Graduate Record Examination
Most PA programs require applicants to complete the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Programs may have minimum acceptable scores and last acceptable test dates. Policies regarding the consideration of multiple sets of GRE scores vary by institution. GRE requirements for CASPA-participating institutions can be found here and also obtained and each individual school’s website.
Some programs will accept the MCAT in place of the GRE.
The GRE revised General Test can be taken either on paper or electronically and consists of the following sections:
- Verbal Reasoning — Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
- Quantitative Reasoning — Measures problem-solving ability, focusing on basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
- Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.
The GRE is scored on a 130-170 scale, in one-point increments, for the first two sections (i.e., Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning). The Analytical Writing portion is scored on a scale of 1-6, in half-point increments.
The cost of the test is $195.
To find out where you can take the exam, additional detail on the structure, and what preparation you need to succeed, information can be found at http://www.ets.org/gre/.