importance of GRE?

[curlykid]

how important is the GRE in the vet school application?

if you have a high GPA 3.8+, great ECs (volunteer at local veterinary University, studied abroad doing veterinary work), strong recs, but can't standardize test well, will that hurt your chances of getting into vet school?

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[Quaggi]

every school is different, but in my experience GRE scores are very important. schools want to see that you can do well on a standardized test because in order to become licensed you have to take one. so if you can't do well on an easier test like the GRE, they feel that you have less chance of passing your boards. i'm sure if you study for it you'll do fine 🙂

 

[HopefulUGACVM]

Considering I did not get in this year and the only thing the admissions office could tell me to improve was my GRE then I would consider it important.

As we speak I am looking up Kaplan courses and debating on which Kaplan course to take.

Then again I have average grades so the GRE is extremely important in my case. Others got in this year with similar GRE scores as mine but they had fabulous grades.

 

[DVM2b]

I had very average GRE scores and not a single school I was interviewed at mentioned them. I had a good GPA so I think that helped. I know Tufts, Cornell and Penn look heavily at GRE scores so I didn't apply to those schools. I got into 7 schools, so it can be done with not so great GRE scores.

 

[OceanAngel]

I had very average GRE scores and not a single school I was interviewed at mentioned them. I had a good GPA so I think that helped. I know Tufts, Cornell and Penn look heavily at GRE scores so I didn't apply to those schools. I got into 7 schools, so it can be done with not so great GRE scores.

Just curious DVM2b, what schools did you get accepted to? Did you have other amazing credentials besides a great GPA? I am also in the same boat about GREs. My GREs are ok and I have been debating whether or not I should retake them. I keep thinking I got into grad school with them, but is that good enough for vet school?

 

[ginkogirl]

This may be old news, but I figured I'd say it anyway...

I've been studying for the GRE recently and have been using the Princeton Review's study guide. I'd recommend it, it has review of necessary math concepts, practice problem sets, and some useful (although not terribly unique) testing tips. It also comes with access to a few computer-based GRE like tests, and is relatively inexpensive (~$20 if I remember correctly). Best of all, there are lists of GRE vocab words for people like me who have the vocabulary of a toaster oven 😀 !

But I still haven't taken the test yet, so the jury is still out. I like many others on this thread am not a stellar standardized test-taker

~Lisa

 

[Boxsterluv]

I'm going to agree with the previous posts that say that the GRE is very important... If you look back at previous threads during the application/find-out-if-you-got-in time, you'll see that there are lots of people with great GPA and EC's but still didn't get in.. I say that every little bit helps in this crazy game of vet school, so get study books (I got the Kaplan with the CD, those little games make it not so boring), tough it out, and do the very best you can. Good luck to you! 👍

 

[DVM2b]

Just curious DVM2b, what schools did you get accepted to? Did you have other amazing credentials besides a great GPA? I am also in the same boat about GREs. My GREs are ok and I have been debating whether or not I should retake them. I keep thinking I got into grad school with them, but is that good enough for vet school?

I got into Minnesota, Missouri, Iowa, Auburn, Purdue, Mississippi, Louisiana and Edinburgh. I was wait listed at Wisconsin, Western and Kansas. I was rejected from Davis and Colorado. I have worked at a large animal hospital and a small animal critical care hospital. I think what made me stand out was the fact I had shown my horse in Europe. In every interview I was asked about that and shipping horses from Europe. I was also very involved in clubs throughout college. I would retake the GRE if you have the time to study for them. A good GRE score can really help. I took the GRE twice and I improved the second time but it was still nothing special.

 

[cowboyup]

I have a good MCAT score and michigan st does not require the GRE if you have a MCAT score. Should I take the GRE or stay with what I have????

 

[tygris]

I have a good MCAT score and michigan st does not require the GRE if you have a MCAT score. Should I take the GRE or stay with what I have????

That depends on whether or not you're planning on applying to more schools than MSU. I suggest you check out the requirements of all the schools you want to apply to. Most schools prefer GRE's, or only take GRE's and do not consider MCAT scores. But if all the schools you apply to take MCAT scores in place of GRE's, and none of them prefer one over the other (I would contact admissions departments directly about this), I wouldn't worry about taking them. I know Cornell takes both and they told me that it makes no difference to them which score you submit.

 

[chickenboo]

I have a good MCAT score and michigan st does not require the GRE if you have a MCAT score. Should I take the GRE or stay with what I have????

I would take the GRE if I were you. Even if you only apply to MSU, this past application cycle at least they had very high MCAT scores from applicants. Their "selected class" mean was a 38.31, while the selected class mean for the GRE was only 1182.13 (verbal + quantitative)--and I say "only" not because an 1182 is not a good score (it is), but because it's not as good, percentile-wise, as a getting a 38 on the MCAT--there's a definite disparity there. So it appears that having a great MCAT score is nothing special (unfortunately for me 😛 ), while having a great GRE score would actually set you apart more.

On the other hand, the MCAT statistics may be quite skewed, since not a whole lot of applicants take the MCAT.

 

[OceanAngel]

I would take the GRE if I were you. Even if you only apply to MSU, this past application cycle at least they had very high MCAT scores from applicants. Their "selected class" mean was a 38.31, while the selected class mean for the GRE was only 1182.13 (verbal + quantitative)--and I say "only" not because an 1182 is not a good score (it is), but because it's not as good, percentile-wise, as a getting a 38 on the MCAT--there's a definite disparity there. So it appears that having a great MCAT score is nothing special (unfortunately for me 😛 ), while having a great GRE score would actually set you apart more.

On the other hand, the MCAT statistics may be quite skewed, since not a whole lot of applicants take the MCAT.

What are you considering a great GRE? I keep getting such different estimates everywhere from 1100 to 13 or 1400. It seems like it owuld depend more on the percent rather than raw score. Is this incorrect?

 

[birdvet2006]

The GRE is unimportant if you apply to a vet school that doesn't require it. 🙂 Like many of the AVMA accredited schools abroad.

 

[chickenboo]

What are you considering a great GRE? I keep getting such different estimates everywhere from 1100 to 13 or 1400. It seems like it owuld depend more on the percent rather than raw score. Is this incorrect?

Nothing specific, really. I mean, I don't think there's a cutoff point per se, but if you can get significantly above (i.e. by a few hundred points) the average for whatever school you're applying to, I think that helps. And the average for schools seems to be about in the 75th percentile, pretty much across the board from what I remember. I certainly DON'T think the GRE is the most important part of your application by any stretch of the imagination (so don't worry too much about it), but it can help distinguish you a bit, especially if your GPA is not stellar.

 

[chickenboo]

Well, let me clarify what I said above about the relative importance of the GRE. I do think it's an important part of your application in the sense that if your GRE is significantly below the average, it will hurt you. If your GRE is significantly above the average, it will help you. If your GRE is about average, it neither hurts nor helps you, but it fulfills the requirement to take the GRE. I don't know if I'm clarifying anything or making it more confusing, actually. 🙂 I think I just wanted to say that yes, the GRE is important, but as long as your score is reasonably good, it's not going to be the factor that makes or breaks you. At least, that was my experience applying. It's pretty much just a hoop to jump through. I think where the GRE really becomes important is if you need to make up for a not-so-good GPA.

 

[pathognomonic]

I found it to be very important. I am quite sure it is what got me accepted. Cornell took me with a 3.1, but a 1420 GRE.

 

[ReinaDeLuz]

I found it to be very important. I am quite sure it is what got me accepted. Cornell took me with a 3.1, but a 1420 GRE.

I agree, at the very least it made it *much* more likely that I would get in, with a 3.4 GPA and a 1310 GRE.

 

[spikey]

so what you're saying is the GRE scores kind of "make up" for a lower GPA? i have a higher GPA (3.9) but a low GRE. i'm retaking the test, but i doubt i'll go much higher than the 1100 or so i have. will my GRE scores be a big downfall for me?

 

[ReinaDeLuz]

so what you're saying is the GRE scores kind of "make up" for a lower GPA? i have a higher GPA (3.9) but a low GRE. i'm retaking the test, but i doubt i'll go much higher than the 1100 or so i have. will my GRE scores be a big downfall for me?

i doubt it would be a *big* downfall for you, but i know some schools that weigh the GRE nearly as importantly as GPA, so while your GPA is FABULOUS someone with a slightly less fabulous GPA and an amazing GRE might be seen as equivalent? at least thats kind of the way it was explained to me. so definitely retake it! but dont be too upset if you can't do much better, if you're strong in other areas you'll be fine.

 

[verbal_kint]

so what you're saying is the GRE scores kind of "make up" for a lower GPA? i have a higher GPA (3.9) but a low GRE. i'm retaking the test, but i doubt i'll go much higher than the 1100 or so i have. will my GRE scores be a big downfall for me?

From the Davis website :

"Academic performance is the major factor in admission selection. ...Because GPAs and GRE scores are equally weighted in the admissions process, a below-average GPA, may be balanced out by GRE scores that are above the average. Conversely, GRE scores below average, may be balanced out by GPAs higher than the average."

Just curious, which college did you attend?

Also, the GRE is something you just need to put the effort in to raise your score. The verbal section is basically a vocabulary test. Get a book, make flash cards, write a word on a white board everyday, whatever you need to do. The hardest thing about the GRE is making yourself put the effort in. The math section? Just do a bunch of practice problems. Learn from those. The real test is not going to be much different.

The way I see it is like this. If you want to be a vet bad enough, you do what it takes to get your sh-t taken care of. don't settle. sure, you have a high GPA, but why not make your app that much better and get a high GRE score too? Vet school admissions is competitive, so do what you can to make your application as strong as possible. if you have enough time to sit and wondering about it, you have enough time to do something about it.

it may sound harsh, but you're applying for a professional school, so just be professional and take care of business. 🙂

good luck! 😀

 

[spikey]

From the Davis website :

"Academic performance is the major factor in admission selection. ...Because GPAs and GRE scores are equally weighted in the admissions process, a below-average GPA, may be balanced out by GRE scores that are above the average. Conversely, GRE scores below average, may be balanced out by GPAs higher than the average."

Just curious, which college did you attend?

Also, the GRE is something you just need to put the effort in to raise your score. The verbal section is basically a vocabulary test. Get a book, make flash cards, write a word on a white board everyday, whatever you need to do. The hardest thing about the GRE is making yourself put the effort in. The math section? Just do a bunch of practice problems. Learn from those. The real test is not going to be much different.

The way I see it is like this. If you want to be a vet bad enough, you do what it takes to get your sh-t taken care of. don't settle. sure, you have a high GPA, but why not make your app that much better and get a high GRE score too? Vet school admissions is competitive, so do what you can to make your application as strong as possible. if you have enough time to sit and wondering about it, you have enough time to do something about it.

it may sound harsh, but you're applying for a professional school, so just be professional and take care of business. 🙂

good luck! 😀

i'm at the Richard Stockton College of NJ.

and yup, i'm studying for it again. its my verbal that needs improving big time, so i've bought several books and i'm making notecards. thanks for the advice 😀

 

[youthman]

thanks for making me nervous. I'm taking the test in a couple weeks

 

[ginkogirl]

thanks for making me nervous. I'm taking the test in a couple weeks

Good luck! I'm still reveling in my semi-delusional state that August (when I'm taking the GRE) is a long way off. 😀

 

[weeziefive]

And just one thing to think about. Any one of you applying for residency programs once out of vet school. A lot of the vet schools (and/or residency programs) require your GRE scores!!! The GRE will haunt me for the rest of my life!!

 

[birdvet2006]

And just one thing to think about. Any one of you applying for residency programs once out of vet school. A lot of the vet schools (and/or residency programs) require your GRE scores!!! The GRE will haunt me for the rest of my life!!

Weezie, that's SCARY! I took the GRE once and would have re-taken it to improve my scores...but my vet school didn't require the GRE and I was accepted.

Now it's been about 6 years since I've taken the GRE. Yuck. I hope my residency positions don't require the GRE. 🙁

 

[mountain man]

I would like to give my opinion on the GRE: "I think you need to have a 1200+ to even be considered, with the exception of some state schools that look to fill a quota of residents". I will give you my example. I am an older male (very athletic), years of vet (clinical) practice exposure...large, small, wildlife, lab animal, ect...., I worked my whole life on beef and dairy farms, and as a part-time vet tech, I have a masters degree where I worked on a 16+ credit load every term with a 3.5 GPA, I had great rec letters from various graduate profs and vets, a great work ethic, and a strong desire to enter this field. I respect clients (pet owners and farmers) who have many animals, but not very much money; I do not put other people lesser than my educational status down, and I wanted to make a difference helping people with their animals...........................but I have 1060 GRE score and I was only offered an interview at PEI (which I turned down). Be wise and get your GRE up to and over 1200+ or get ready for the islands (which is an option for the brave and hard-working). I know some people will PM you and tell you they got in with less than that but do you want to find out for yourself (people like to lie)? Good luck to you and do whatever it takes!

Mountain Man 🙂

 

[chickenboo]

And just one thing to think about. Any one of you applying for residency programs once out of vet school. A lot of the vet schools (and/or residency programs) require your GRE scores!!! The GRE will haunt me for the rest of my life!!

weezie, what places are you looking at? I just looked on the VIRMP website out of curiousity, but it looked like the vast, vast majority of residency programs did not require the GRE--I only saw that CSU did (although I admit my search was not exhaustive). I have to say that requiring your GRE scores for residency programs is one of the most ridiculous things I have EVER heard. How could it possibly matter what you scored on the GRE??

 

[HorseyVet]

I have to say that requiring your GRE scores for residency programs is one of the most ridiculous things I have EVER heard. How could it possibly matter what you scored on the GRE??

lol...it's sort of like asking for your SAT/ACT scores to get into vet school ....

I had no idea residencies wanted those....I wonder also if its just a handful of schools that want them, like they wanted them years ago and just haven't removed the requirement yet...

crazy

 

[lazyjayn]

Since CSU requires that you take classes toward a degree, it rather makes sense that they'd require it. Bet the other schools asking for GRE scores require you to take grad classes too.

 

[Infamous]

I would like to give my opinion on the GRE: "I think you need to have a 1200+ to even be considered, with the exception of some state schools that look to fill a quota of residents". I will give you my example. I am an older male (very athletic), years of vet (clinical) practice exposure...large, small, wildlife, lab animal, ect...., I worked my whole life on beef and dairy farms, and as a part-time vet tech, I have a masters degree where I worked on a 16+ credit load every term with a 3.5 GPA, I had great rec letters from various graduate profs and vets, a great work ethic, and a strong desire to enter this field. I respect clients (pet owners and farmers) who have many animals, but not very much money; I do not put other people lesser than my educational status down, and I wanted to make a difference helping people with their animals...........................but I have 1060 GRE score and I was only offered an interview at PEI (which I turned down). Be wise and get your GRE up to and over 1200+ or get ready for the islands (which is an option for the brave and hard-working). I know some people will PM you and tell you they got in with less than that but do you want to find out for yourself (people like to lie)? Good luck to you and do whatever it takes!

Mountain Man 🙂

What's PEI?

 

[Infamous]

If you want to badly enter this field - why are you turning down interviews?

 

[youthman]

maybe he wants to stay in the states

 

[Infamous]

maybe he wants to stay in the states

ahh, yes I was wondering what the heck moutain man (lol) was taking about. At first, I thought he was talking about Princeton's Environmental Istitute - but that wouldn't make a whole lot of sense.

Is the Univeristy of Prince Edward Island AVMA-accred'd?

 

[chickenboo]

Since CSU requires that you take classes toward a degree, it rather makes sense that they'd require it. Bet the other schools asking for GRE scores require you to take grad classes too.

Well, it certainly makes sense in this context. Guess I'll have to eat my words! 🙂

 

[nessaf7]

PEI is accredited

 

[birdvet2006]

If you want to badly enter this field - why are you turning down interviews?

That's what I'm wondering, too. PEI is a good school. Why apply if you're not willing to go?

 

[UKYWildcat]

I would like to give my opinion on the GRE: "I think you need to have a 1200+ to even be considered, with the exception of some state schools that look to fill a quota of residents". I will give you my example. I am an older male (very athletic), years of vet (clinical) practice exposure...large, small, wildlife, lab animal, ect...., I worked my whole life on beef and dairy farms, and as a part-time vet tech, I have a masters degree where I worked on a 16+ credit load every term with a 3.5 GPA, I had great rec letters from various graduate profs and vets, a great work ethic, and a strong desire to enter this field. I respect clients (pet owners and farmers) who have many animals, but not very much money; I do not put other people lesser than my educational status down, and I wanted to make a difference helping people with their animals...........................but I have 1060 GRE score and I was only offered an interview at PEI (which I turned down). Be wise and get your GRE up to and over 1200+ or get ready for the islands (which is an option for the brave and hard-working). I know some people will PM you and tell you they got in with less than that but do you want to find out for yourself (people like to lie)? Good luck to you and do whatever it takes!

Mountain Man 🙂

I don't know abou this...I had lower GRE scores than you, Mountain Man and was offered spots at 3 of the 5 schools I applied to and am still waitlisted at one. I did horrible on the GRE, one of my students had died the day before. I chose not to retake it - my gamble, I guess which is stupid, looking back on it but it worked out fine. I don't have a stellar GPA either, so it's not like that balanced anything out.
It's just one big crapshoot, IMHO. 🙂

 

[tiddlywinks]

I know this is sort of off-topic, I'm sorry, but speaking of GREs. If we're applying now for 2007 matriculation, is it too early to send in GRE scores and transcripts?

 

[HorseyVet]

I know this is sort of off-topic, I'm sorry, but speaking of GREs. If we're applying now for 2007 matriculation, is it too early to send in GRE scores and transcripts?

Usually you can start sending stuff in as soon as the applications of where you are applying have been made available. Check the fine print on what they want though and make sure that your scores are recent enough (usually a year).

Getting stuff in early can help depending on the school, but often only if your entire application is complete early and if they say they do start looking at them early (sort of a version of rolling admissions). Becareful though, early may hurt you depending on the school and what you plan to do between being complete and the final deadline. For example if you plan to take classes that may raise your GPA or do a lot more shadowing or shadowing of a different sort then what you've already submitted. Some schools will only evaluate you offically on what you have in your primary application.
Anyone who wished their fall grade could have been considered b/c they raised your GPA knows what I'm talking about.

 

[mountain man]

Hi, Sorry I did not check in in a few days. LOL! Yeah perhaps my 1060 GRE does speak about my abilities....afterall, I did turn down that interview to PEI ((stupid)) 😳 ( I can't say why). I just wish I had the Courage to go to the islands now! Well anyway don't be a failure like me, good luck to you, and get that GRE score up!

Mountain Man

 

[weeziefive]

weezie, what places are you looking at? I just looked on the VIRMP website out of curiousity, but it looked like the vast, vast majority of residency programs did not require the GRE--I only saw that CSU did (although I admit my search was not exhaustive). I have to say that requiring your GRE scores for residency programs is one of the most ridiculous things I have EVER heard. How could it possibly matter what you scored on the GRE??

I was looking at pathology residencies...so it may differ. Im not really sure. One of our residents was telling me that she worked in small animal before applying for her residency and had to re-study all of the wonderful vocab words. I know that pretty much all of the US path programs require the GRE.

 

[youthman]

I got this from the UCDavis website and thought it was interesting:

When you take the GRE multiple times, we consider the highest scores in each section for examinations taken within the five-year period.

Not sure how other schools view mutliple GRE's though. I would think it starts to look bad after a couple tries. I just took my GRE today (for the first time) and am not sure if I should try again. I got a 1320 and I know I could do better on my vocab, but what if I do worse on my math? UCD might take the highest from each section but I don't think other schools do.