The GRE & Other Tests
Each PA program has different testing requirements for applicants. This page outlines a few of the most common required exams. It is important to frequently check each individual program's website for the most up to date requirements.
GRE Test Prep from The Princeton Review
Click on the link below or the PDF to find practice GRE materials provided to our club by The Princeton Review.
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https://www.princetonreview.com/product/details?id=GRE-TRY-US-FREE&z=19717
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Find additional practice materials here:
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https://www.ets.org/gre/revised_general/prepare/?WT.ac=gre_prepare_170731
Preparing for the GRE
The GRE, or Graduate Record Examinations, is a standardized test that many graduate schools require for admission. Not all Physician Assistant Programs require this, but many do.
The exam is a general assessment of critical thinking, analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning skills. It can be compared to the SAT or ACT examinations.
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ANALYTICAL WRITING:
-analyze an issue or argument
-3o minutes per task
-scored 0-6
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VERBAL REASONING:
-two sections, each with 20 questions
- 30 minutes per section
QUANTITATIVE REASONING:
-two sections, each with 20 questions
- 35 minutes per section
Graduate programs usually provide a range and percentile for each GRE section that they look for in an applicant. Average scores for accepted applicants are usually provided on class profile pages.
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GRE scores are good for up to five years after the date of the exam.
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Visit the following site to see which PA programs require the GRE and which do not:
https://admissionshelpers.com/gre-requirements-for-pa-schools/
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How to Prepare:
1) Check out your local library or Goodwill for discounted or free test prep materials.
2) Magoosh, Kaplan, Gregmat, and other online resources provide great practice materials.
3) To study vocabulary, take advantage of flashcards, podcasts, and apps.
4) Start preparing about 1-3 months before taking the exam.
5) During your preparation, you can learn "strategies" for time management and taking the test most effectively.
CASPER
The CASPER is a situational judgement test used to evaluate non academic attributes in an applicant. The exam is administered in an interview format, and typically lasts 60-90 minutes. The applicant is presented with 12 fictional scenarios and is asked dto describe how they would respond. There is no "score" for the CASPER and it is completed once per application cycle. The best way to prepare is to review a sample test.
Other Exams
MCAT: Some schools may accept the MCAT instead of the GRE. Scores are good for three years. The exam lasts about six hours and 15 minutes and composed of 230 questions that test knowledge in a variety of pre-med courses, including physics, biochemistry, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis and reasoning (humanities-based).
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TOEFL: The TOEFL (test of English as a foreign language) is a requirement for non-native English speakers who are looking to enroll in English speaking universities.
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PACAT: Created to be the Physician Assistant version of the MCAT, the PACAT is a newer exam which is comprised of 240 questions. The PACAT covers knowledge of subjects including anatomy, physiology, biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, microbiology, behavioral sciences, genetics, and statistics. Scores are valid for two years and are scaled between 200-800. Using MCAT prep materials are an effective way to prepare to this exam.