Graduate College Admissions Tests

Admission to graduate programs can be very competitive. Admission tests are a big part of your overall application. Sometimes your test scores also determine your eligibility for financial aid and scholarships. It is very important to know what to expect from the test and be prepared in the fields of study tested.

GMAT- Graduate Management Admission Test

GMAT is a standardized test that helps business schools assess the qualifications of applicants for advanced study in business and management.

Purpose

Helps graduate business schools assess the qualifications of applicants.

What is tested

• Verbal skills
• Mathematical skills
• Analytical writing skills

Samples

• Verbal section – description and questions
• Quantitative section – description and questions
• Analytical Writing section – description and questions

For more information

• GMAT Overview

GRE- Graduate Record Examinations

Because of the high correlation between high GRE scores and success in graduate school, many schools require that the applicants take the GRE General Test. They may also require the applicant to take the appropriate GRE Subject Test.

What is tested

There are two types of GRE test:

• GRE General Test:
  • Verbal Ability
  • Quantitative Ability (Mathematics)
  • Analytical Writing Ability
• GRE Subject Tests: achievement in a specific field of study

Samples

• Preparation and Strategies
• Practice Exercise Tests

For more information

• GRE for Test Takers and About the GRE

LSAT- Law School Admissions Test

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all law schools that are members of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).

Purpose

Measures skills that are considered essential for success in law school.

What is tested

Ability to:

• Read and comprehend texts with accuracy and insight
• Organize and manage information
• Draw inferences from information
• Reason critically
• Analyze and evaluate reasoning and arguments of others

Samples

• LSAT Sample Test

For more information

• http://www.lsac.org/

MCAT- Medical College Admissions Test

Purpose

Predict ability to perform adequately in medical school.

What is tested

• Knowledge of the science concepts and principles that are a prerequisite to the study of medicine
• Problem-solving skills
• Critical-thinking skills
• Writing skills

Samples

• MCAT Practice Tests

For more information

• About the MCAT

Source: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota.