Different graduate programs require different admissions tests, this information should be listed on the program’s website. Test times vary region to region, make sure you check how frequently they’re offered, and where. It’s also important to note how long the test scores are valid for, in case you take the test now, and decide to wait before applying.
GRE:
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is the most common entrance exam for most other fields. It measures your overall scholastic ability, and includes a verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing sections.
LSAT:
The Law School Admission Test is an integral part of the law school admission process. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants.
GMAT:
The Graduate Management Admission Test a standardized test required by the vast majority of business schools, providing a measure of an applicant's academic ability. The GMAT test does not include any questions that gauge your business knowledge.
Other tests you may encounter are:
- MAT - Graduate School
- DAT - Dental School
- PCAT - Pharmacy School
- OAT - Optometry School
Test prep
There a few options to help prepare you for the test. Most bookstores sell inexpensive study guides with sample questions and test taking advice. There are also services that offer free and paid test prep company, with options for private tutoring, classroom learning or web videos. We recommend ETS, Kaplan and Princeton Review. We suggest you analyze how much help you think you’ll need and then look through their options and pricing.
When deciding, assess your confidence, ability to independently study, finances and how competitive your schools are.
