Grad School Test

Getting into graduate school usually means dealing with different kinds of tests. These tests are necessary because they decide if you get into the advanced programs you want. In this section, we’ll talk about the different types of graduate school tests. We’ll break down each test, what it’s for, and what skills it checks. Whether you’re thinking about business, law, or other particular areas, knowing about these tests helps you make intelligent choices for your academic journey.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

Length of Exam: Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes

Average Cost: $205 (subject to change; check the official website for the most recent information)

Number of Sections: 3

Types of Sections:

1. Verbal Reasoning: Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information.
2. Quantitative Reasoning: Assesses your problem-solving abilities using mathematical concepts and techniques.
3. Analytical Writing: Evaluates your critical thinking and analytical writing skills.

Scoring Range:

• Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning: 130–170 (in 1-point increments)
• Analytical Writing: 0–6 (in half-point increments)

Retake Opportunities: You can take the GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within a continuous rolling 12-month period.

For individuals contemplating graduate school, including business or law, the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) aligns with the cognitive demands of these advanced academic and professional pursuits. Evaluating students in Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing, the GRE emphasizes crucial skills for graduate and professional school success.

i. GRE General Test

The GRE General Test is a standardized examination widely utilized for graduate school admissions. It consists of Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. The test evaluates candidates’ verbal and quantitative reasoning abilities, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills. 

The GRE General Test is crucial in assessing candidates’ preparedness for advanced academic programs in various fields.

ii. GRE Subject Test

The GRE Subject Test, focusing on Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology, gauges undergraduate achievement in specific fields of study. These tests are crucial in aiding graduate school departments to assess applicants’ readiness for advanced studies in their chosen disciplines.

Starting September 2023, the GRE Subject Tests will transition to a computer-delivered format. The Mathematics Test will have a total testing time of 2 hours and 50 minutes, while the Physics and Psychology Tests will be completed in 2 hours. Unlike the previous format, there will be no separately timed sections, streamlining the testing experience for candidates.

 iii. Online or Take-Home Version of GRE

The GRE General Test at home provides a secure and convenient alternative for individuals who take their test in the comfort of their homes rather than at a designated test center. This option is accessible wherever the test is normally available, depending on the country of your account address.

The at-home test mirrors the experience of taking the test at a traditional test center, with the added convenience of using your personal computer in a secure location. All at-home tests are overseen by a human proctor through ProctorU®, ensuring a monitored testing environment. This testing option is available 24/7, allowing test takers to choose a time that suits their schedule, any day of the week.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

Length of Exam: Approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes

Average Cost: $275

Number of Sections: 4 

Types of Sections:

1. Analytical Writing Assessment: Measures your ability to analyze an argument and communicate your ideas.
2. Integrated Reasoning: Assesses your ability to evaluate information presented in multiple formats.
3. Quantitative: Test your problem-solving skills using mathematical concepts.
4. Verbal: Evaluate your ability to read and comprehend written material, reason, and evaluate arguments.

Score Range:

• Total Score: 200–800
• Analytical Writing Assessment: 0–6 (in half-point increments)
• Integrated Reasoning: 1–8 (in single-digit increments)
• Quantitative and Verbal: Scaled score ranges

No. of Times You Can Retake: You can take the GMAT  up to five times in a rolling 12-month period, but no more than eight times total.

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT), employed by over 2,100 institutions globally, boasts 60 years of testing expertise. Developed with input from graduate management programs, it evaluates essential skills for business and management success, including analytical writing, problem-solving, and critical reasoning. 

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

Length of Exam: Approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes

Average Cost: $200 – $225 (varies by location)

Number of Sections: 4 

Types of Sections:

1. Reading Comprehension: Assesses your ability to read, understand, and analyze complex texts.
2. Analytical Reasoning: Tests your ability to understand relationships and draw conclusions.
3. Logical Reasoning (two sections): Evaluates your ability to analyze and critically evaluate arguments.

Score Range: 120–180

No. of Times You Can Retake: You can take the LSAT up to seven times in a rolling 12-month. After that, you must wait five years to retake the test.

The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is vital to law school admission, testing skills crucial for the first year. It comprises a multiple-choice section covering reading, reasoning, and logic and an LSAT Writing essay. 
Accepted by all  ABA-accredited law schools, the LSAT helps candidates assess their readiness for legal education, making it a recommended choice for those aiming to maximize their admission chances.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

Length of Exam: Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks)

Average Cost: $320

Number of Sections: 4 

Types of Sections:

1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: Assesses your understanding of fundamental concepts in biology and biochemistry.
2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: Test your knowledge of the principles of chemistry and physics as applied to living systems.
3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: Evaluate your understanding of how psychological, social, and biological factors influence behavior.
4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: Measures your ability to analyze, evaluate, and apply information provided in passages.

Score Range: 472–528

No. of Times You Can Retake: You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year, four times in two consecutive years, and seven times in a lifetime.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a standardized test crafted and managed by the AAMC, is a multiple-choice exam designed to evaluate problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts. These skills are essential for success in medical school.

Preparing for the MCAT requires dedication, and managing preparation alongside a busy schedule can be challenging. The AAMC offers resources and practice products to support you at every stage of your preparation journey.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)

Length of Exam: Approximately 3 hours (Internet-based test, iBT)

Average Cost: $180 – $300 (varies by location)

Number of Sections: 4 

Types of Sections:

1. Reading: Assesses your ability to understand and analyze written passages.
2. Listening: Tests your comprehension of spoken English in academic and everyday contexts.
3. Speaking: Evaluates your ability to express your thoughts clearly and coherently.
4. Writing: Measures your skills in producing well-organized and coherent written English.

Score Range: 0–120

No. of Times You Can Retake: You can retake the TOEFL as many times as you wish, but there must be at least a 3-day gap between test attempts.

The TOEFL test assesses your capacity to develop and articulate intricate ideas in English, crucial skills for thriving in an academic university setting. Those who undergo the TOEFL test often enter campus more equipped, gaining an advantage over their counterparts. 

It is the preferred choice for 9 out of 10 U.S. universities, and U.S. universities receive more TOEFL scores than all other English-language tests combined.

Dental Administration Test (DAT)

Length of Exam: Approximately 4 hours and 15 minutes

Average Cost: $475

Number of Sections: 4 

Types of Sections:

1. Survey of the Natural Sciences: Evaluates knowledge in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.
2. Perceptual Ability Test: Assesses spatial reasoning and visualization skills.
3. Reading Comprehension Test: Tests your ability to understand and analyze written material.
4. Quantitative Reasoning Test: Measures mathematical problem-solving skills.

Score Range: 1–30 (for each of the four sections)

No. of Times You Can Retake: You can retake the DAT, but the retest policy involves waiting 90 days between test dates. After the third attempt, a 12-month waiting period is enforced.

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized assessment that evaluates aspiring dental students’ academic and perceptual abilities. Scoring well on the DAT is instrumental in demonstrating a candidate’s preparedness for the academic rigors of dental school. 

Dental schools and other application components use DAT scores as a key factor in their admission decisions. A strong DAT performance enhances the likelihood of admission and reflects a candidate’s proficiency in the foundational skills required for dental education and practice success.

Optometry Administration Test (OAT)

Length of Exam: Approximately 5 hours

Average Cost: $495

Number of Sections: 4 

Types of Sections:

1. Survey of Natural Sciences
   Evaluates knowledge in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry.
2. Reading Comprehension
   Assesses your ability to understand and analyze written material.
3. Physics
   Test your understanding of basic physics principles.
4. Quantitative Reasoning
   Measures mathematical problem-solving skills.

Score Range: 200–400 for each section, with a cumulative score range of 200–400

No. of Times You Can Retake: You can retake the OAT, but the retest policy involves waiting at least 90 days between test dates. After the fourth attempt, a waiting period of at least 12 months is enforced.

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) holds paramount significance in the admission process for aspiring optometry students. Scoring well on the OAT is instrumental in showcasing a candidate’s preparedness for the academic challenges of optometry school. 

Optometry programs consider OAT scores vital in admission decisions and other application elements. A strong performance on the OAT enhances the likelihood of admission and signifies a candidate’s competence in the foundational skills necessary for success in optometric education and practice.

Pharmacy College Administrative Test (PCAT)

Length of Exam: Approximately 4 hours

Average Cost: $220 – $250

Number of Sections: 5 

Types of Sections:

1. Writing
   Requires the composition of an essay.
2. Biological Processes
   Assesses knowledge of biology and anatomy.
3. Chemical Processes
   Evaluate understanding in general and organic chemistry.
4. Critical Reading
   Tests reading comprehension and analysis skills.
5. Quantitative Reasoning
   Measures mathematical problem-solving abilities.

Score Range: 200–600 for each section, with a cumulative score range of 200–600

No. of Times You Can Retake: You can retake the PCAT, but the retest policy involves waiting at least 90 days between test dates. After the third attempt, a waiting period of at least 180 days is enforced.

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)  holds immense significance as a pivotal component in the admission process for prospective pharmacy students. A strong performance on the PCAT is crucial in demonstrating a candidate’s readiness for the academic challenges of pharmacy school. 

Pharmacy programs consider PCAT scores a key determinant in admission decisions, complementing other application components. Implying on the PCAT enhances the likelihood of admission and signifies a candidate’s competence in the foundational skills necessary for success in pharmaceutical education and practice.

Adequate preparation time and understanding the specific test requirements of your chosen universities are essential steps for success in grad school admission. Here are some resources that will help one aid their graduate school test preparation

• GRE Preparation Guide
  Explore dedicated preparation guides for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) to enhance your readiness for grad school admission.
• GMAT Preparation Guide
  Access comprehensive preparation guides for the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) to excel in business school applications.
• Online Masters Programs No GRE Guide
  Discover a helpful guide outlining various online master’s programs that do not require the GRE, providing alternative pathways for advanced education.
• MBA Programs without GMAT Guide
  Explore this guide to identify MBA programs that waive the GMAT requirement, offering flexibility in pursuing a master’s in business administration.

Additionally, exploring alternative programs that do not mandate the GRE or GMAT can broaden your options. Always check the accreditation status of your chosen university to ensure a credible and recognized education.