Schools Bioorganic Chemistry Grad School: Applying to Top Tier Schools

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The discussion centers on concerns about GRE scores while applying to top-tier graduate schools for bioorganic chemistry. The applicant has a verbal score of 470, a quantitative score of 670, and a 4.0 in analytical writing, expressing doubt about improving these scores on a retake due to difficulties with standardized tests. They have strong academic credentials with GPAs of 3.86 and 4.0, extensive research experience over three semesters, and a summer REU at Texas A&M, where they have already been published as a third author and anticipate a second authorship for upcoming work. The applicant is optimistic about admission to Texas A&M but seeks broader options. Suggestions include taking the chemistry subject GRE to bolster their application, although the applicant feels they lack the time and ability to prepare adequately for it, especially since the schools applied to do not require it.
mlebo
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So I'm applying to mostly tier 1 grad schools for bioorganic chemistry (UCLA, Princeton, Texas A&M, University of Texas, Purdue, UNC, and University of Arizona) and I'm worried about my GRE scores. I got a 470 verbal 670 quantitative and 4.0 in analytical writing. I'm retaking them but I'm a terrible standardized test taker so I doubt I will do any better. I have two GPAs because I transferred, a 3.86 and a 4.0 and I have extensive research experience (3 semesters of undergraduate) and an REU (research exerience at Texas A&M over the summer in a graduate lab). I have also been published as a third author for my research and will hopefully I will be published for my summer work (I would be 2nd author). I am hoping that I can still get into the schools I apply to. I know I will get into A&M because of the summer research but I wanted options.
Any insights?
 
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Take the chemistry subject GRE and rock it. Your general GRE scores wouldn't matter all that much then.
 
I don't have time to study for those, and as I said I suck at standardized tests. I wouldn't be able to finish it either. None of the schools require it either so it would just end up hurting me.
 
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