Admissions Tests
GRE: General Test and Subject Tests
The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) General Test is the most commonly used test for graduate school admission. It measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytic writing skills acquired over a long period of time and not related to any specific field of study. It can be taken at home or at a test center. Beginning September 22, 2023, the testing time for the GRE General Test will be reduced by half, from just under 4 hours to just under 2, and scores will be sent more quickly.
GRE Subject Tests are offered in only math, physics, and psychology, in a computer-delivered format as of September 2023. (The GRE Chemistry Test was discontinued after the April 2023 administration.) These measure content taught in undergraduate programs that is important for graduate study in that discipline. The tests are intended for individuals who have an undergraduate major or extensive background in the field.
Be sure to do your research so you will know well in advance what tests you need to take and will have ample time to prepare. Find out more and register for the GRE at www.gre.org.
Graduate Management Admissions Test (GMAT)
The GMAT is for anyone applying for a master's in business administration. Learn more and register at MBA.com for a remote or in-person test.
Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is for those applying to medical schools. Learn about the MCAT, review preparation materials. and register at aamc.org/students/mcat. The test is in-person at test sites.
Law School Admissions Test (LSAT)
The LSAT is for law school (lsac.org). You can choose to test in person or remotely when you register.
Test Preparation
There is no one right way to study for these tests. That said, it is imperative that you have worked with the test in the way it will be administered, that you are familiar with the format and strategies, and that you have studied enough to know that you are as prepared as possible.
Preparation possibilities include:
- Make use of on-line and free prep materials available through the testing organizations for each test listed above. Khan Academy offers free materials for the MCAT and LSAT.
- Magoosh, Kaplan, Princeton Review , and many others offer paid courses with a range of fees. Do a search on “reviews of best GRE (or other) test prep”
- Gather together a study group with your peers
- Hire a tutor for one or more subject areas