For example, the last thorough revision of the MCATs in 1991 added essay questions and deemphasized rote memorization. The developers of the GREs also disagree that the use of their tests forces a heavy emphasis on memorization. Though the GRE subject tests, including the biology test and a new test that covers biochemistry and cellular and molecular biology, require a thorough familiarity with their fields, they still emphasize problem-solving and reasoning skills. Also, graduate schools tend to attach more importance to the GRE General Test, which measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning, than to the subject-matter tests. A total of 59 percent of the departments use the GRE Biology Test, and they ascribe it a mean importance rating of just 2.7.
Some faculty members downplay the entire issue.
They're not going to get a review course from me. The Many Paths to Success Pre-med students can be encouraged to consider other career options.