Published Feb 25, 2014
icu_rn88, BSN, RN
24 Posts
I just walked out of the GRE and my preliminary scores are Verbal - 163 and Quantitative - 154. I have a cumulative 3.3 GPA and was hoping to make up for it with my GRE scores. The minimum score for the programs I'm applying to is 300. How are my scores? Are they competitive?
Spoiled1, MSN, RN
463 Posts
Definitely! You should be able to get interviews at some schools with those scores. Good luck!
Yuppers21
173 Posts
What programs are you shooting for?
heart_and_hands
32 Posts
Those are highly competitive scores- probably at least 90th percentile. The GRE is scored out of 170 on each of the two sections (writing is out of 6), so if a school asks for "300" they likely mean the sum of the two sections. So your preliminary scores come to 317! My GPA was 3.4 and my scores were similarly high, and I got into my (highly competitive) first-choice program. Focus on gaining experience in healthcare or research and look at how that experience connects with your clinical interests. Having a clear vision through your app essays and potential interviews, and an understanding of how your experience backs that up, will really strengthen your application.
I'm in Philly and I'm applying to Drexel in March for the January 2016 start. This is my top choice because I graduated from Drexel with my BSN in 2012. It's too early to apply to other schools in my area because I want to start in 2016 , but if I don't get into Drexel I will be applying everywhere else. There are several schools in the Philly area : Upenn, Jefferson, LaSalle, Lourdes Hospital which is associated with Drexel as well for the anesthesia program (it's in Jersey but still close to Philly).
Da_Milk_of_Amnesia, MSN
514 Posts
GREs are not an adequate predictor of ones success in graduate school. There are a bunch of schools that done even require them as their predictive value sucks. All of the schools I've talked to have said thats the reason why they've taken the GRE off the requirements. And plus, who wants to take or study for another stupid standardized test.
lady_stic
102 Posts
Wow. That's fantastic. I believe that you have a great shot at getting into Drexel. You'll definitely get an interview, so it will be up to you to nail it. Good luck!
I've heard a few PDs say the contrary and that there is a positive correlation between GRE scores and a SRNA's academic performance.
Reno1978, BSN, RN
1,133 Posts
I'd say so! I got 153, 153 and 5.0 and start a competitive program with a small class size this fall. If your GPA is a concern, think about how you'll address a question like this: "Why should we select you over a candidate with a better GPA and GRE scores?"
manusko
611 Posts
I have heard the same thing. A high GRE score has a positive correlation to graduate school success but in the same breath a low GRE score is not a good predictor of graduate school success.
YourLocalAsian
136 Posts
I feel the same way. I am in my first semester of BSN program now and doing alright (B+) but when it comes to standardizes tests, I can't do well. I really hope by the time I graduate, it is not a requirement. The school that I will be applying to here in N.Y doesn't require it....
Isn't downstate the only place in NY that doesn't require them? When I was applying last year, they still did not have their accreditation back yet, which is why I obviously didn't go there. I think they got it back recently tho?