GRE requirement?

[jankanator]

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Do any schools require the GRE (or recommend it so strongly that it is practically a requirement)? I'm just wondering if it is worth the time and money and if I will be at a disadvantage for not taking it.

 

[Doctor&Geek]

There are a number of old threads that discuss this issue, but the search function is disabled.

To summarize, the number of programs that require the GRE are very few, and few take the examination either. If you're planning to go into biomedical engineering, however, I've heard that it is recommended that you take the GRE.

EDIT: the search function is back!

GRE vs. MCAT
GRE preparation (short thread)

Yours,

 

[Neuronix]

Northwestern and Case Western both have great MSTPs where you can do PhD work in BME. They both say "GRE" required. It's complete BS. Basically, the MSTP program doesn't care, but the BME department is just being a pain in the rear. Once you are actually into the MSTP there for WHATEVER (you don't decide when you start), it becomes a non-issue and anyone can join BME.

So in the end, no. Unless you are planning on applying to PhD only programs, I wouldn't bother with the GRE.

 

[MacGyver]

you sure about that neuronix?

i know that at some MD/PhD programs, the grad dept has to "OK" your application along with the MSTP committee.

I know taht Michigan BME requires the GRE. Its a hard rule too, they wont mark your application as complete without it.

there are only a few MD/PhD programs which require GRE; all of them are BME I think

 

[Neuronix]

Really? My suggestion is just to apply generally, mark a molecular department and BME, and just say "I'm not sure". Once you're in the program, nobody is going to keep you away from BME if you choose it.

At least, I don't think anyone will. UMich is kind of strange like that. When I interviewed, I came away with the impression that their medical school and graduate school pretty much waive no requirements for their MSTP students.

 

[srmonkey]

Even if they 'require' the GRE you probably won't need it in hand when you are applying. They might require you to take it before starting the PhD portion of the program, and then you would only need to get above a threshold, so there's no real performance anxiety. Having the GRE in hand may help a little, but if you do poorly on it it will kill you. I'd say only take that risk if you are sure you can score at least in the top 10%.