Do you need the GRE for CRNA school?

Probably not for most of your list. Most accredited nurse anesthesia programs don't require the GRE of every applicant. A smaller group still does, and some require it only in certain situations, so the real answer depends on the programs you're applying to.

GRE policies change between cycles. Confirm on each program's own admissions page before you plan around it.

The four ways programs handle the GRE

• Required: every applicant submits scores.
• Required in some cases: most often when your GPA is under a cutoff the program sets. Some waive it if you already hold a master's degree.
• Not required: the program says so on its admissions page.
• Not mentioned: the GRE doesn't appear in the program's admission requirements. That usually means it isn't needed, but because the program doesn't say so outright, check before you skip it.

The programs without the GRE page sorts every program in our directory into these groups, with each conditional program's rule in its own words.

Read conditional policies carefully

Conditions usually turn on a specific GPA, and GPA doesn't mean the same thing at every school. One program may look at your cumulative GPA, another at your nursing GPA, another at your science GPA as well. Work out which number each program uses before deciding whether its condition applies to you.

Should you take it anyway?

The GRE is worth your time if:

• a program you really want requires it;
• your GPA is under a program's GRE cutoff; or
• a program tells you a strong score can help balance a weaker GPA.

Otherwise, the same study hours usually do more for your application elsewhere: a higher-acuity ICU assignment, the CCRN, shadowing, or recent science coursework.

If you do take it

Check each program that requires it for recommended or minimum scores, how recent scores must be, and whether another exam, such as the MAT, is accepted instead. Leave yourself time to retake before deadlines if you need to.

Build your list

Each program's page in the Program Directory shows its GRE policy as the program states it, so you can make sure your list isn't built around an exam you don't need.