GRE SCORES AND LOR'S

[srcox14]

I actually have a 2 part question. I am most nervous about taking my GRE exam. My overall G.P.A. at this point is 3.3 and feel that I have the drive and determination to excel in P.A. school. I understand that I need to do my absolute best on GRE but how heavy does it weigh within the realm of application and acceptance???

Next question is regarding letter of recs. I am currently nursing in a clinical setting and have a pretty secure array of LOR's I can get, however, would it be inappropriate to ask a patient of mine for a LOR? I understand the whole HIPPA restriction and respect it. I have been with the same Dr. for 4 years now and have developed GREAT relationships with patients, some of whom are of significance in the medical community. In my opinion, I think they are the ones who can truly assess my clinical strengths, knowledge, weaknesses, compassion, etc. What are your thoughts?

[zpa]

While GRE is not the single factor in application, most school would like to see applicants score in the 50th percentile on the revised test format. This is what I gathered from reading FAQs on school's websites.

LORs

Depends on the school requirements. For example if they want to see 3 letters and one of them has to be academic, one from direct supervisor/employer and many schools would like to see a letter from a PA, then letter from the patient does not fit. However, I don't know if it is appropriate or not to submit a letter from a patient.

[PaulK]

I don't think a letter from a patient is inappropriate, I just think its not very helpful. Because patients don't know medicine or the PA work life, they can only comment on you personally, which becomes about how much they like you. I think I would avoid it.

[srcox14]

Thank you so much for the response! I will probably have approx 800 million billion more questions as I go through this process!

Thanks,
Steph

[PaulK]

Sorry, we're only good for 759 billion answers...

[simco77]

I am worried that my GRE score might hurt my chances of getting into PA school. I somehow managed to bomb the analytical writing portion of the test. I thought I had done a fairly good job when I finished the test, I was shocked to find out that I scored a 3 of 6 on it. I did not do that great on the math section, however I scored in the 86% on the verbal section, my overall score was a 1200. The LAST thing I want to do is spend $175 and retake this god awful test, I spent months avoiding it and trying to prepare for the math section. The thought of retaking it makes me cringe. Besides the GRE I have a 3.44 science GPA, 7000+ hours of HCE as an EMT and ER tech, and 2 LOR from PAs that I have worked with in the ER. I am hoping these things will outweigh my GRE results. Have you heard of people getting into PA school with below average GRE scores?

[srcox14]

Simco77,
I have heard of people getting in with below average GRE score. I think the overall goal is to have a competitive application. High GPA is science, HCE, and an overall application that is distinctive from the other 210 million. I haven't taken the GRE for this very reason. I'm scared and hate having it looming over my head. However, I will take it.....at some point! I don't think you should fret over it! Remember, it's the overall application that gets you the interview! When that time comes, say a prayer and knock em dead!! Good luck!

[zpa]

I don't know the statistics, but I think admissions look at the application as a whole and not just GRE's score. Also, there are schools that do not require GRE score as part of admission requirements.

Hope this helps.

[simco77]

thanks for the info guys, I am waiting to hear from the 8 programs I applied to, still have a few more school apps to finish

[Campbell27]

Hmm! You will have to put in more efforts to score well. I tried GRE earlier but I then I planned on taking LSAT to become a lawyer. Right now, I am busy with one of the Best LSAT Prep Course and I am very much dedicated this time. Good luck to you as well!