For students applying to physician assistant (PA) school, it’s important to optimize your PA school application.
Candidates that are strong in most areas are more likely to be granted an interview (and get accepted).
One area pre-PA students seem to struggle with is the GRE.
The GRE (graduate record exam) is a widely used admission test for a variety of graduate school programs-including PA schools.
Roughly half of all accredited US PA schools require or recommend the GRE as part of their prerequisites for PA school.
Scoring higher on this test is going to make you a stronger candidate, but the question is…
How do I study for the GRE?
Here are a few tips to help you create an individualized study plan that works for you:
- Know how you learn best. If you’re not the type of person who is going to read a math book on their own, then don’t buy a GRE prep book and think you’re going to use it! There are so many different types of GRE prep materials available and you need to chose one that fits your learning style.
Maybe you like the accountability of LIVE classes and having someone explain concepts in real time or maybe you like the flexibility of online and self-paced modules. Maybe you want a book where you can highlight and markup, or maybe you want an online test bank of questions with answers and explanations. There is no “right” or “wrong” answer. It all depends on how you study best. Choose prep material that fits with your lifestyle and preferred learning modality.
- Make a plan. If you don’t have a concrete study plan, chances are you will “forget” or “run out of time” to study for the GRE. Studying for an extra test isn’t fun and often isn’t a priority when you’re still taking classes, gaining PCE hours, or spending much of your time shadowing and volunteering. Make yourself accountable by creating a study plan…and then sticking to it. We recommend a 6-12 week study plan based on how much prep you think you will need. Work backwards and decide when to start your plan and how much time you can realistically devote to studying.
- Choose the perfect date. You need to plan out exactly WHEN you will take the GRE. Make sure it is during a time when you won’t feel stressed or rushed. (For example- don’t plan on taking the GRE in the middle of your senior year while taking 18 hours of upper level science courses)! Set yourself up for success and take it during a time in your life when you can adequately prep for the test and take it under the best conditions possible.
- Take a practice test. Many online GRE prep courses have practice tests you can take. These tests can be so helpful by helping you gauge where your strengths and weaknesses are and where to direct your studies. You want to focus on shoring up your weak areas so knowing exactly where you stand and help guide your studying and make it more efficient.
The GRE is an integral part of your PA school application and a strong score can impress your prospective schools. Make sure to prepare correctly so you can ace this test and show the admissions committee you are prepared for PA school.
And if you want to take advantage of the benefits and proven results of Magoosh GRE prep plans, here’s a code for 10% discount off: use code PREPACLINIC at checkout at Magoosh!