The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by a couple of veterinary schools, and some also require the Biology GRE. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is accepted by some schools in place of the GRE. Make sure you know what your schools of choice require and accept. Usually, if you have the option of taking the GRE or the MCAT, the GRE is a better option since it is not only cheaper but also easier to prepare for.
The GRE consists of three sections: Quantitative, Verbal, and Essay section. Although you do not need any specific course before taking the exam, you should expect to study for at least a couple of months in advance.
- Verbal Reasoning— Measures the ability to analyze and draw conclusions from discourse, reason from incomplete data, understand multiple levels of meaning, such as literal, figurative and author’s intent, summarize text, distinguish major from minor points, understand the meanings of words, sentences and entire texts, and understand relationships among words and among concepts. There is an emphasis on complex verbal reasoning skills.
- Quantitative Reasoning— Measures the ability to understand, interpret and analyze quantitative information, solve problems using mathematical models, and apply the basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis. There is an emphasis on quantitative reasoning skills.
- Analytical Writing— Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, including the ability to articulate and support complex ideas with relevant reasons and examples, and examine claims and accompanying evidence. There is an emphasis on analytical writing skills.
Currently, the GRE costs $220 and is offered year-round. You can find more information as well as the registration links on the ETS website.
Average combined GRE scores for accepted students tend to be in the range of 310-313. Also, a score of 4 or greater on the writing portion is generally preferred.
The Pre-Professional Advising Office has a Resource Library from which you can check-out GRE (or MCAT) prep books.
