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Got a question about GRE. I know that there are a few schools out there that don't require the GRE (EXAMPLE, Scranton PA, Wisconsin, etc.) I am trying to decide if it would be best to try one of those schools and concentrate on getting my CCRN or concentrate on the GRE and not worry about the CCRN and apply to the schools that require the GRE.

Basically, what looks better, a good GRE or a CCRN?

sincerely,

Bryant preCRNA

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Got a question about GRE. I know that there are a few schools out there that don't require the GRE (EXAMPLE, Scranton PA, Wisconsin, etc.) I am trying to decide if it would be best to try one of those schools and concentrate on getting my CCRN or concentrate on the GRE and not worry about the CCRN and apply to the schools that require the GRE.

Basically, what looks better, a good GRE or a CCRN?

sincerely,

Bryant preCRNA

Bryant,

Depends on the schools in which you're interested. And too, although I don't have my CCRN, my guess is that it's much easier to study and take the GRE than do the other route.

The bottom line however, is that you're going to limit yourself much more by not taking the GRE.

I just interviewed for a school this past Saturday.

Good luck to ya.

JMR

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I took the GRE last month and did really well. Honestly, there is nothing to worry about. It's not really a difficult test. Just buy a few study guides and go through them a few weeks in advance of the test. I found that some of the best books were the tiny little cram jobs, ie. study guides written for people who are short on time. They go through EXACTLY what you need to know -- important vocabulary words, the types of math problems you'll face, and a formulaic way to approach the essays. Honestly, I think any nurse would do pretty well on the GRE b/cs of critical thinking skills. Just take the darn test and give yourself more options!

:)

ps. nursing graduate programs don't really require great GRE scores, even the best schools. my scores were WAY higher than what nursing schools are looking for simply b/c I studied. nursing schools do NOT require the same scores as other programs, such as biology or engineering graduate programs. the standards are much lower (even at yale, penn state, chapel hill, john's hopkins or the university of washington) for nursing than other programs -- probably b/c nursing school judges a candidate on so much other criteria.

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nursing graduate programs don't really require great GRE scores, even the best schools...nursing schools do NOT require the same scores as other programs, such as biology or engineering graduate programs...nursing school judges a candidate on so much other criteria.

I agree. It is not necessarily part of the nursing school's requirement for admission. It is typically part of the application process for the university, i.e. every graduate student applying to that university must take the GRE to be considered for admission. You don't need an exceptional score, you'll need an acceptable score. The nursing school will look more heavily at you as a candidate from your experiences and grades. Don't be scared of it; you will do fine if you have a grasp on basic algebra and have a decent vocabulary. You should take the GRE, unless you are determined to attend one of the schools you mentioned.

Here's a link to some practice GRE questions: http://www.gre.org/practice_test/

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If you are willing to move anywhere for school then you aren't limiting yourself too much by not taking the GRE. However, taking it gives you the opportunity to apply to any school and you can be more selective on where you live. There are about 10-12 schools that I know of that don't require the GRE. So that's a good number of schools to apply to if you go that route. Having your CCRN is a good indicator you are interested in continuing your education and it's a difficult exam. So it looks good on your application but most schools don't require it either. So with that I wish you luck in your decision.

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someone thought the gre was not that hard of a test. I thought that it was the most stressful test i ever took. i had to go home after and take a nap. I take tests fast and i was down to the wire on every section. I dont want to freak people out but dont take it lightly, really prepare for it.

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Take the GRE w/out it, it limits your school options. one of my buddys decided not to take it and he was very limited in the schools he could apply to. The quality of your experence, your gpa, how well you interview those are the big factors

good luck

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I think you should do both! If you want to be an excellent candidate, do well on the GRE and pass the CCRN exam. It won't be easy, but then neither will CRNA school.

I was initially applying to schools that did not require GRE. I decided to increase my options and took it anyway. I'm glad I did because the school I will be attending has changed their requirements for this year and now want the GRE. The CCRN may not be a requirement but it will always make you a better applicant. Point is, CRNA school is getting more competitive all the time, don't just strive for the minimums....raise the bar. Good luck.

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Take the GRE. A lot of people I worked with didn't take the GRE or took it and did poorly, so they applied to schools that didn't require it. They all got in, but I think a lot of people that don't take the GRE are all applying to the same schools, which might make them more competitive. The CCRN isn't mandatory. It might be a good idea if you haven't got much experience on your resume, but definately take the GRE to keep your options open. Get some practice tests and time yourself (without cheating, set a timer). Aim for 500 on the math and 500 on the verbal. Don't worry too much about the written. The hardest part is not running out of time.

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take the gre, it you do good don't worry about the ccrn, having both would look even better, i got in with a good gre and no ccrn

Got a question about GRE. I know that there are a few schools out there that don't require the GRE (EXAMPLE, Scranton PA, Wisconsin, etc.) I am trying to decide if it would be best to try one of those schools and concentrate on getting my CCRN or concentrate on the GRE and not worry about the CCRN and apply to the schools that require the GRE.

Basically, what looks better, a good GRE or a CCRN?

sincerely,

Bryant preCRNA

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PreCRNA, Wisconsin does require the GRE. Like ether explained, the university requires it for admission. Lynne

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