GRE Scores

[UFballerinaDPT]

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The GRE score is only one piece of the physical therapy school application, and schools consider other elements of an applicant ( LOR, GPA, Extra curriculars, etc). I am taking the GRE soon, and know that standardized testing is not my strength.

Does anyone know if schools make "exceptions" for applicants that do not have stellar GRE scores but have extremely high GPA's? Schools usually state a "minimum" GRE score to have, but do schools make exceptions during the application review process?

The GRE is one test on one day out of the year, where the GPA is over a long period of time. Do most schools use weight more heavily on GPA than GRE scores?

Any input about this part of the application would be helpful!

 

[Azimuthal]

Hi, I would contact the programs that you are interested in and ask if there are exceptions to their requirements. You haven't taken the exam yet so I think your concern is a little premature. Study, study, study! Try your best and who knows?

I too, am not a very good standardized test taker but have been accepted to a few programs based on other strengths. Good luck.

 

[jdaniels360]

I have the same issue, how would people recommend studying for the new revised test? Anyone know anything about it? I've heard to study vocab cards and just go through practice tests. A lot of people say it's an "either you know it or you don't" kind of deal, but I think I disagree. Any input?

 

[Azimuthal]

Although I did not take the new version of the GRE, I do have experience studying for standardized exams. The first thing I do is study the exam itself. What I mean by this, is the ETS GRE itself. This means how the exam is structured, length or exam, subjects of exam, etc. The ETS itself offers a study guide for $35 (you may find them cheaper elsewhere; http://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare#additional). I would hold more weight on this study guide. However, your studying shouldn't be limited to one medium.

Second, I would start asking myself "How important is studying to me?" A personal assessment is important because it 1) addresses something that no one wants to hear about themselves: their weaknesses, 2) knowing and reinforcing your end goal may help you in building confidence. Many people drop [to me: waste] money on GRE courses, etc. This is perfectly fine, but many institutions cite [Google yourselves] that students who take these courses do not generally do better than those who do not. The only courses that are proven to work are 1:1 tutoring - which is VERY expensive. What does this mean to me? It means you have to challenge yourself constantly, not only with the study materials you choose, but with laziness and poor study habits. There is no magic pill for studying that will work for everyone. Exam anxiety alleviation can be remedied by increasing exam confidence. Exam confidence may be increased through practice exams. The more you practice, the better. Also, probably one of the most important points, know that you can retake the GRE. Most schools will take your most recent scores. With this said, schedule your exam accordingly.

1. Learn about the exam.
2. Take a [or as many as you want] practice exam and then do a self assessment on your strengths/ weaknesses. If this is hard for you [its hard for many], skip, go to #3 and distribute your subjects evenly.
3. Create a study plan and stick to it. This takes a lot of discipline. DO NOT forget to schedule in rest periods.
4. Schedule in practice exams from study materials and record progress. Redesign subject concentration accordingly.
5. Give yourself at least 24 hours of no studying before exam date/time.
6. Ask a really good friend/cousin/sibling to give you a quick kick to the 'whatever' when observing you deviate from items 1-4.

Good luck!

 

[DCasey]

The GRE score is only one piece of the physical therapy school application, and schools consider other elements of an applicant ( LOR, GPA, Extra curriculars, etc). I am taking the GRE soon, and know that standardized testing is not my strength.

Does anyone know if schools make "exceptions" for applicants that do not have stellar GRE scores but have extremely high GPA's? Schools usually state a "minimum" GRE score to have, but do schools make exceptions during the application review process?

The GRE is one test on one day out of the year, where the GPA is over a long period of time. Do most schools use weight more heavily on GPA than GRE scores?

Any input about this part of the application would be helpful!

These two resources helped me immeasurably:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0375429654/ref=oh_details_o02_s01_i02
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1889057592/ref=oh_details_o02_s01_i00

Didn't devote as much time to prepping for Analytical Writing and that was reflected in my score. Be sure to review the example essays provided on the GRE website, to become familiar with what they want. I don't want to get all sour apples, but volume of text seems to factor heavily into the scoring.