Adrienne and episode guest Stephanie Rauda break down the GRE from the perspective of non-traditional pre-AA applicants. They discuss the GRE over MCAT, how the current exam is structured, and what helped improve their scores. They also discuss timing, costs, score reporting, study resources, testing formats, and how to approach the exam while balancing work, prerequisites, and application preparation.

Key topics

• Why Stephanie chose the GRE over the MCAT
• How school-specific requirements affect the GRE-versus-MCAT decision
• The current GRE format, scoring scale, and adaptive sections
• Analytical writing expectations and time-management strategies
• Why GRE quant can be harder than expected
• Study tools including GregMat Plus, PrepSwift, vocabulary review, and targeted math practice
• Test fees, retakes, score reports, CASAA codes, and accommodations
• In-person testing compared with at-home proctoring
• How to schedule the GRE around application deadlines
• Advice for non-traditional applicants who are balancing work, school, and application preparation

Timestamps

00:00 — Introducing Stephanie
01:10 — Making the Decision: GRE vs MCAT
05:20 — Current GRE structure and scoring basics
06:24 — Analytical writing section
08:33 — Why GRE quant can be challenging
09:29 — GRE cost, retakes, and score-report fees
10:16 — Sending GRE scores through CASAA
12:23 — What GRE scores may be competitive
15:41 — GRE Study tools that helped
18:45 — Fee reduction and GRE accommodations
19:29 — In-person GRE testing-center experience
20:18 — At-home GRE testing experience
23:29 — Receiving GRE scores
28:00 — Advice to past selves about the GRE
29:49 — Stephanie’s GRE score breakdown
31:30 — Closing thoughts

Music licensed through Soundstripe.

Code: Z7GAV35MD6QTOFCQ