<p>I am going into UD as freshmen Exercise Science major with hopes of going to PA school. I have been doing some research and getting into PA school is extremely comeptive, like 50 spots for 1000 applications. I know I can do well academically but not well enough to keep up with the 5% of acceptees. I will need to take the GRE which is like SAT for grad school, but I had to take the SAT 4 times until I got a somewhat decent score of 1540. Does anyone have any advice on how to do my best on the GRE so I can be a competitive applicant in the future????</p>
<p>It may be a little early in the game to be overly concerned about the GRE exam. I would suggest that when you go to NSO you inform your advisor of your plan to go to PA school upon graduation. UD has a number of Programs designed for students who wish to apply to Healthcare Professional Grad Programs to provide them with guidance/support/direction/evaluation in achieving their goal. These Programs often begin in the freshman year so I would suggest you discuss this with your advisor to see what might be available. PA Programs (similar to Med School Programs) often look at other things besides just GPA and GRE scores when they evaluate students for admission. The also look at things like involvement in healthcare internships/other healthcare experiences and involvement in Research activities. Many students find out too late about how these things can also improve their chances for acceptance. Down the road you can always consider attending a GRE preparatory course to help you if necessary. Best of luck to you. Enjoy your first year at UD.</p>
<p>I second the idea of informing your Advisor of PA School plans. It’s a wise thing to do.</p>
<p>As far as the GRE goes, some PA schools require it … some don’t. My D is a UDel graduate and is a 2nd-year PA student. Her PA school required the GRE, and admitted 3% of applicants. Obviously her UDel education served her well.</p>
<p>Keep in mind that schools that don’t require the GRE often require SIGNIFICANT compensating experience … or a commitment to practice in underserved areas. So you want to keep the GRE option open.</p>
<p>Good Luck!</p>
<p>@NewHope33: What was your daughters major?</p>
<p>Biochemistry, with a lot of other biological science thrown in. (Her selection of non-major coursework seemed to change whenever her boyfriend did. Hmmm.)</p>