Let’s talk about the GRE. If you’re applying to PA school, you’ve probably seen this test pop up as a requirement for some programs. But before you freak out about yet another exam, let’s break down exactly what you need to know about the GRE, how to decide if it’s worth your time, and the best tools to help you crush it if you do decide to take it.

Do You Even Need to Take the GRE?

First things first: not all PA schools require the GRE. There are many PA schools that instead focus on an applicant’s GPA, patient care experience, and overall fit for the program as better indicators of success than a standardized test score. However, there are still some programs that do require it, so here’s how to figure out if it needs to be on your radar:

• Check your list of target schools. If none of them require the GRE, congratulations! You can skip this section and focus on other parts of your application.
• If only a few of the schools on your list require it, consider whether those programs are your top choices. If not, you might be able to avoid the GRE altogether by choosing other schools.
• Still not sure? Look at the average GRE scores for accepted students at your target programs. If your practice scores are already close, it might not hurt to take the exam. But if you’d need a significant amount of time to prepare, consider whether it’s worth the effort.

Once you’ve figured out whether the GRE is necessary for your specific application goals, let’s dive into the best ways to prepare if you do decide to take it.

The Best Resources for Studying for the GRE

If the GRE is on your to-do list, don’t stress. There are tons of resources out there to help you prep efficiently without taking over your life. Here are some of the best options to get started:

1. Official ETS GRE Resources

The Educational Testing Service (ETS) is the organization that creates the GRE, so their resources are as close to the real thing as you can get.

• PowerPrep Practice Tests: These free tests are a must because they mimic the actual test format and difficulty level.
• Official Guide to the GRE: This book includes practice questions, strategies, and two additional practice tests. It’s a great starting point if you want to familiarize yourself with the test structure.

2. Magoosh GRE Prep

Magoosh is one of the most popular GRE prep platforms, especially if you’re looking for a flexible study schedule.

• Video Lessons and Practice Questions: Magoosh offers over 1,000 practice questions, video explanations, and strategies to tackle the GRE’s trickiest sections.
• Customizable Study Plans: They provide structured plans for different timelines, whether you’re cramming in a month or have six months to prepare.

If you decide to use MAGOOSH, you get 10% off any of their prep plans using the code PREPACLINIC at checkout!

3. Manhattan Prep GRE Books

If you prefer physical books over online resources, the Manhattan Prep 5 lb. Book of GRE Practice Problems is an excellent choice. It’s packed with practice questions and explanations, making it perfect for extra drilling on tricky concepts.

• Focus on Weak Areas: The book is great for honing in on specific sections where you’re struggling, whether that’s quantitative reasoning or verbal sections.

4. Quizlet Flashcards

If vocabulary is your weak point, flashcards are your best friend. Quizlet is a free platform where you can find GRE-specific vocabulary decks or create your own.

• Spaced Repetition: This method helps you retain information more effectively by reviewing difficult words more frequently until you’ve mastered them.

5. Khan Academy (Free Resource)

While not specifically designed for the GRE, Khan Academy offers tons of free resources for brushing up on math fundamentals, which is super helpful for the quantitative reasoning section.

• Interactive Lessons: These can be a lifesaver if it’s been a while since you’ve taken a math class and need a refresher on algebra, geometry, or data analysis.

6. GRE Prep Apps for Studying On-the-Go

If you’re balancing a busy schedule, download a GRE app like Ready4GRE or Magoosh GRE Vocabulary Flashcards so you can study on your commute, during lunch breaks, or whenever you have a few extra minutes.

Creating a Study Plan That Works for You

Once you have your resources lined up, it’s time to create a game plan. Here’s a quick breakdown of how to organize your study schedule:

1. Assess Your Starting Point: Take a practice test (like the free PowerPrep from ETS) to see where you currently stand and identify your weakest areas.
2. Set Realistic Goals: Decide on a target score – we recommend a combined verbal and quantitative score of 305 or higher and a writing score of 4.0 or higher to be competitive for PA school.
3. Divide Your Time: Allocate more time to sections where you’re struggling. For example, if math isn’t your strong suit, spend 60% of your study time on quantitative reasoning and 40% on verbal.
4. Practice Regularly: Aim to do at least 30 minutes of practice questions or review flashcards daily. Consistency beats cramming!
5. Take Full-Length Practice Tests: Once a week, simulate test conditions to build your stamina and get comfortable with the format.

Final Tips for GRE Test Day

After weeks (or months) of studying, here are a few last-minute tips to ensure test day goes smoothly:

• Get plenty of rest the night before the test. Your brain needs to be fresh to tackle those tricky questions.
• Eat a good breakfast the morning of the exam. Avoid heavy foods that could make you sluggish.
• Bring snacks and water to keep your energy levels up during breaks.
• Don’t stress out if you hit a tough question—mark it, move on, and come back to it if you have time.

Conclusion: Focus on What Matters Most for Your Application

At the end of the day, the GRE is just one piece of your PA school application. If your target schools don’t require it or it’s not your strong suit, don’t sweat it too much. Focus your energy on strengthening other parts of your application—like your patient care experience, personal statement, and letters of recommendation– and apply to schools that don’t require it.

And if you’re not sure where to start or how to choose the best schools for the stats you have now and if you should take the GRE, check out our free Masterclass where we break it all down!