Graduate School entrance exams are an important part of the application. Some schools/departments use a minimum cut-off score to reduce the number of applications to be considered.  However, keep in mind that your exam score is not the only factor application committees consider. The committee will also look closely at your personal statement, GPA, and recommendations.

     Refer to the testing websites for dates and location of the tests.

Types of Graduate Exams

GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

• Required for master's and Ph.D. programs
• Sections include: Math, Verbal and analytical writing section
• 14 different subject specific tests (i.e. chemistry, psychology)
• Scores:

• Test can be taken multiple times; however, all scores for each test are sent to the school you choose
• Scores are good for 5 years

• When to take test :

• It is best to take the GRE while you are still an undergraduate while the information is still fresh. This is true even if you are not planning to attend graduate school immediately after college.
• Subject tests offered:  September, November, April

Contact Information: gre.org

LSAT (Law School Admissions)

• Required for admission to law school
• Sections include: reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logical reasoning
• Scores:

• If you choose to take the LSAT multiple times, be aware that a majority of schools will average your scores instead of taking the higher score.
• It is generally advisable not to take the LSAT more than once. You may consider doing so if extenuating circumstances negatively influenced your score the first time.
• Scores are good for 3 years

• When to take test :

• Take LSAT by July or October of your senior year
• Waiting until later in the semester may put you at a disadvantage in the application process as fewer spaces will be available to individuals applying later.

Contact Information: lsat.org

MCAT (Medical School Admissions)

• Required for admission to medical school
• Sections include: verbal reasoning, physical sciences, biological sciences and a writing sample
• Scores:

• It is generally advisable not to take the MCAT more than once. You may consider doing so if extenuating circumstances negatively influenced your score the first time.
• Scores are good for 3 years

• When to take test :

• Offered in April and August each year
• It is advisable to take the MCAT in April of your Junior for admission the fall after you graduate.

Contact Information: aamc.org

GMAT (Graduate Schools of Management)

• Required for MBA and other master’s programs in administration, such as health care and public policy
• Sections include: Math, Verbal and Analytical Writing
• Scores:

• It is advisable not to take the GMAT more than once as some schools will average the scores. You may consider doing so if extenuating circumstances negatively influenced your score the first time.
• Scores are good for 5 years

• When to take test :

• Several top business schools will require 2-5 years of full-time work experience before applying to their programs.
• The test can be taken your senior year in college while still in academic mode, but some people wait a few years.
• The test is computerized and offered throughout the year.

Contact Information: gmat.org