Testing
As you had to take standardized testing to get into Brown, you will likely have to take some form of aptitude test to get accepted into graduate school.
It is important, before you register to take a test, to clarify your continuing education goals and to assess your options as some colleges and universities require different tests in order to be accepted. If given the option, you may find that one test might be a better choice for you than others.
Once you have chosen a program of study, research your options as you will likely not know of every college and university that offers your program. Be sure to check the admission procedures for all schools of interest as some will offer acceptance based on multiple tests. For instance, an MBA program might accept GRE or GMAT scores.
Once you have identified schools to which you are applying, and determined what test you will need to take, the best way to prepare for the test is to practice! Take all of the free practice tests you can, and also look into buying books recommended by the testing company. Many independent organizations run prep courses, which you may or may not choose to take.
Information about the specific tests and links to testing centers follow:
GRE—The Graduate Record Examination
The GRE is generally accepted by most graduate schools with some programs requiring the more specific GRE Subject Test. The General test measures verbal and quantitative skills, critical thinking, and analytical writing while the Subject test is offered in Biology, Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Computer Science, Chemistry, English Literature, Physics, Math, and Psychology. The standard GRE is offered at any time throughout the year while the Subject test is offered three times per year: October, November, and April.
Current Cost: $140—$195 based on US versus International; $130—$150 for Subject test US—InternationalMAT—Millers Analogies Test
This test, measuring analytical thinking, is often accepted as an alternative to the GRE by graduate programs. The MAT is a high—level mental ability test requiring the solution of problems stated as analogies within a 60—minute timeframe. This is a relatively inexpensive and less time—consuming test and is a good alternative to the GRE when accepted. The MAT is administered through a network of Controlled Testing Centers (CTCs) with the test being scheduled year—round.
Current Cost: Varies by Test CenterGMAT—Graduate Management Admissions Test
Primarily used by business schools as part of the MBA admissions process. The GMAT measures verbal and math skills as well as analytical writing ability. The GMAT is offered through a network of testing centers year—round.
Current Cost: $250LSAT—Law School Admissions Test
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is a half—day standardized test required for admission to all American Bar Association-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non-ABA-approved law schools. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The test is administered four times per year (June, October, December, and February) at hundreds of locations around the world.
Current Cost:MCAT—Medical College Admissions Test
An admissions requirement of nearly every medical school (and some veterinary schools as well) in the USA, the exam measures mastery of basic concepts in biology, general and organic chemistry, and physics. The exam also assesses capacity for problem solving and critical thinking as well as general writing skills.
Current Cost: $210DAT—Dental Admissions Test
Required for admission to most Dental schools, the DAT is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. As it is a computer—based test, the DAT is administered at testing centers year—round.
Current Cost: $190OAT—Optometry Admissions Test
The OAT, a standardized examination for applicants seeking admission to an optometry program, is a four part exam which includes questions regarding reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, physics, and natural science. It is designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. All schools and colleges of optometry in the United States require the OAT, and it is administered through testing centers year—round.
Current Cost:PCAT—Pharmacy College Admissions Test
The PCAT is a specialized test that helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges. It measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education.The PCAT consists of 240 multiple—choice items and two Writing topics. Candidates are given four hours to complete the test (plus administrative time for instructions and time for a short rest break about halfway through the test), which is available multiple times throughout the year.
Current Cost: $125