Standardized Tests

Here are some of the more commonly required standardized tests when applying for graduate study. Contact the Academic Skills Center for information on test preparation resources.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

• The most commonly required entrance exam for graduate school.
• Consists of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing sections.
• No set dates—test takers schedule an appointment at the time of their choice at a local computer-based testing center.
• Practice materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre/general/prepare.

GRE Subject Tests

• Sometimes required for specific academic disciplines.
• Subjects include:
  
  • Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
    
  • Literature in English
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
  • Psychology
• Offered in October, November, and April.
• Practice materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/prepare.

Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

• Often required for graduate business programs, such as a master's degree in business administration (MBA).
• A computer-adaptive exam that assesses verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills.
• No set dates—test takers schedule an appointment at the time of their choice at a local computer-based testing center.
• Practice materials are available at http://www.mba.com/us/store/store-catalog.aspx?tabs=CAT2680001. 

Law School Admission Test (LSAT)

• Required for most law school juris doctorate (J.D.) programs.
• A half-day, standardized test that measures acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills.
• Offered in June, October, December and February.
• Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. Taking the test earlier is advised.
• Practice materials are available at http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/preparing-for-the-lsat. 

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

• Almost all U.S. medical schools require MCAT scores. Many schools do not accept MCAT scores more than three years old.
• A standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.
• Offered 28 times a year. View the schedule at http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/reserving/start.htm.
• The University of Richmond offers an MCAT Prep Course.

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

• Required for most dental graduate programs.
• No set dates—test takers schedule an appointment at the time of their choice at a testing center.

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)

• Required for most pharmacy graduate programs.
• Exam measures verbal, biology, chemistry, reading comprehension and quantitative ability.
• Offered in June, August, October and January.
• Practice materials are available at http://pcatweb.info/Practice-Test.php.