New GRE format?

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Hello all,

I was hoping someone here might have some experience with the new GRE CBT format.

Last time I took it was in 2003 (my scores expire later this year), but since they were okay and not great I am seriously considering taking it again.

Anyway, last time I took the GRE it was still a CAT, but in my recent reading on the test it appears that it is now changed to a CBT?? And also some of the question formats have changed?? Does that mean you still get your verbal and quant scores immediately or is there now a wait?

Any input would be appreciated :)

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

http://www.ets.org/portal/site/ets/menuitem.c988ba0e5dd572bada20bc47c3921509/?vgnextoid=f630a1d64ffd3110VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD&vgnextchannel=b195e3b5f64f4010VgnVCM10000022f95190RCRD

Here's a link to the statement regarding the new question types. I took the GRE in March, and my results for the Qual/Quants popped up on the screen at the end. Of course, you still have to wait for your writing scores to be mailed.

Edited to add: yes, the exam was still a CAT.

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I just checked out a Kaplan book from the library and it said in there that a shift was being made from CAT to CBT. Maybe that was wrong or a mis-statement?

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

I have never heard that. You can call ETS and ask them directly, though. Their ph# is listed on the website. I know that in March, it was definitely a CAT.

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.

They were supposed to change the test last year, but the new test was so messed up that they put off the switch. I took my GRE last Fall, dunno if they made the change yet, but since my experience is similar to BBFRN's, I don't think so.

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Thanks both of you :)

I hated the CAT the first time I took it...lol.

Oh well, back to the wonderful world of GRE math and words.

I think I am looking at taking it probably by November/December so if it had not changed by early this year I doubt it will change by then.

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Specializes in Trauma,ER,CCU/OHU/Nsg Ed/Nsg Research.

Yeah...it was no day in the park. :chuckle

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Specializes in Urgent Care NP, Emergency Nursing, Camp Nursing.

I thought it was easy, but then I also got a decent score on the MCAT back when that test was paper-and-pencil only. After that eight-hour evaluation marathon, the GRE was no sweat.

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I thought it was easy, but then I also got a decent score on the MCAT back when that test was paper-and-pencil only. After that eight-hour evaluation marathon, the GRE was no sweat.

tell me about the beast that is the MCAT......now THAT is a beast, especially the pencil and paper version...8hrs of sheer test taking heck.

i think you and i are in the same boat my friend. we both used to be pre-meds who tried that route and failed and are switching to another health-related career :)

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Specializes in Emergency, Critical Care Transport.

I took the MCAT too, and did well, although I agree- 8 hours of testing is PURE HELL. I actually got into Med School and when it came down to it I felt that nursing was a way better choice for my sanity, so I guess my point is this: DONT look at it as failing, look at it as being directed towards an academic venue, culture and philosophy that will make you MUCH happier in the end.

The GRE is nothing compared to the MCAT. But it's still formidable. I recommend going over vocab. It's kind of like what you have to do in pharmacology; one word might have multiple meanings depending on context, and one drug has multiple uses that depend on context.

Good luck

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Specializes in Neonatal ICU (Cardiothoracic).

The GRE was a CAT when I took it last March as well.... as far as I know, it still is, since there were several glitches and computer security issues which caused them to hold off on implementing the new test.

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I was pre-med, too. Then, pre-pharmacy. Never took the MCAT, but did take the PCAT. Not fun! Then changed my mind about Pharm and decided to go into nursing.

I knew I wanted to do something that was health care related, and for some reason, I just never thought of nursing until I was out of school. *DUH, I know!* For me, I think I was so focused on making loads of money, I didn't really think of the quality of life I would have once a med student and doctor. Plus, I didn't realize nurses could make such great money. Silly me.

It took seeing my sister's experience in med school to really realize that the MD route didn't make any sense for me.

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