What to do after missing the registration deadline for the GRE subject test in mathematics Having missed the registration deadline for the GRE math subject test, I've been looking into the option of working for a year and then applying to math PhD programs once I have my test results. While I could try applying to the top programs I'm interested in this year, they generally say that my application will either be at a disadvantage or it will be disregarded entirely without a subject test score.

Since there are some (less competitive) US graduate programs that don't require the GRE, I was wondering if it would be a bad idea to attend one of them for a year and then try to transfer out? I thought it'd be a cost-effective way to take more math classes, but I read in this answer that:


  It's difficult to transfer to a substantially more prestigious department. [...] No matter why you say you want to transfer, there will be some suspicion that your goal is to end up in a stronger department or a more desirable location. If you have another reason, you'll have to make a powerful argument for it.


So, I'm trying to figure out which idea is better: apply to a second-tier PhD program with the intent of transferring to a first-tier program, or find a job and just apply to schools after I take the subject test?

(Note: I recently asked a more general question about my options if I choose to take a gap year.)
Although not a direct answer to the question, there is a third option:

Take the October test on standby

From the ETS website:


  Standby testing may be available if sufficient space, test materials
  and staff are available at the test center. If you'd like to attempt
  to test as a standby, report to the test center by 8:15 a.m. with:
  
  a completed Registration Form for the GRE Subject Tests (PDF) payment
  (including the registration and standby testing fee) acceptable photo
  ID Standby registration is not available for Monday testing, testing
  in Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Korea, India, or Iran, or those
  requesting disability or health-related testing accommodations.


I don't know how many standby seats are generally available, but it seems worth a shot rather than delaying your studies by a year.