[QUOTE/]so i took a class and got the guaranteed 200 added points onto my score. are you telling me by getting that score i now am a better prepared pt student? ...but did you learn anything applicable? no. and youre not all of a sudden more intelligent bc you learned how to take a single test.[/QUOTE]
No you are not a better prepared pt student. BUT here's the thing. You DID learn something. A test taking strategy. Why is that important? Our Boards! It doesn't matter how good of a PT you'll become, because you can't BECOME one until you pass the national exam. That's why the GRE is a factor. By mastering the GRE to significantly improve your score...that is a sign of intelligence, persistence and dedication, desirable traits for professional and graduate work. It shows that you did what you needed to do in order to reach the minimum needed to get into their program. If you don't, they have every right to deny you. Why? If you don't do it now, will you fight and work hard to make sure you'll pass that national exam? A valid point from an administration/acceptance perspective.
If one don't test well, should a program take a risk a in taking that student and reducing their pass rate on the exam? That hurts their stats and they are not going to do that.
[QUOTE/] .and guess what, i graduated with a better GPA than him!![/QUOTE]
I could play devils advocate and state that maybe his professors or school had a harder grading system than where you went. I breezed through a Physics class...easiest A of my life. However, if I went to a different school, I know that it would have not been a case. I have issues with the GRE too, BUT it does provide an even playing field for all students.
[QUOTE/] the admissions director would say, "your GRE score and GPA have been found competitive...blah blah." and he kept saying it in that order, implying that GRE's are as important, if not more than your GPA. i just dont believe that.[/QUOTE]
Honestly, Dr. Carp most likely wasn't stating that the GRE was more important then the GPA. It's probably just a pattern of speech: he just happens to say GRE before GPA. However, kudos. He said that you're GRE score was competitive. 👍
You seem passionate about this GRE thing. Why not do a lit review of scholarly research (the one you posted merely stated an opinion, a brief lit review: it's not research with methodology and suggestions for future research.) in regards to GRE as a predictor of success for DPT students and post it here? Of course you need to review those for and against it. I'm sure many of us would like to see what you find. I think an exam is needed, but I too question whether the GRE is the right one for potential DPT applicants.
Note that the article you posted is outdated somewhat and I'd be intrigued if the changing the analytical section of the GRE and modality improved its predictive nature or not. I took the GREs back in the mid 90's (I know, showing my age here...): we didn't have a writing section. I think the getting rid of the multiple choice analytical section and included the writing section was a good idea in terms of predicting how a student will do in terms of writing and critical analysis. And a safeguard: if you just don't test well in verbal, you have another chance to show that you can write and that you have critical analysis skills. This is essential for school, since DPT programs have 30+ students, there is no time to hand hold in terms of those basic skills.
But yes, I agree and am not fight with you. GREs are biased. But I understand and respect their place in the admission process.
