Graduate Entrance Examinations

Hey everyone! I'm doing some research on grad schools and realized that I should start thinking about the entrance exams. Can anyone give me a rundown of the different types of graduate entrance examinations out there? How should I choose which exam to take and when, and what are some tips for preparing?

Hello! It's helpful to start thinking about graduate entrance exams early, as they indeed play a significant role in the application process. There are several graduate entrance exams, and the one you should take depends on the program you are interested in. Here's a rundown of the most common exams and their purposes:

1. GRE (Graduate Record Examination): This is the most widely accepted general test for graduate admissions. It has three sections: Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing. It's used for admission to various fields of study, including sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test): This exam is designed specifically for business school applicants and primarily tests verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills. It's mostly used for admission to MBA programs, but some other graduate-level business programs may also require it.

3. LSAT (Law School Admission Test): If you're planning to attend law school, you'll need to take the LSAT. This exam tests reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and analytical reasoning skills, which are vital for success in law school.

4. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test): Required for medical school applicants, the MCAT tests critical thinking, problem-solving, scientific knowledge, and writing skills. It covers various subjects, including biology, chemistry, and physics.

5. TOEFL/IELTS: If English is your second language, you may need to take the TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) or IELTS (International English Language Testing System) to demonstrate your English proficiency.

Once you determine which exam you need to take, you should check the deadlines and requirements for your target schools and plan your test date accordingly. Ideally, you should take the exam about a year before you plan to start graduate school, as scores are usually valid for five years.

When preparing for these exams, follow these steps:

1. Understand the exam format: Familiarize yourself with the test format, question types, and scoring system. Knowing the exam's structure will help you focus your preparation and save time during the actual test.

2. Identify your strengths and weaknesses: Take a practice test early on and analyze your results. This will give you insight into the areas where you need to improve, and you can tailor your preparation accordingly.

3. Create a study plan: Develop a realistic study plan based on your schedule and allocate ample time for each section. Set goals for your progress and stick to your plan as much as possible.

4. Use different resources: Take advantage of various resources, such as textbooks, online courses, and study groups. Diversify your preparation to cover all aspects of the exam and ensure you are well-rounded.

5. Practice, practice, practice: Regularly practice with sample questions and full-length tests to build your confidence, hone your test-taking strategies, and monitor your progress.

6. Take breaks and stay healthy: Avoid burnout by incorporating breaks into your study plan, exercising, eating well, and getting sufficient sleep. Maintaining a balanced lifestyle will keep your brain sharp and focused.

Best of luck with your graduate entrance exam preparation!