not," and I got $1000! The mouse never amounted to much, except some $$ in my pocket.
Good luck with your applications.
Treg
🙂
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The GRE itself was cake compared to the MCAT...so I wouldn't worry too much, they even send you free prep software when you register for the test.
Adesua-- I applied to a few MD/PhD programs that required GRE scores so I'm glad I took it. Also I did very well on the GRE and I sent it to some schools to strengthen my application....my MCAT scores were not really MSTP-worthy.
Also, I am in a non-MSTP program so funding for our program comes from other sources. The particular fellowship that pays my stipend, from the USDA, requires GRE scores.
So basically, if you think you are going to need it later and feel like you have time/effort for it now....go for it.
Adesua-- I applied to a few MD/PhD programs that required GRE scores so I'm glad I took it. Also I did very well on the GRE and I sent it to some schools to strengthen my application....my MCAT scores were not really MSTP-worthy.
Also, I am in a non-MSTP program so funding for our program comes from other sources. The particular fellowship that pays my stipend, from the USDA, requires GRE scores.
So basically, if you think you are going to need it later and feel like you have time/effort for it now....go for it.
Also took the GRE for the philosophy PhD....
not bad although I had to learn what acclivity and saturnine meant.
I liked writing the essays too
not bad although I had to learn what acclivity and saturnine meant.
I liked writing the essays too
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HHMI no longer offers pre-doctoral fellowships.
NSF is not available for MSTP and/or MD/PhD.
NSF is not available for MSTP and/or MD/PhD.
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I don't suspect a lot of fellowship application occurs when you are an MD/PhD student. I was thinking more along the lines of fellowship application post MD/PhD. At that stage, do some fellowship awarding bodies ask for GRE scores?
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THe GRE is nothing compared to the MCAT...not that bad at all..
just remember to pace yourself during the verbal, time runs out fast.
Verbal- 30 questions..28 minutes
Quantitive- 28 questions..30 (I think)
Writting- 2 essays...1 persuasive...45 min...1 argumentative..30 min
The subject test are terribly hard...ewww
just remember to pace yourself during the verbal, time runs out fast.
Verbal- 30 questions..28 minutes
Quantitive- 28 questions..30 (I think)
Writting- 2 essays...1 persuasive...45 min...1 argumentative..30 min
The subject test are terribly hard...ewww
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Ok, now I am feeling old.
When I took the GRE (2000), it had verbal, analytical, and math. Now they have writing?
Also, I am shocked to hear that HHMI stopped predoctoral fellowships. I guess it just goes to show that funding agencies worldwide are still reeling post 9/11 due to the stock market. I know that in Canada the agencies are super selective right now because of cashflow.
Treg
When I took the GRE (2000), it had verbal, analytical, and math. Now they have writing?
Also, I am shocked to hear that HHMI stopped predoctoral fellowships. I guess it just goes to show that funding agencies worldwide are still reeling post 9/11 due to the stock market. I know that in Canada the agencies are super selective right now because of cashflow.
Treg
Hi everyone,
The PhD programs I am considering waived the GRE requirement due to my MCAT. I've decided to take it anyway, since I have a bit of time before I start MD/PhD or PhD (see my other posts for the backstory, particularly the classic "PhD then MD") and I can study a little.
I have a few questions regarding the GRE. First, how indicative is performance on the practice tests that the GRE organization sends you of performance on the actual exam? Second, what range of scores on the general GRE are competitive for good fellowships? Last, which subject tests do organizations generally want (bio, molbio, etc)?
Thanks for any information!
The PhD programs I am considering waived the GRE requirement due to my MCAT. I've decided to take it anyway, since I have a bit of time before I start MD/PhD or PhD (see my other posts for the backstory, particularly the classic "PhD then MD") and I can study a little.
I have a few questions regarding the GRE. First, how indicative is performance on the practice tests that the GRE organization sends you of performance on the actual exam? Second, what range of scores on the general GRE are competitive for good fellowships? Last, which subject tests do organizations generally want (bio, molbio, etc)?
Thanks for any information!
