GRE Questions

1) I am trying to get at least 24 credits on my biology GRE (I already have 8 credits from classes), so I think I need to be in the 70% percentile, correct?

2) Can anyone suggest good study material for the biology GRE? I am a biology major, and I am going to be specializing in molecular biosciences. I need to have a good GRE subject score, anyway, in order to attach it to my application for University of Chicago's graduate program. The subject GRE is optional, but if I do well, it can only help my chances.

3) Also, I am required to take the GRE general exam. I am not overly worried about the reading and writing portions, as I am good with both of those (of course I will still study and practice). I am not fantastic with math, however. I am dreading the math CLEP enough as it is, though since I only need to pass, it is not as stressful. I am passable when I see a distinct and useful reason for a formula (such as when it equates to genetics, which is my future career), but I am no visiospacial skills to speak of. This makes geometry very difficult for me. Algebra is no walk in the park, either.

So my questions regarding the general exam are:

a) If I do not do as well in one section, how likely is it to harm my chances? Unfortunately, the program I want is pretty selective.

I do have a 4.0 (and am almost positive I will keep that as I am almost done with my actual classes, and I saved the easier ones for last), I am on a president's honor list of the undergrad school I am taking actual classes through, and I have 2 professors (working my last recommendation still) who absolutely love me (one of which who was trying to recommend me for my college's advanced program with full tuition coverage, but since I work full time, it was not an option).

I also have a strong biology background, having volunteered at University of California Davis' vet center, taken 4-H and FFA in college, was a project leader for the 4-H rabbit group as an adult, raised and showed various animal species, and currently am involved in equestrian lessons (as well as owning my own horse). I also have recent volunteer time at animal shelters. I have other volunteerism as well, to include youth sports. I plan to try to find somewhere biology-related for more current volunteer activity which is more closely related to the program I want to enter.

b) Are the official guides for the general exam the best ones to focus on?



I am completely nerve-wracked about getting in, so I want to do everything possible to give myself the best chance. Are there any other suggestions for activities or other things I can add to my application so that my GRE may not be as important?

 

I used Kaplan Universities book, and placed in the 60 percentile after only 3 months of study. So that is definitely the one I would recommend.