GRE x2

sandman1 · Jun 9, 2005

If you do not wish to reveal your score then there is no way anyone here can give you valid advice. Your definition low may be different from others. Sorry.

I've taken the GRE for the second time and did not improve my score by much at all. I was only able to bring it up by 50 points but felt so good going in. Had a tutor for math very short time ( 2 sessions). I've never done well in standardized testing but has always excelled in academics ( as my transcripts will reflect). I know the GRE will not show what type of grad student I will be but it is required for admission into the programs.
What should I do? Do I retake it again ( maybe take a course...although research has shown that even after a course ..students typically only bring their score up about 10-20% from original). Should I just apply...I have 3.6 GPA, nurse 8 years ( 13 months SICU, 1year Trauma IMC, ACLS, excellent letters of recs, studying for CCRN now.)
PS...I refuse to reveal my GRE score...all I will say is it is low. Have you guys known anyone to get in with a low score? Pls help!

sandman1914 · Jun 9, 2005

I've taken the GRE for the second time and did not improve my score by much at all. I was only able to bring it up by 50 points but felt so good going in. Had a tutor for math very short time ( 2 sessions). I've never done well in standardized testing but has always excelled in academics ( as my transcripts will reflect). I know the GRE will not show what type of grad student I will be but it is required for admission into the programs.
What should I do? Do I retake it again ( maybe take a course...although research has shown that even after a course ..students typically only bring their score up about 10-20% from original). Should I just apply...I have 3.6 GPA, nurse 8 years ( 13 months SICU, 1year Trauma IMC, ACLS, excellent letters of recs, studying for CCRN now.)
PS...I refuse to reveal my GRE score...all I will say is it is low. Have you guys known anyone to get in with a low score? Pls help!

I think you should continue to take the test until you get the score you need to get into school. You may want to reevaluate your study methods and materials and consider a change in your plan. I used the kaplin GRE prep from Barnes and Noble along with info from number2.com. I was able to improve my score this way. Just a suggestion. Good luck.

chaskirst · Jun 9, 2005

You seem to be intelligent, disciplined, and motivated... so I find it hard to believe that your GRE score could be below 1000. But if you sincerely gave your 100% x2 on the GRE, I say don't bother taking it again. The good schools look at the whole package. Admissions committees will choose a balanced hard worker over someone lazy who can take tests well. Your grades, experience, certifications, and articulate application will gain you enough interest for interviews. Best of luck.

kabarnes · Jun 9, 2005

I have not taken the GRE yet, but I am not looking forward to it. I too have never been very good at standardized tests. The SAT was no fun at all, but the way I see it the GRE is challenge that can be overcome. So I would say study again try other resources. The number2.com website is very helpful. And maybe a course wouldn't a be a bad idea. I mean if you haven't tried a course yet (I've never taken one) maybe they will teach you some new study skills that will help. Overall, if you really are not happy with your score, than I would take it again. Granted I haven;t taken it yet. But I know the feelings you probably get when you have to take it. Dread!! In addition to this, have you heard of the MAT, some schools out there require that test and I was thinking of taking that, I seem to do better on those types of tests. But, only a handful of schools accept that test. IMHO I think it tests your logic and reasoning better and is a better gauge of critical thinking versus whether you can find the area of a circle.

CougRN · Jun 9, 2005

if you are motivated to become a CRNA then look at applying to schools that don't require it, there are a number of them. if you don't like that idea contact some of the schools you are interested in and ask them what they think and how much emphasis they put on the GRE. most schools just need it because the Graduate School itself requires it and the NA program doesn't put much stock in to it. others, for some reason, do put emphasis on it. find out what the program wants and go from there.

Focker, CRNA · Jun 9, 2005

Has any school told you that your score is too low to get in? Unless the answer is yes, then hold off on taking it a third time, save the money, it probably wont prove necessary, and in all likelihood you wont improve your score significantly (unless you think you didnt practice enough the first two times, which doesnt seem to be the case). Like others have said, schools look for a good balance. And besides, if you think about it, 1100 is about average from what i have heard for newly admitted srnas (someone correct me if im wrong, this is just heresay), so maybe 200 points on either side of that gives you your range. Not everyone accepted has over an 1100 on the gre, the law of averages says half of them have less.

jenniek · Jun 13, 2005

Some schools don't require a specific score, just that you take it. Don't give up and check out what schools you are interested in list in their admission info. Remember, like others have stated, it's the whole package, not just one score that will take you out of the running.