Let’s rip the band-aid off immediately: Standardized testing is usually the single most stressful part of applying to Anesthesiologist Assistant school. I have mentored countless bright, capable students who freeze up at the thought of the GRE.
I’m Ariana Nicole Lyons, and if there is one thing I have learned working in the field here in Smyrna, Georgia, it’s that a test score does not define your ability to be an excellent healthcare provider. However, it is a hoop you likely have to jump through.
The landscape of AA admissions is shifting. While some programs are moving toward a "holistic" review that makes the GRE optional, many accredited programs still require it as a benchmark for academic readiness.
Does the GRE Actually Matter?
The short answer is: Yes, but not as much as your GPA.
Admissions committees use the GRE primarily as a "check-box" to ensure you can handle the academic rigor of a Master's level medical curriculum. They aren't necessarily looking for a genius-level score; they are looking for competence.
If your GPA is strong (3.5+), a slightly average GRE score usually won't hurt you. However, if your GPA is borderline (3.0 - 3.2), a high GRE score can be your saving grace. It tells the committee: "My undergrad grades might be average, but I have the intellectual horsepower to handle this program."
The Breakdown: Quant vs. Verbal
When I speak to prospective students, they often ask which section matters more. While schools look at the total score, the Quantitative Reasoning (Math) section tends to carry slightly more weight.
Why? Because Anesthesia is a profession of numbers. We calculate drug dosages, fluid dynamics, and physiological ratios on the fly. You need to be comfortable with numbers.
- Quantitative: Aim for the 50th percentile or higher (approx. 152+). A score above 155 makes you very competitive.
- Verbal: Do not neglect this! Communication is vital in the OR. A score around 152–154 is a solid target.
- Writing: most programs want to see a 3.5 or 4.0 minimum to ensure you can write graduate-level papers.
GRE vs. MCAT: Which Should You Take?
This is a common dilemma. Most Anesthesiologist Assistant programs accept either the GRE or the MCAT.
Take the MCAT if: You were previously Pre-Med and already took it (and scored well, typically 500+). It is a much harder exam, and a good score here is impressive to AA schools.
Take the GRE if: You are starting fresh. It is significantly cheaper, shorter, and easier to study for than the MCAT. There is no "bonus points" for suffering through the MCAT if you don't have to!
When Should You Retake It?
If you scored below a 295–300 combined, I generally recommend a retake. The return on investment for spending one more month studying can be huge.
However, if you have a 305 and are trying to get a 310, your time is probably better spent getting more Clinical Experience or shadowing hours. Don't chase a perfect score at the expense of the rest of your application.
Final Thoughts from Smyrna
Standardized tests are draining, but they are temporary. Once you are accepted and start your training, nobody will ever ask you for your GRE score again. Focus on getting a "competitive enough" score to get your foot in the door, and let your passion and experience do the rest.
If you are getting ready to apply, make sure you double-check the specific requirements for each school on CASAA, as codes for sending scores can differ.
About the Author: Ariana Nicole Lyons is a practicing Anesthesiologist Assistant (AA-C) based in Smyrna, Georgia. She created this guide to help demystify the admissions process for the next generation of AAs.