There are four main types of graduate school admission exams, and each is based on a particular type of graduate program. The Law School Admission Test® (LSAT®) is taken by students entering law school, while prospective medical students take the Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®). In general, the Graduate Management Admission Test® (GMAT®) is used as an entry requirement for graduate programs in business. The Graduate Records Examination® (GRE®) is generally taken by everyone else. Some programs will accept either the GMAT® or GRE®, but one should always check with individual schools to verify their admission requirements.
The GMAT® is one of several admission requirements used by business graduate schools. This test consists of math, verbal and analytical writing sections. Scores range from 200 to 800 points. When picking either the GMAT® or GRE®, keep in mind that the GMAT® requires higher level math and logic skills.
The general GRE® is often taken by liberal arts students. Sciences, such as chemistry and physics, have their own subject tests in addition to the basic test. The GRE® also contains math, verbal and writing sections. It is similar in composition and scoring to the SAT®, which many students take for undergraduate college admission. The GRE® places a higher emphasis on vocabulary than the GMAT® does.
Regardless of whether a student is taking the GMAT® or GRE®, study materials and test-taking strategies are available. One can expect both tests to last around four hours. Most students take these examinations on a computer at a testing center, although written examinations are still offered on a limited basis. Scores are only saved for five years after taking the exam, and prospective graduate students will need to retake one of the tests if they are not accepted into a program within the five-year window.
While the GMAT® is preferred by most business schools, some schools will accept the GRE® or include both scores in their criteria. Occasionally, different programs within a business school require different tests. If in doubt, check with the school.
Some students take both tests and submit their best score. In general, students who scored higher on the math section of the SAT® should take the GMAT®, while those who were stronger on the verbal section of the SAT® should opt for the GRE®, if possible. Arts and sciences students should always take the GRE® along with any required subject area tests, unless they are going into law or medicine.
When taking the GMAT® or GRE® one should remember that both tests require some preparation for a high score. One should be sure to take some practice tests and work on weak areas. Getting a good night's sleep before taking any standardized test also is a plus.
