How much does the general GRE matter? The subject test?

[LogicX]

Is it possible to impress a committee for (science) graduate school applications with GRE general test scores? What about with the non-math sections? Would even a perfect score or close to it on one of the sections stand out, or would it still just be a litmus test that doesn't really make you stand out?

And regarding the subject test. Is it another litmus test or can it help/hurt you? Does a mediocre/average grade hurt you? I feel like the GRE can only hurt you if you do average, and doesn't really help you if you do above average. Is this true or am I underestimating its value?

 

[Vanadium 50]

The General GRE has essentially zero weight.

The subject test is an important piece in the decision process. It's a useful piece of information supporting good grades, and it's one of the few things that will shore up less than good grades.

 

[LogicX]

The General GRE has essentially zero weight.

The subject test is an important piece in the decision process. It's a useful piece of information supporting good grades, and it's one of the few things that will shore up less than good grades.

And here I was excited about my general test scores... I guess I still have the harder one to deal with then.

 

[d3nat]

What if you don't do great on the subject GRE but have amazing letters of rec + good grades + research experience?

I do horrible on tests like these, so I don't want a nothing special PGRE score to reflect too poorly?

 

[Vanadium 50]

See https://www.physicsforums.com/showthread.php?t=284463

 

[LogicX]

So, what about not submitting an optional subject test score? Let's say you have a tremendous application except that you don't take the subject test (I am taking it, but this is hypothetical). How much does that hurt an application? What % of people applying to schools where the subject test is not required apply without and, and how many of them get in?

 

[rhombusjr]

It varies from school to school. Some schools make it optional because they don't consider it to be an important factor, but will see a high score as positive. Some schools make it optional, but would really prefer to see it and state things along the lines of "it is strongly recommended to submit a subject test score" and/or "if you don't submit a score, you need to explain why". One school (which I can't remember right now) explicitly said something like "the subject score is optional, but its absence will make your application look weaker".