GREs

Nursing Students SRNA

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I just did the diagnostic review which came with the kaplan study book. And I bombed it terrible! Has anyone had this experience and still cracked down and focused and did well?

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Specializes in ICU-CVICU.

Seriously? Maybe you should rethink your career plans!

Just kidding! I think everyone bombs the first review...that's why you need to study. I don't know anyone that did "very well" without cracking down for at least a little while. It is definitely a test you can study for and improve drastically...Quant is easier to master than Verbal or Writing, so if you're weak on the words, find a list with definitions and make it your new best friend.

Some might say it isn't necessary to do well...I didn't want weakness jumping out to the adcom, so I don't regret the preparation (or the result).

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Special31,

I have endorsed Kaplan in previous posts. I had not taken a standardized test in 20years so I was nervous about the GRE. Took the diagnostic and scored like in the 900's cold turkey.

Took a month to study (about 20 hours per week) and took the GRE and scored in the 1200's.

Although I don't think the GRE has any bearing on success in CRNA school, when I did interview it was pointed out by the director of the program that I had a very good GRE score and this made me competitive. ( I lackd ICU experience)

Any hole in your application gives them reason to put you in the other pile so the more "assets" and qualifications you have, the better chance of an interview, then it is a matter of how you show your commitment and drive.

TOne interviewer actually mentioned that she liked my GRE score; I told the panel I had not taken a test like that in years and I bought a book and studied hard and improved my score. One of the panel members actually said "well that shows some dedication".

DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO GET IN

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Specializes in CTICU/Neuro-TraumaICU.

Do programs weigh the quantitative section higher than the verbal? I did fine in verbal in my practice test, but need to work on math. What is a competative quatatative score?

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Specializes in SICU.

Most programs require a higher math score than verbal. However, the requirements usually just specify a combined score.

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Specializes in SICU.

most require a higher math score, but usually just list a minimum combined score on the requirements. I would say a quantitative score of at least 500.

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Specializes in SICU.

They usually want quantitative to be higher, minimum 500. Although the requirements usually only a specify a min combined score.

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To BSN14John,

Which Kaplan prep course did you take if you don't mind me asking?

I am in the middle of trying to decide on one.

Thanks,

Serengeti

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Serengeti,

I did not take a course, just bought the textbook for around $50.00 which has a CD and gives you access to test questions online.

Many people I talked with said don't waste the money on a course, the same techniques are outlined in the book.

Knowing the definitions of words and remedial math are covered (ie area of a circle,etc) and these were asked on the test.

Disciplined study and testing yourself will build your confidence and take away anxiety. I feel Kaplan is good about measuring progress with pretest/posttest evaluation.

Hope this helps and good luck.

jw

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Specializes in CTICU/Neuro-TraumaICU.

I am taking a Kaplan course where I meet with a class once a week for 2.5 hours. Our first session we took a sample GRE to establish a baseline (it was, however, paper and pencil).

I had my score on my Kaplan webpage within about 18 hours of taking the test. My weak areas were identified and a personalized study plan was outlined.

The course is wicked expensive! I'm getting into this later in life and dont feel like I have time to mess around, though, so I bit the bullet and paid $1,100.00. I have taken several online courses as a graduate student and feel like once a week face to face is worth the extra money.

Cassandra

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They generally say the average person can improve their score by about 200 points after working through a prep book.

Unless you are below average or just too lazy to read through a book, don't waste your money on a course. I got a Kaplan book and cd and was pleased with the results.

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To BSN14John,

Thanks for the info. I got the verbal and math workbooks which don't have CDs. I guess I will need to go get the premier edition '09 that comes with the CD.

Thanks again,

Serengeti

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