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Monday, March 10, 2014

The GRE, MCAT, and PA School

The GRE, MCAT, and Physician Assistant School
Updated: 04/06/2016

About the GRE:
The GRE can test many things including your ability to handle a rigorous academic load and your performance on standardized tests, such as the PANCE. Successfully mastering the GRE shows admissions committees that you can handle a heavy academic load and make decisions quickly, as the GRE is timed and covers lots of vocabulary. They want to see that you can process information quickly, interpret it, and make succinct decisions based on what you read or observed, even if that information isn’t necessarily native to your knowledge. GRE scores are also good for assessing candidates with degrees from schools the admissions committee are not familiar with.  

The GRE:
  • You’ll want to register for the GRE here. Registering at least a month in advance will give you assurance that you will have options available for testing sites. The more testing sites and times you want available, the earlier you’ll want to register for the test.
  • The GRE (old) and the new revised GRE are both accepted at schools as long as they are less than 5 years old.
  • You must self report your most current score on CASPA. There is no “mixing and matching” of scores. You can’t take the best score you’ve had from each section. When you go to send your scores to schools, you may send more than one score. Thus, schools can clearly see that you’ve done better in both sections on two different attempts.
  • Even though schools may not require the GRE, they can still view your GRE scores if you self report them. Schools will dictate whether they will actually be used in their admissions process or not and some schools will use them if you report them, even if they are not required. On that note, if a school does not require the GRE, then don’t bother paying to send them your official scores.
  • CASPA allows you to send official GRE scores at any point during the application cycle, even after your application has been e-submitted, verified, or mailed. The only issue is that you are not allow to self-report your GRE scores after you e-submit. Some programs require self-reported GRE scores on the CASPA before you e-submit, although it is not a requirement of CASPA to e-submit. If you do not self report them, your application may not even be considered by some programs. Check with individual programs for details.
  • Taking your GRE earlier is always better. That way if you do poorly, you still have time to study again and perform better. You also want to give yourself enough time in advance so that you can see your scores to report them before you e-submit your application.
  • Competitive GRE scores average around a composite score of 300 and scores above a 310 have been considered to be very competitive. This averages to about a 150 and 150 on the math and verbal sections, respectively. Please note that these scores are averages of past GRE examinations and you should consider your score competitive if they are above the 50th percentile. Percentiles are more important than actual GRE scores. Every GRE differs in difficulty, which is why none of them can be considered equivalent, thus, necessitating the need to use a standardized ranking method.
  • The majority of master's level PA programs require the GRE by October 1st deadline.
  • It takes approximately 10-15 business days for your GRE scores to be sent to CASPA after your GRE scores become available. They are sent twice per week to CASPA.
  • Taking the GRE can vastly increase the number of programs you are eligible to apply to. This may be something to consider if your chances are somehow limited by other factors like GPA, HCE hours, prerequisites, etc.
  • Always remember that your GRE will always count less than HCE and other factors like GPA. PA programs tend to only flag your application if your scores are very low or very high because this is a way they can identify outliers. If you perform well on the GRE it can be an added bonus to your application, but if you do poorly, then it can be detrimental to your application.
  • It’s important to check with each program to verify their individual GRE school codes when sending your scores. You might also verify with them for receipt of your scores. If you don’t remember school codes on your test day, you have the option to look up each code by school on the GRE interface.

The MCAT:
  • While most schools only require the GRE, some recommend reporting your MCAT scores if you perform well. A handful of programs will accept the MCAT in lieu of the GRE as well.
  • If you were bound for medical school and now have substandard MCAT scores to report, you might do so at your own risk. Some programs might question your motivation to become a PA instead of enduring the medical route. If you did well on the MCAT and report your scores, you will be asked the same questions. Beware: once you report your MCAT scores and e-submit, you can never remove them if you wish to reapply in the future.
  • Although CASPA may ask for your AAMC ID number, you are NOT required to report your scores unofficially on your CASPA. Not self reporting will not count against you, as MCAT scores are not required.
  • As of the 2014 CASPA cycle, Indiana University is one school that accepts MCAT or GRE scores. They use the verbal score only for both.
  • Khan Academy has a great course online for MCAT prep if you’re interested

GRE Prep:
While there are many GRE preparation courses, books, and other aids available to you online, it’s important to choose one that fits your GRE study timeline. You might even consider a few tips from PA students who have taken their GRE already.

Tips:
  1. Don’t try to memorize the exact definitions of each word. Instead, you might try studying using word groups. If you are going through a card deck of 250 words, you might try looking at their definitions and keeping track of their general meaning in your head. Then, as you come across other words, try connecting the two words that mean the same thing. It will help you make connections within your vocabulary deck because the GRE tests you over synonyms and antonyms, but if you remember their general meanings then it will be a lot easier to remember 250 words. Kaplan provides word groups in their book.
  2. If you cannot afford a course, try self studying. Plenty of students, including myself, have done very well with this method. Just make sure you recognize your weak areas and improve upon them. If you cannot purchase books, just go to a local library and see what GRE study books they have. Going to Barnes and Noble and “previewing” books also works.
  3. If studying from a book doesn’t sound appealing, try downloading GRE study books from your Kindle, iPad, or computer.
  4. When answering the questions, read the question and before looking at the answers, and try to answer it in your head.  Then look for the answer that most closely matches.
  5. A lot of the time they will make the first or second answer choice very tempting.  Take the time to read the rest of the answers.  There usually is an even better choice.
  6. To cope with test anxiety, take numerous practice tests under time constraint and make yourself feel like it is the real thing. This is the only way to become comfortable with the actual timing restraint of the test.
  7. Since the GRE is now computerized, be prepared to type your essay. If you aren’t good at typing, you should take time in your practice tests to type your essays instead of writing them, even if you have a self-study GRE book. Some GRE books offer CD’s that have programs that allow you to take real-life practice tests.
  8. Start studying early. Give yourself a few months to study, rather than a few weeks or days. Cramming will make you anxious and could become a pitfall for your application later if you perform poorly on the GRE.
  9. Set goals to learn a certain number of GRE words per day. Cover a certain amount of math topics per day and do practice questions. Do a few passages of verbal practice everyday to break up your studying.
  10. Don’t waste time on a question that has you stumped. Just mark it and move on and come back to it later. If you are running out of time in the end, just guess.

Reviews for GRE Prep:
    • Kaplan Classroom On Site
      • About $1,000
      • 8 classroom sessions
      • 5,000+ practice questions, plus QuizBank to create custom quizzes
      • 7 full-length tests
      • 180 additional hours of online instruction and practice
    • Kaplan Classroom Anywhere
      • Need an internet connection
      • Interactive session with classroom instructor where you can ask questions in real-time
      • 8 classroom sessions
      • 5,000+ practice questions, plus QuizBank to create custom quizzes
      • 7 full-length tests
      • 180 additional hours of online instruction and practice
    • Kaplan GRE On Demand
      • Online video course, available 24/7
      • 8 classroom sessions
      • 5,000+ practice questions, plus QuizBank to create custom quizzes
      • 7 full-length tests
      • 180 additional hours of online instruction and practice
    • Kaplan GRE One-On-One
      • Get one-on-one instruction from an expert tutor
      • Available in person or via webcam in online tutoring room
      • 15-, 25-, and 35-hour packages
      • Full access to live Kaplan classroom course, either On-site or Anywhere
    • “In the back of this book, there is a list of 200 most common words.  I learned these and the words on the actual test seemed easier. I think half of the questions are based on the passages.  This is where I spent the majority of my time studying.  Every day, for at least an hour, read something that requires strong reading comprehension.”
    • “Kaplan worked for me. Verbal was my weakness and I bought the kaplan verbal book for extra practice and studied the 200 most common GRE words and did well.”
    • Premium Account
      • Diagnostic Test
      • GRE Personalized Study Plan
      • GRE Skill Report
      • 1 year access period
      • 4 full-length tests
      • 100+ video lessons
      • 1000+ video solutions
      • 3000+ practice questions
      • 3-days back money guarantee
      • $69 promotional price
    • Books
    • “Barron's has an awesome "800 essential GRE words" book that I found extremely helpful! Vocabulary is not my strong suite and I felt this book definitely had essential GRE words in it. Even though I didn't make it all the way through the book, many of the words on the actual GRE were straight from the book.”
    • “I used Barron's GRE prep book. It had paper practice tests, review exercises, and a CD with two computer tests.”
  • Princeton Review
      • In Person 1-on-1 Instruction
      • Online 1-on-1 Instruction
      • Both include
        • A tutor with skills and style to meet your needs
        • Freedom to meet when and where you want
        • A plan to help you get into your top-choice schools
        • Custom plan prep designed by an elite tutor
        • Frequent adjustments to match your progress
        • 8 full-length, adaptive practice tests
        • Comprehensive or pay-as-you go programs
      • In Person Classroom
      • LiveOnline Classroom
      • In Person Small Group
      • All feature:
        • 24 hours live instruction
        • 184 hours online resources
        • 8 full-length practice tests
        • Access to instructor outside of class - in person, by phone or via email
        • Money-back guarantee
      • 24 hours recorded lessons by GRE experts
      • 160 hours of online drills
      • 8 full-length practice tests
      • Custom-designed flash cards
      • Complete set of printed materials including Online Student Workbook for the GRE
      • Access to LiveGrader for feedback on essay
      • Tech support via email or phone
      • Two 2-hour LiveOnline sessions
      • 250 additional practice questions available
    • Free GRE Events by Princeton Review
    • Free Practice Tests by Princeton Review
    • “I found the Princeton Review book to be HUGELY helpful a few years ago.  Their math review was succinct and useful, and their vocabulary "hit list" is really nice (you really need to know the vocabulary--plain memorization).  They also were good at helping with strategy (which was surprisingly important when I took the test 3 years ago or so).  In summary: know the vocabulary, shore up any weaknesses in the math, learn the strategy, and take a practice test or two.”
      • 8 Prep Study Guides
      • The Official Guide to the GRE revised General Test (book)
      • 6 Section Adaptive Practice Exams
      • 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems
      • 6.5 hours of Math Recording instruction
      • On Demand Class Recordings (27+ hours of instruction)
      • Customized
      • One-on-One Attention
      • Study on Your Schedule
      • Pricing as Listed (in packs of hours) - $225/hour
    • “I studied the Manhattan series books for about two weeks (~2 hours a day), didn't take a practice test, and did relatively well (>320). It's expensive but it's worth it IMO.”
      • 500 Math Flash Cards
    • Cram Plan Center - helps you cram for the GRE in 1 month, 2 months, or 1 week.
      • Free downloads
      • Math Review for Standardized Tests
      • Verbal Review for Standardized Tests
      • GRE General Test, 7th Edition
    • “The verbal section for this site will store words that you miss so that you can practice them later, and once you ace a word three times without missing it (keep in mind this word is showing up randomly as you practice), it will put into the "mastered" category.  It cost me something like $15 for lifetime access to the site and was a great resource for me. Both the math/verbal reviews on the site will give you the option to click and reduce two incorrect answers to narrow down the choices, and the math section gives you hints if needed and a full explanation for any missed question.”
    • “It's something like $20 bucks for unlimited access and it contains qualitative and quantitative practice questions that give you full explanations when missed. It also has several tests that mirror the computerized version of the test. It also contains an excellent review on math/vocab before you start studying. I wasted my money on the kaplan/princeton books and returned them once I started using the website. It's simple, you can access it from anywhere, and it reflects actual GRE questions. Study, relax, and you will ace the exam!”
  • Wyzant.com - Math and Verbal GRE 1:1 Tutoring
  • TaketheGRE.com - Official ETS and free test prep materials
    • “I used the GRE prep book from ETS, which was helpful and had lots of test questions and "background" for the test itself. It does a solid job of teaching the quantitative section, especially. I download the "how to do the Quantitative section" document from ETS for free. I put it in a binder, and found myself referring to it early and often. Do online practice tests, I think the ETS book included a CD with the same practice tests they offer online for free. Get used to the format, and get used to doing problems against the clock. The test happens a lot faster than you think it does. If you get used to working while on a clock, that converts the pressure and "mental game" into something that's on your side.”
    • “They have over 1000 questions with a video explanation after every question so you learn how to solve the question and over 200 video lessons on all the math and verbal topics covered on the GRE. Plus you can take 4 full length practice tests so you can anticipate your score. I have been using it and it is great! I have learned so much!!!”
  • Keshwani Prep - Solves problems out of GRE books for free
  • Get a private GRE tutor from Craigslist.com or Care.com
  • Vocab apps for iPhone/Android
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