Need advice timing GRE-before/after BSN?

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I need advice from folks who have been there. I am looking at a second degree program. It's 2yr to BSN. I could apply for BSN/MSN combined program which only means that I don't have to reapply after the BSN portion is complete.

The difference is to apply to BSN/MSN combined I need to take the GRE before application and before beginning the BSN portion. If I wait and apply to the Graduate program after finished with my BSN, then I Need to take the GRE at that time. I understand, I may not even want to pursue my Graduate work at this school after my BSN, but lt's just assume that I will for the sake of arguement.

My question: Would it be better to prep and take the GRE prior to beginning the BSN -OR- better to wait and try to prep and study either while doing the BSN program? My preference would be to move right into the MSN portion directly after completing BSN, so that is why I don't want to take more than a semester off in between and with application times....well, I wonder about the best course.

Any suggestions or advice are certainly apreciated!

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

Take it before. You don't learn anything that's on it in nursing school, and you'll be too stressed out and busy to study for that too. Just buy a couple of review books, take the free powerprep tests online, and bite the bullet. It's not as bad as most people think. Best of Luck!

Stephen

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Specializes in CNS, PMHNP, EMS, ER, Instructor.

Take the GRE before your BSN - as the previous poster stated, you are not going to learn anything specific in finishing your BSN that will help you on the GRE other than possibly some vocabulary.

Just study the material on the web for your GRE, and you should do fine.

I actually think I may have done better taking the GRE right out of high school - while all the basic math, geometry, English, and structured writing classes would have been fresh in my mind!!

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I would suggest that you take it before beginning the BSN. Just keep in mind that the GRE scores are only good for five years. So don't wait too long before applying to grad school! For what it's worth, I think the combined BSN/MSN would be the way to go.

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Specializes in Infection Preventionist/ Occ Health.

I agree with the previous posters- I am so thankful that I took my GRE over three years ago when I was first thought of applying to graduate schools. It was one less thing to worry about as graduating approached and I was studying for boards.

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Specializes in CCU/CVICU, Hemodialysis, ER, PALS Inst..

I have to take the GRE to apply for a BSN-DNP/Nurse Educator program. It's been so long since I have taken a standardized test that I truly don't even know how to properly prepare. It's actually been 10 years since I took NCLEX. YIKES. I enjoyed reading this thread as it truly was helpful to me as well!

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I concur with what the other posters on this thread have said...nothing you will learn in ur BSN program will help at all on the GRE. I just graduated BSN in May and I took the GRE in December and did just fine and got into grad school with it. So, review some stuff like some practice math questions and analogies for like 1 day before the GRE and then go in there and blow it out of the water! Good luck!

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