The GRE stands for the Graduate Record Exam and is a standardized test required by various types of graduate programs. Many PA programs require applicants to take the GRE, but there are also programs that do not.
What is the format of the GRE?
The format of the GRE resembles that SAT. There are two verbal reasoning sections, including question types such as sentence equivalence, reading comprehension and verbal reasoning. There are also two quantitative sections, covering math subjects such as arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. The analytical writing portion includes two essay prompts, one analyzing an issue and one analyzing an argument.
What do I need to score on the GRE?
The magic score that I come across while researching PA program required or recommended GRE scores is 300, usually with an average of 150 in both the verbal and quantitative sections. It all depends on the program though, so take time to double check any hard score cutoffs programs state on their website. Some PA programs only recommend a specific number, but some of the top PA schools will not even take your application into consideration if your GRE score is below their minimum. Others will be fairly flexible with the score they accept or simply state they do not have a minimum requirement for GRE score.
Aside from the raw GRE score, many programs take into account the percentiles your GRE score falls into. About 2 weeks after you take the exam, your scores and percentile information will be available on the ETS.org website. Many programs require or prefer both your verbal and quantitative scores to be equal to or above the 50th percentile. Only some schools have requirements regarding the analytical writing section.
How do I do well on the GRE?
There are a few key methods for doing well on the GRE. First, you must be overly familiar with the exam layout. Knowing the common structure beforehand, of the test as a whole and of the three section categories, is important because you will know what to expect and feel more confident. The three sections mentioned earlier, writing, verbal, and quantitative, each have their own question types. The test takes 3 hours and 45 minutes. Building your test-taking stamina will help you get through this exam and finish strong. Time yourself for a few sections individually, then once you feel ready, take a full, timed practice exam. Mimicking test day with a full practice exam will give you a proper run-through and, hopefully, relieve some pressure you are feeling.
Tips for doing well on the writing portion of the GRE?
The writing section can be mastered with practice. Practicing writing these essay types will help you feel prepared on test day. There are many GRE essay examples available online and in prep books. Also, make sure to time yourself! You do not want to run out of time mid-thought. Personally, I used the first few minutes to plan out my essay. I reverted back to elementary writing techniques and, on my piece of scratch paper, wrote down “intro, paragraph 1, paragraph 2, paragraph 3, and conclusion.” I listed the important points I wanted to address next to each. You want your essay to flow well, so mapping it out beforehand will give you a good base structure. When it comes to taking a stance on a side of a certain argument, pick one and stick to it. Choose the side you will be able to write most strongly about, while also providing solid, real-world examples.
General GRE Test Taking Tips?
A big part of performing well on the GRE for me had to do with studying the test taking strategies. I took it as a senior in college, so I had already spent the past four years taking hard exams. This exam is different though. I knew I was stronger in the math section, so I chose to focus on my weakness, the verbal reasoning section. To feel well prepared, I took out GRE study books from my local public library, rather than spending money buying new ones. These textbooks provided me with great tips and strategies for taking the GRE.
Here are a few that stood out the most:
Verbal Reasoning Study Tips
Spend approximately 1-2 minutes on each question. If you find yourself taking longer, circle it and come back to it at the end.
For sentence equivalence questions, pick an ordinary word you think would fit well in the sentence blank. Does the word have a “negative or “positive” connotation? Of the choices, pick the closest to your chosen word, plug it in, check the sentence.
For reading comprehension, read each paragraph strategically and take notes on your scrap paper. What was the author’s topic and point of each paragraph? This can save you time when you must return to the text to answer questions.
For text completion questions, find clues in the sentence that will point you in the right direction. There are certain key words that will lead to an answer choice similar to the sentences context, such as “and,” “also,” “thus,” ‘similarly,” and “in addition,” and there are key words that will change the direction of the sentence, such as “but,” “despite,” “yet,” “however,” “nonetheless,” and “although.” Keep an eye out for these when choosing your answer.
Always go back and re-read any sentence equivalence and text completion question. Ask yourself, does it make sense?
Quantitative Reasoning Study Tips
Spend approximately 1-2 minutes on each question. If you find yourself taking longer, circle it and come back to it at the end.
Review simple arithmetic terms!!! Be familiar with the decimal system, fractions, integers, exponents, averages, percentages, odd numbers, even numbers, primer numbers, etc.
Order of operation is PEMDAS: parentheses, exponents, multiplication, division, addition, subtraction.
Once you come to an answer, go back and plug it into the question to see if is correct.
Practice math questions that are considered more difficult. This will make the simpler GRE questions seem like a piece of cake. Choose difficult questions in GRE prep books, work through them the best you can, then read the answer explanation. This will provide you with insight on how the GRE test makers expected you to solve the problem and help you during future questions.
If you are struggling to reach a score of 300, seek out free online GRE prep resources. I have found it helpful to watch YouTube videos of GRE coaches guiding you through questions and strategies for picking the right answer!
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