GRE biology vs biochemistry cell and molecular biology

Microhopeful · 01-13-2009, 01:28 PM

Hello all. I am new here. I intend to take GRE biology or biochemistry and molecular biology next April. I plan to apply to some microbiology graduate programs next year. Most school i'm considering are recommending either of them. I've read somewhere that GRE biology is easier but i'm not sure. Which do you suggest i should take? Which books should i use for preparation? Thank you

belevitt · 01-13-2009, 02:28 PM

I have heard that the biology test is easier than the biochem/molecular/cellular one. I took the latter and it was pretty tough but if you have experience thinking about experimental analysis and interpretation, you could probably do well with less studying.

molliebatmit · 01-13-2009, 05:14 PM

You should take the test on which you will perform better -- it doesn't matter for admissions purposes which one you take.

In my opinion, the general biology test is easier to study for, and has more study materials available, so that was the test I took.

MasterMoe · 01-13-2009, 07:33 PM

If you are a microbiology student, you more than likely have a solid grasp of molecular biology and should have taken at least a basic biochem course that will satisfy what you need to know for the GRE.

I heard the Biology GRE is easier but I have a stronger background for the Biochem/Cell/Molecular bio one. So although the test is harder, the material won't be as alien to me. However, I wonder how much of the material I've retained--especially the biochem.

And although I've touched on less of the Bio test, it seems as though it will be more interesting to study for.

I'm not 100% certain but I'm leaning towards the biochem/cell/mol bio subject gre.

MasterMoe · 01-13-2009, 07:44 PM

Actually forget it. I just took a look at both tests a while back and felt the biology one was easier and now that I look at it again, I'm startin to lean towards the biology test.

MasterMoe · 01-13-2009, 08:04 PM

Wow does what I'm writing seem a bit sloppy and incoherent? I've only slept for 5hrs in the past 40hrs.

Microhopeful · 01-13-2009, 10:22 PM

Thanks all. I do have a very good biochemistry and molecular biology background and absolutely no ecology and evolution background, which is approximately one third of the biology test. To those who took the biology test, what books/ study guides did you use?