Standardized Test Scores and Post Bac Admissions

[ILoveCheese]

I will be applying to post bac programs (I'm a career changer with no previous science classes) hoping to begin Summer/Fall 2007. As I've researched various programs online, I notice that they all require your score from a various standardized test whether it is the ACT, SAT, GRE, etc.

However, I'm wondering how long a score on a standardized test is considered good and valid for admission. Do they have an expiration date in this sense?

Also, to all the previous applicants out there that were accepted to post bac programs----when you applied did you have only one test score, such as the ACT or SAT, or did you apply with an ACT or SAT score plus your score from the GRE?

Thanks!

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[Maxprime]

I think you may be looking only at graduate-level post-baccs (someone correct me if I'm wrong). For example, Harvard Extension School's Health Careers Program requires no standardized test score (although they do have a blank for it).

If you don't have an MCAT, it can be a good way to get into a Special Master's Program or other applied science master's program. But if you don't have your pre-reqs then you need to take them at the undergraduate level (again, someone please correct me if I'm wrong here).

 

[oneandonlylo]

I don't know anything about SMPs or grad level postbacs, but on the undergrad level (career-changers etc with no prereqs) some programs I looked in to required the GRE, others required the SAT, and some required both.

I don't think I read anything about SAT scores "expiring" persay, but if you're afraid that yours is old or outdated, you may want to consider taking the GRE before applying. This might show admissions committees that you are currently still capable of achieving academically at the same level as when you took the SATs/ACTs (or better!). That said, if you don't have time or don't want to, I wouldn't worry too much. These programs recognize that the reason you are applying is related to having been out of school for a bit (or even longer) and that your stats may not be all that current. If there is no obvious statement of "scores must be from the last five years" etc, I wouldn't worry.

 

[ILoveCheese]

Thank you for the input. I will be applying to undergrad level post bacs. All the ones I intend on applying to do require score(s) from some test, whether it is the ACT, SAT, whatever. I haven't seen anything on the various schools websites that sets an expiration date on the test score so I think I will be fine in that area.

oneandonlylo, did you apply with both scores from the SAT and GRE or only one score?

 

[Maxprime]

If you have a deficiency in what they require, look into applying as a non-degree seeking candidate (assuming you already have a degree). They generally let anyone take classes as a post-bacc non-degree seeker.

 

[oneandonlylo]

oneandonlylo, did you apply with both scores from the SAT and GRE or only one score?

yes, I did, since I had the scores anyways. I think it helped

 

[Fashionista]

I only had SAT scores to send in for my post bac apps. I am starting the science pre-req "undergrad" courses in the fall. I did not take the GRE and do not have scores (this was not a problem). A few schools require you to contact the College Board and have the scores sent directly to them. While waiting for the scores to be sent, they often will allow you to copy an unofficial copy you may have from your high shcool transcript.

 

[profstudent]

I only had SAT scores to send in for my post bac apps. I am starting the science pre-req "undergrad" courses in the fall. I did not take the GRE and do not have scores (this was not a problem). A few schools require you to contact the College Board and have the scores sent directly to them. While waiting for the scores to be sent, they often will allow you to copy an unofficial copy you may have from your high shcool transcript.

Many programs (Goucher, Bryn Mawr, Tufts off the top of my head) are OK with the SAT score noted on your high school transcript; an official report from the College Board isn't necessary for these schools.

 

[tylerw]

I heard that sat score's only good for 5 years.. or is that just GRE?
Then what's an acceptable GRE score to get into a post-bac program? Anyone know?

 

[Febrifuge]

I got into a postbac last year with my ACT scores... from 1989. Don't sweat it. If you have some reason to doubt, then call the program in question and ask them directly.

 

[butters149]

How high of a SAT or GRE score does it have to be? Neither of mine were good, below 1000.

 

[NewmansOwn]

How high of a SAT or GRE score does it have to be? Neither of mine were good, below 1000.

Wow, 3+ year bump -- nice work, for this forum.

I don't know if all postbacs require standardized tests, but you won't get into any respectable programs with scores that low.

 

[betterlate]

Wow, 3+ year bump -- nice work, for this forum.

I don't know if all postbacs require standardized tests, but you won't get into any respectable programs with scores that low.

Well, I think there isn't enough info here to make a statement that broad. If everything else about the app looks good, and you've got a reasonable explanation for the low test scores, it is worth submitting an application as-is to respectable programs. The scores are just one part of a larger application. If grades are mediocre, test scores are low, *and* you've got no medical experience to speak of, however, you're probably out of luck.

Alternatively, if you think you can boost your GRE score significantly in a second try, go ahead and retake it. Both scores will show up on your applications, but you can explain why the first score was low, etc. If you don't think your score will improve significantly, don't bother retaking.

 

[butters149]

Well I've got a 3.6 ugpa and graduated cum laude, also I've got a couple months of shadowing the USC doctors at la county hospital as well as a month of shadowing my uncle at twelve oaks in Houston. I'm not sure why I can't boost my gre scores. Right now I'm working full time at a law firm.

 

[chof2010]

What about SATs around an 1180? or GRE with a math around 640-670, essay a 5 out of 6, but a verbal of 470-500? Should I retake the GRE? I took it quick before my senior year at college started, and did not have a good chance to study some words.

 

[chof2010]

What about SATs around an 1180? or GRE with a math around 640-670, essay a 5 out of 6, but a verbal of 470-500? Should I retake the GRE? I took it quick before my senior year at college started, and did not have a good chance to study some words. As for other parts, I have a 3.6 uGPA, worked at the radiology of a hospital over summer, I have shadowed a doctor several times, and will hopefully be starting to volunteer at the child psych dept of Stony Brook-not just doing paper work, but actually working with the children.

 

[deleted248403]

Wow, 3+ year bump -- nice work, for this forum.

Nothing more annoying... esp when people don't look at the year. Or answer a question thats ridic old

 

[betterlate]

Well I've got a 3.6 ugpa and graduated cum laude, also I've got a couple months of shadowing the USC doctors at la county hospital as well as a month of shadowing my uncle at twelve oaks in Houston. I'm not sure why I can't boost my gre scores. Right now I'm working full time at a law firm.

Your GPA is certainly in the ballpark for postbacc programs. If you can put together an application package w/ excellent letters of recommendation & a polished personal statement, you should submit the application and see what happens. Good luck!