The GRE for PT School: Do You Still Need It?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) was once a standard requirement for DPT programs. In recent years, however, the landscape has shifted significantly. Here is what you need to know about the GRE and its role in your PT school application.

The Trend Away from the GRE

A growing number of DPT programs have made the GRE optional or eliminated it entirely. This trend accelerated during the pandemic and has continued as programs reevaluate whether standardized tests truly predict student success. You can check which programs still require the GRE using the APTA PTCAS Directory's GRE requirements page. While many programs have dropped the requirement, a significant number still require or recommend it.

The reasoning varies. Some programs found that GRE scores did not correlate strongly with clinical performance or NPTE pass rates. Others recognized that the test creates a financial barrier, since registration, preparation materials, and score reporting can cost several hundred dollars.

How to Check if Your Programs Require It

The best approach is straightforward:

1. Visit each program's admissions page directly
2. Check the PTCAS program directory for requirements
3. Contact admissions offices if the information is unclear

Requirements can change from year to year, so always verify for the current application cycle. Do not rely on information from previous years or unofficial sources.

If Your Programs Require It

For students who need to take the GRE, here are some practical tips:

Start early. Give yourself at least 8 to 12 weeks of preparation time. Cramming rarely produces strong results on a test this broad.

Use free resources first. ETS offers free practice tests and preparation materials. Khan Academy and other platforms provide additional free content before you invest in paid prep courses.

Focus on your weak areas. Take a diagnostic practice test first to identify where you need the most improvement. Spend your study time accordingly rather than reviewing material you already know well.

Know your target scores. Programs that require the GRE often list minimum or preferred score ranges. Aim for those benchmarks rather than a perfect score.

Plan your test date carefully. According to ETS, official GRE scores are available 8 to 10 days after your test date, and additional score reports take approximately 5 business days to process. Schedule your test well before your earliest application deadline to avoid delays.

If the GRE Is Optional

When a program lists the GRE as optional, you genuinely have a choice. Consider submitting scores if:

• Your scores are strong and would strengthen your application
• Your GPA is lower than average and strong GRE scores could offset that
• You have already taken the test for another purpose

Consider skipping it if:

• Your GPA, observation hours, and other materials are already competitive
• The cost or time commitment would detract from other parts of your application
• Your practice test scores are not strong enough to add value

The Bottom Line

Do not assume you need the GRE, and do not assume you can skip it. Research your specific target programs early in the process so you have time to prepare if necessary. If you are applying to a mix of programs with different requirements, it may be worth taking the test just to keep your options open.

The GRE is one small piece of a much larger application. Strong observation hours, a compelling personal statement, and solid prerequisite grades matter more at most programs than any standardized test score.