To take the GRE again or not (?)....that is the question.

[anking]

I am looking for opinions because I am unsure if my GRE score is "okay" or if it will hinder my acceptance into a program. All input is welcome. This is the first time I have applied to PA school and I would prefer, like most, to only apply once.

 

My stats:

 

<12,000 hrs. of patient care experience.

Free Clinic volunteer hours and overseas volunteer hours.

2 years of research, Co-investigator, 2 separate studies.

 

Undergrad GPA: 3.37

Science GPA: 3.57

 

***GRE: V: 156 (69%) Q:149 (39%)<---EEK A: 4.0

 

I guess the question is is it worth retaking with a quant so low? My combined score seems a-okay compared to the "average accepted applicant" at most schools. I am afraid to A) take it again and score lower or B) not take it again and have an admissions committee freak at the Q of 149. With that said I have taking multiple college level math courses and received As and one B. Does that make up for a crappy GRE score in the Q section?

 

Again any input welcome!

[cinntsp]

It depends where you're applying. Some schools want 50th percentile for each section. I would retake it just because the quantitative section is so easy to improve.

[jen0508]

from what i remember during the application process, most schools said the GRE is just a formality and didnt stress it. I got a crappy score in a section (i believe the writing component) and it was never mentioned during interviews. If your grades and healthcare hours are strong then i wouldnt worry about it...

 

however if you do retake it, i believe you can now pick and choose which score report you send to schools, so if you happen to do worse on the next one (knock on wood) you can pick the better score to send schools

[marvi1kd]

Your gre score is good. Considering the rest of your application stats which are phenomenal, I wouldn't really feel the need to retake the gre if I were you. You will get into several schools with those stats. Why spend the extra money?

[anking]

Thank you guys so much for the replies. Your guidance is truly appreciated. I don't know anyone who has been through the application process recently so it is hard to ask others for advice.

 

~K

[Sparkles9708]

My quantitative score was lower percentage wise than yours and I got into two schools, both which require the GRE. Like everyone else said the rest of your stats are good, so i wouldn't worry about it..