what type of GRE test are MD/PhD adcoms interested in? in the general test or a specific subject test? thanks!!!
Most MSTP programs do not require the GRE. The only time they are required is when you are trying to get into the Biomedicall Engineering program. They want the general test, not subject.
My advice for the GRE..take a practice test, if you can't get in the upper 90th percentile in all of the subtests, don't take the exam. The exam is almost always not required, outside of BME programs, but it definitely can display one's ignorance very clearly. It could bring a high MCAT into question, or simply confirm the results of a low one. It most likely won't help a low MCAT under any circumstances. Loma Linda does require the exam for their MD/PhD program, though. Remember that if you take it, you are ethically bound to report the scores by the nature of the wording of most MD/PhD secondary applications.
how exactly does writing the GRE not help someone with a low MCAT? i got a 31 = 9V, 12PS, 10BS and an S in writing if i scored in the 90th perecentile in theGRE wouldnt it help my chances for an MD/PhD program? please explain thanks!
Because the GRE is viewed as a lesser test. If you take it and do well...that was expected, it's a lesser test. If you take it and do poorly...wow, time to start questioning if you really deserved the 31.
I took the GRE because I was applying for BME programs. It turns out that Hopkins didnt require it, but Michigan BME/MSTP does require the GRE general test, and Ohio State, UNC, and UVA strongly recommend it. It seems like there might have been a few other programs that recommended BME/MSTP applicants take it, but I cant think of any others that outright require it besides Michigan.
According to Md/PhD in Finch Uni, "Applicants with minimum scores of 30 on the MCAT or 1800 on the GRE; GPAs of 3.5 and above (on a 4.0 scale) are considered competitive." Doesn't that mean GRE is taken into consideration for this particular uni?
i'd give the schools you're interested in a call. specifically the mstp offices (asking who you should speak with in whatever department). from what i've gathered, most mstp programs allow for individual assessment and adjustment of reqs-- that is you may not be subject to some 'set in stone' requirements just yet, or not even at all. It very much depends on the connection that each mstp has with its respective grad programs. the whole idea is that your education is going to be unique because you're looking to blur the lines of strict disciplines and have a career crossing over to the extent that you choose.
Although you do need to take the GRE eventually for BME at Michigan, Ron Koenig (Umich MSTP director) and the BME Department chair told me yesterday at the interviews that the GRE is not needed for admissions purposes to MSTP. You can wait to take it as MS1 or MS2 and still be BME at Umich. I havent taken the GRE and dont plan to anytime soon. 13 interviews over 2 days is hella tiring.
Most schools won't require the GREs at all post-admission. UMich is one of the few schools (Harvard is the only other one I know of) that actually has this requirement.
