Applying to post bacs - standardized exams?

[polkadots]

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Hello hello!

I"m planning to apply to a couple of post bac programs for 2008 -- John Hopkins, Bryn Mawr, Goucher, Scripps, USC and Columbia. Unfortunately, majority of these schools require a standardized test score (SAT/ACT/GRE) and the problem is that I've never taken one. Due to unforeseen circumstances, i never had a chance to take my SATs when I was in highschool. Nevertheless, i still went to UCLA and graduated with a 3.9 in communications in 06'. Anywhoo, Im currently studying to take my GRE and I was wondering how important these scores were.

Your input would be really really really appreciated!!! 😍

Thanks!

 

[Lshapley]

You should call up the programs you are interested in and find out what is the baseline score for the GRE that they require. At Penn, they looked at it as an indicator of your potential to pass the MCAT (and subsequently the USMLEs), so they do value people who can do well on standardized exams. I would assume other post bacs see it in the same light.

 

[drizzt3117]

You were admitted to UCLA w/o taking a standardized test? Odd. In any case, as the previous poster mentioned, they're used as a proxy for MCAT potential so doing well will help, but most programs evaluate your application as a whole although numbers are certainly important. I would contact postbac program coordinators and ask, given your circumstances aren't typical.

 

[polkadots]

Lshapely and drizz3117:

Thanks so much for your help!

What would be considered a decent score? 70th percentile? 80th? 90th percentile? I already called the schools that I was interested in and they were extremely vague about it.

Thanks again in advance!

 

[drizzt3117]

Lshapely and drizz3117:

Thanks so much for your help!

What would be considered a decent score? 70th percentile? 80th? 90th percentile? I already called the schools that I was interested in and they were extremely vague about it.

Thanks again in advance!

A 1250-1300 on a 1600 pt SAT or 28+ on the ACT would be a competitive score. Not sure about the 2400 pt SAT. I believe something like a 630-650+ on each GRE section is competitive.

 

[Lshapley]

I don't know anything about the GRE, but UPenn had an 1100 SAT floor (for the 1600 SAT).