GRE?

annagybe

I know we have some grad and post grad students on here. I've been kicking around the idea of applying to PA school. But I would need to take the GRE. I know my math is super rusty. I took college level calculus, but that was 20 years ago. So I'd probably need a tutor for at least the math part.
How bad is it?

12 years ago

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12 replies

Latest reply was from Adelfa

Jaime

(website)

Veteran

I haven't taken the GREs in more than 20 years but I would suggest taking a class or doing practice tests at least. Taking these tests is a skill in itself and it can be learned.

12 years ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

Having only taken the LSATs (and 20 years ago at that), I have no advice for you, but wanted to wish you luck! The idea of anything that involves calculus makes me break into a sweat, even though I'm fine with all the basic math that being a designer required. Would this be a step towards a career shift that would bring more reasonable working hours?

12 years ago

Kristin L

Veteran

Disclaimer - I haven't taken the GRE in about 6-7 years.

From what I remember being told, the GRE's math portion is high school math. Think like algebra, trig and geometry. If they made it for college level, only math majors would pass. The way the test is done now is on the computer and it changes the questions it gives you depending on if you answer the question right or not. If it's right, you get a harder question. And if it's wrong, you get an easier one next.

You'll have to take the writing part, right? Definitely read up on how they grade that part. When I took it, I read that takers should stick to the 5 paragraph essay style.

12 years ago

Liz A.

Veteran

GRE math is simple. No calculus needed. I took a prep course at the Princeton review. Worth every penny! I'm the type who won't study on my own.

12 years ago

Diana

Veteran

I took the GRE in 2000, so understand that this might be a bit out of date. From what I remember, though, the math part requires basic trig and geometry at the very most. Definitely not calculus. I think a good idea would be to get a book of practice tests and see how you do on them before you think about courses or tutors.

The test is different now than from when I took it. Back then, there was a logic section which was hard (but kind of fun) but that has been eliminated in favor of a writing sample now.

Will you need to take a subject test as well as the general? Some of the subject tests are wicked hard.

12 years ago

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

I took the GRE in late 2005 and did not find it too daunting. I studied on my own with a few GRE prep books and did many practice tests. The quantitative section was definitely more basic math than anything - no calculus needed. Good luck!

12 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

My daughter took the GRE last year and is retaking it next week. The math was tough on her as she hadn't taken algebra in a while. She has done a lot of studying online and practice testing and now her math scores has risen considerably. She is out for the night, but will talk to her and see if she has website info to help direct you.

12 years ago

Sarah A

Veteran

I have taken the GRE twice for different programs once paper in the olden days (1999) once by computer (2004). I found the computerized disk study program (maybe Kaplan or similar) to be most helpful. The math is all about using "shortcuts" Like 53+46 dont actually add them the ones column than the tens column, do 50+50 EASY and quick than add 3 then subtract 4 faster accurate gets you more questions to get more points does than make sense? (ok obviously the problems are harder but more can be approached the same way) also on the math section I encountered two problems that were electrical engineering with parallel and series resistance so maybe brush up on those ohms. (they werent in the study disk that I recall)

FWIW, The writing section I realized I would run out of time and outlined the rest of my last essay with bullet points and still got a perfect score so if you are running out of time just get your thoughts down and show the logic I think is most important.

Best of luck!

12 years ago

Scarlet

Veteran

When I took it at least, the math was easy. Just get familiar with the computer format they use now to administer the test and you'll be fine.

12 years ago

Isabel

Veteran

Ana, once you are ready to start the math, check out Khan Academy. It is all free and fantastic. I have been boning up on my calculus.

Good Luck.

12 years ago

TraceyLiz65

(website)

Veteran

My daughter took her test today! She us out celebrating but will pick her brain ASAP. In the next day or so.

12 years ago

Adelfa

Veteran

I took it in 1999 and was over 20 years away from college calculus. I was very rusty but took the advice of a friend and did practice tests like a maniac. The books I used gave me strategies and tricks (like how to recognize a 3-4-5 triangle). I did super well on the test

12 years ago

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