GRE Scoring - Average Grades in School

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I visited a school's website which "prefers a cumulative score of 900 on the verbal and quantitative sections of the GRE".

I would say I was about average in nursing school in grades. I currently have a 3.56 GPA but alot of that was because I put effort into projects, hmoework, and picking the "right" instructors when I could.

Any suggestions for the GRE? Can I take a practice test first to see where my scores are? Is this a difficult score to achieve? Will I get the results of my test and have the option to take it again if I fail? Will the school know every score I get if I can/do take it again?

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Specializes in SRNA.

I would definitely check out http://www.ets.org (ETS runs the GRE/SAT/GMAT and other standardized exams). They offer a full practice exam (on paper only though, and you will most definitely be taking the computer adaptive test).

I've chosen to use two of the prep books to prepare for the GRE in October (Princeton Review & Kaplan). The advantage of prep books like these is that they often give you practice exams that are web-based or on cd, so that you can get a feel of taking the full exam on computer-model, just like the real thing.

In terms of score...most schools I'm applying to require a 500 in both verbal and quantitative, and that is based on achieving a score in the 50th percentile (e.g. about average). So a cumulative 900 v/q is definitely doable. I would definitely recommend doing a bit of prep, but if you're not necessarily worried about supplementing your GPA (as it stands a 3.56 seems competitive) then you should be okay with a brief review of vocab and math skills. My best advice is to make sure you know the format of the exam, the type of questions asked, and how to take a timed test.

Good luck! ;)

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.
Is this (900 cum) a difficult score to achieve?

No. I took the exam cold (no studying) and scored 1150. It's not that bad.

Any suggestions for the GRE?

Get a review guide and spend 3-6 months of diligent effort preparing.

Will I get the results of my test and have the option to take it again if I fail? Will the school know every score I get if I can/do take it again?

It's not a pass/fail thing but yes, you will get your scores and yes, you can take it again.

I believe that the school will get all of the scores.

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Thanks for the info (and encouragement). I was getting a little discouraged thinking of the endless hours studying but if I practice a little every day then I should be ok by the end of the year.

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

I would say that a score of 900 is pretty attainable for most people who earn good grades in nursing school. I went in cold and scored a 1280, but struggled a little bit on the writing section. The best way to prepare is to spend time working on any weak areas and get a good night of sleep before the test. Good luck!

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