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Neuroscience graduate admission problem: GPA/GRE/research. Advice and critiques are appreciated. (self.neuroscience)
submitted 11y ago by neuroquestions
**TL;DR: Based on the quick profile given, should I retake the GRE test to get into the top schools for neuroscience? What about subject tests?**
I've hit a bit of a wall here, and I'm hoping the reddit neuroscience community can help out. Clearly, there are plenty of posts asking about graduate school and what not. Unfortunately, through my searches online and here, I haven't found quite the answers that I need. I'd appreciate any input from graduates and people in the know about these things.
I am trying to figure out if my GRE scores/general profile are competitive enough for the top tier schools in Neuroscience. I'm interested in applying to Berkeley, Stanford, UCSD, MIT, and Harvard, along with a host of schools that are local to me as my safety schools. The thing is, whenever I see a post online with someone asking if their GRE's or GPA is good enough..I don't usually have those lower scores. I'm not sure if I'm just being neurotic over this or what, but any critiques are welcome.
**My GRE score (new version, taken last year):**
Subject: (New) (%) (Old translation)
vebral: 162 89 640
quantitative: 163 88 780
analytical: 5.5 96
GPA is a 3.95
B.S. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics track
B.A. in Psychology
I did a senior thesis (distinction) in both schools where I did my own research with little faculty assistance. I've also been first author in a conference paper in computer science and will hopefully have another paper out in Physics at the end of this year.
The thing is, none of my research is related to neuroscience directly. I did data mining research (bioinformatics and hurricane prediction) in Computer Science, astronomy research in physics, and my own research in sensory augmentation. That last one is the closest thing I have to neuroscience, and that's more cognitive science than anything else as my device that I created for the research is external/rather simple and relies more on principles I learned in psychology.
*The biggest issue:*
My professor told me that I should retake the GRE, but frankly I don't want to put the effort into studying extensively for the test if my profile in general is competitive with other applicants at these schools. I have a lot of respect for my professor, so her recommendation has really been bugging me and is the reason I'm asking you all for some advice.
And as an aside, should I take a GRE subject test? I know I am highly competent in computer science and psychology, and I have a bioinformatics specialization. I'm just not sure what could get me automatically overlooked at these top schools as some encourage subject tests but do not require the tests for admission.
EDIT: I'm horrible at formatting on reddit. My apologies for the not so pretty wall of text.
I've hit a bit of a wall here, and I'm hoping the reddit neuroscience community can help out. Clearly, there are plenty of posts asking about graduate school and what not. Unfortunately, through my searches online and here, I haven't found quite the answers that I need. I'd appreciate any input from graduates and people in the know about these things.
I am trying to figure out if my GRE scores/general profile are competitive enough for the top tier schools in Neuroscience. I'm interested in applying to Berkeley, Stanford, UCSD, MIT, and Harvard, along with a host of schools that are local to me as my safety schools. The thing is, whenever I see a post online with someone asking if their GRE's or GPA is good enough..I don't usually have those lower scores. I'm not sure if I'm just being neurotic over this or what, but any critiques are welcome.
**My GRE score (new version, taken last year):**
Subject: (New) (%) (Old translation)
vebral: 162 89 640
quantitative: 163 88 780
analytical: 5.5 96
GPA is a 3.95
B.S. in Computer Science, Bioinformatics track
B.A. in Psychology
I did a senior thesis (distinction) in both schools where I did my own research with little faculty assistance. I've also been first author in a conference paper in computer science and will hopefully have another paper out in Physics at the end of this year.
The thing is, none of my research is related to neuroscience directly. I did data mining research (bioinformatics and hurricane prediction) in Computer Science, astronomy research in physics, and my own research in sensory augmentation. That last one is the closest thing I have to neuroscience, and that's more cognitive science than anything else as my device that I created for the research is external/rather simple and relies more on principles I learned in psychology.
*The biggest issue:*
My professor told me that I should retake the GRE, but frankly I don't want to put the effort into studying extensively for the test if my profile in general is competitive with other applicants at these schools. I have a lot of respect for my professor, so her recommendation has really been bugging me and is the reason I'm asking you all for some advice.
And as an aside, should I take a GRE subject test? I know I am highly competent in computer science and psychology, and I have a bioinformatics specialization. I'm just not sure what could get me automatically overlooked at these top schools as some encourage subject tests but do not require the tests for admission.
EDIT: I'm horrible at formatting on reddit. My apologies for the not so pretty wall of text.
retarded_neuron 8 points
Graduate student on the admissions committee of a top tier graduate school here. Your scores are competitive. Honestly, in every round of applications there are a handful of students with perfect GREs... and everyone goes "oh isnt that interesting"... and then we talk about their research experience, how their letters of recommendation read, and if they were giant assholes or awesomesauce during their PI and student interviews.
I can't speak for all institutions, but we view GRE scores as a lower level indicator. Basically, if they are obviously low, they are useful to screen applicant. If they are normal or high, then they are like 95% of the applications and not actually useful. Generally, an (old) score of V: 600+ , Q: 750+, and A: 4.5+ will not matter one way or the other in helping, but absolutely does not hurt. Drop 100 points in each category for URMs.
So, unless you think you can get a near perfect score on your next round of testing, it's most likely not going to help one way or the other.
Focus on your letters, preparations for interviews, and getting in touch with PIs at the schools you are interested in.
EDIT: I also just noticed that you have already completed your thesis, so you are at least a year or two out of college. In this case, also make sure you are identifying how you used you time out of college to strengthen your commitment and preparedness to a Neuro PhD program.
I can't speak for all institutions, but we view GRE scores as a lower level indicator. Basically, if they are obviously low, they are useful to screen applicant. If they are normal or high, then they are like 95% of the applications and not actually useful. Generally, an (old) score of V: 600+ , Q: 750+, and A: 4.5+ will not matter one way or the other in helping, but absolutely does not hurt. Drop 100 points in each category for URMs.
So, unless you think you can get a near perfect score on your next round of testing, it's most likely not going to help one way or the other.
Focus on your letters, preparations for interviews, and getting in touch with PIs at the schools you are interested in.
EDIT: I also just noticed that you have already completed your thesis, so you are at least a year or two out of college. In this case, also make sure you are identifying how you used you time out of college to strengthen your commitment and preparedness to a Neuro PhD program.
neuroquestions [OP] 2 points
Great, thanks for the info. I had a feeling GRE scores were treated this way, but I wanted to confirm it from people in Neuroscience (and to alleviate my nerves >.>).
Also, my theses were done in my senior year of undergrad (just a few months ago). I'm in a 4+1 program for Computer Science. I'm currently just doing TA work while finishing up my graduate level classes for a Master's in Comp Sci. Would people expect me to have done a thesis for my Master's as well, even if it would be completed one year after my undergraduate ones?
Also, my theses were done in my senior year of undergrad (just a few months ago). I'm in a 4+1 program for Computer Science. I'm currently just doing TA work while finishing up my graduate level classes for a Master's in Comp Sci. Would people expect me to have done a thesis for my Master's as well, even if it would be completed one year after my undergraduate ones?
fertdirt 5 points
Was on the admissions committee, too. Your scores look fine. I wouldn't bother with the subject test. Of the applications I've seen reviewed, I've never once heard someone even mention the subject test. Make damn sure you convey enthusiasm (for science!) and a good reason why you want to study neuroscience in your personal statement. Your brief post makes you look pretty competitive to me. Also, for a couple of applicants, what's pushed them into contention was one of the admissions committee professors saying 'oh, I know the person recommending this applicant. If he/she says this applicant is good, we should give this applicant an interview.' Choose wisely.
One piece of unsolicited advice, schools like to see that you've applied to funding so since you're getting recommendations and writing personal statements already, apply to outside sources of funding now (like NSF, HHMI, etc). Hope that helps. Good luck.
Edit: Jesus H Christ, I can't believe I wrote your instead of you're.
One piece of unsolicited advice, schools like to see that you've applied to funding so since you're getting recommendations and writing personal statements already, apply to outside sources of funding now (like NSF, HHMI, etc). Hope that helps. Good luck.
Edit: Jesus H Christ, I can't believe I wrote your instead of you're.
yarnybarny 2 points
But I've seen so many admissions websites with "GRE Subject test strongly recommended".. is it for students who don't have great GPAs? If I don't have good GPA scores will GRE subject test scores (if done well) meliorate the effects?
retarded_neuron 3 points
Subject tests are used much more regularly outside of Neuro programs, where these is a much more common baseline set of knowledge.
For Neuroscience programs, which are generally accepting from much more heterogeneous student populations (bioinformatics, physics, psychology, math, chemistry, etc) there is really not enough commonality to use the specialized GRE scores for comparison. Even when people report them, we never use them.
For Neuroscience programs, which are generally accepting from much more heterogeneous student populations (bioinformatics, physics, psychology, math, chemistry, etc) there is really not enough commonality to use the specialized GRE scores for comparison. Even when people report them, we never use them.
fertdirt 1 points
Upboated for correctitude.
Also, see RocketshipRocketship's post. (tl;dr Admissions give more of a crap about your track record as a scientist than as a student.)
Also, see RocketshipRocketship's post. (tl;dr Admissions give more of a crap about your track record as a scientist than as a student.)
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neuroquestions [OP] 1 points
Thanks I definitely appreciate this. I plan to apply for frunding from NSF, and I'll look into HHMI and see if I can find some other ones.
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neuroquestions [OP] 1 points
Thanks for the advice, I'll make sure to emphasize my computer science expertise. Would it matter if I have a physics minor, does that need any emphasis in these applications?
plassma 2 points
I would mention the physics minor. Any and all experience in science looks good.
Kakuz 1 points
Future Grad applicant here: If it makes you feel any better, you're a lot stronger than I am. Go for it, and feel confident about what you do have in your hand. Everything else has been said already. Good luck!
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