A guide to graduate school entrance exams A guide to graduate school entrance exams

Getting into graduate school often requires an entrance exam, just like getting into undergrad. Unlike undergrad, there are different tests depending on the type of degree you’re pursuing. We broke down some of the most common ones.

Getting into graduate school often requires an entrance exam, just like getting into undergrad. Unlike undergrad, there are different tests depending on the type of degree you’re pursuing. We broke down some of the most common ones.

By Haya Panjwani

Graduate school can be a great step in progressing your career. Whether you want to work in business, STEM or even the arts, it can teach a lot of people valuable skills that help you become better in whatever profession you specialize in.

Some graduate schools may require you to take an entrance exam though. Here’s a breakdown of all the possible tests you may need to take, details on the test and how you can register for it.

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

The GRE, distributed by the Educational Testing Service, is probably the most standard graduate school exam out there. A lot of admissions offices compare the GRE to the SAT, which most students take to enter college.

The test will assess three main subject areas; math, reading and writing, and the highest grade you could get is a 340.

There’s many ways to prepare for the exam. Exam preparatory websites like Kaplan or the Princeton Review have study guides, practice questions and mock exams that can help test your knowledge and get you prepped.

Along with the general GRE exam, some specialized programs may require subject tests. Study guides for those subject tests may also be available on the same study sites.

Schools will vary across the board on whether or not they require the GRE, but it’s probably best to check with the school you’ll be applying to to see if they’ll require it. Register for the GRE on www.ets.org.

Graduate Management Admission Test

The GMAT is more oriented towards students looking to pursue a business degree in graduate school, like a Masters in Business Administration, or an MBA.

MBA programs consider the GMAT the most attractive test to take for those looking to apply to their graduate programs. That’s because it tests more than just reading, writing and math -- instead it also tests your analyzing, critical thinking and verbal skills.

The test is scored out of 800, with each section carrying equal weight. The GMAT isn’t distributed by the same organization as the GRE. Register for the GMAT at www.mba. com.

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Like the name suggests, the LSAT is primarily for graduate students looking to pursue a law degree. Law school can be quite demanding, and studying for the test may be a great way to see if going to law school is something you want to do. The LSAT is reviewed by the Law School Admission Council, and tests you on your verbal and logical reasoning, as well as your reading comprehension. Grading is done in a range from 120-180.

People usually dedicate months, sometimes a full year, to studying for the LSAT. Taking courses on websites like Khan Academy, Kaplan or taking prep classes can help you better ready yourself for the exam. Register for the LSAT at www.lsac. org.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Also like the name suggests, the MCAT is designed for students looking to go to medical school after undergrad.

Unlike all the other graduate school tests, this test examines your problem solving, critical thinking, written analysis and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles. The highest possible score is 528.

A good number of students taking the MCAT tend to specialize in a science during their undergraduate career, so scientific concepts that the MCAT tests on are somewhat familiar to students.

Although, not taking science courses in undergraduate doesn’t mean you can’t give medical school a shot. Kaplan and the Princeton Review also have MCAT prep courses. Register for the MCAT at www.students-residents.aamc.org.

While these tests may seem daunting and complicated, if you commit yourself to a little bit of study time, you can get your way into graduate school and further your career.

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