Preparing for and Taking Graduate School Entrance Exams

Faith Hinz

8-15-2009

Taking a graduate school entrance exam is an important part of preparing for most graduate programs. At most graduate schools, your performance on one or more of these exams significantly affects your acceptance into a graduate program. For this reason, the thought of taking a graduate entrance exam can seem intimidating, but if you’re well prepared, taking the test can be a painless process. To help you successfully prepare for and take a graduate school entrance exam, this article covers the following topics:

Types of graduate school entrance exams
Registering for a graduate school entrance exam
Study methods for graduate entrance exams
Preparation tips for a graduate school entrance exam
Test day tips for graduate school entrance exams

Types of graduate school entrance exams

There are many types of graduate school entrance exams. Check with the graduate programs you’re interested in to see which tests they require. Some of the most popular graduate school entrance exams include:

GMAT – If you’re considering business school, you may have to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The test measures basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills.
GRE – Many graduate schools require you to take these two types of Graduate Record Examination (GRE) tests:
- GRE General Test – Measures verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytic writing skills.
- GRE Subject Tests – These subject-specific tests measure achievement and understanding in different disciplines, including Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Mathematics.
MCAT – If you’re applying to medical school in the United States, you’re required to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The test consists of three multiple-choice sessions and a writing assessment.
LSAT – All American Bar Association-approved schools require students to take the Law School Admission test (LSAT) as part of the admission process. The test measures necessary skills, including reading comprehension, analytic reasoning, and logical reasoning.
DAT – The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a graduate school entrance exam administered by the American Dental Association. All dental schools require the exam, and it measures general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.
PCAT – If you’re applying to a graduate school of pharmacy, you’ll have to take the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT). The test measures general academic ability and scientific knowledge.
OAT – If you’re thinking about going back to school to become an optometrist, you’ll need to take the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). This test measures general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.

Registering for a graduate school entrance exam

Registering for a graduate school entrance exam is usually a painless process. Visit the website of the test or tests you’re taking to determine how to register. Most test takers register online, but you may also be able to register on the phone or through the mail. As you register, keep the following considerations in mind:

Date – Most test centers offer graduate entrance exam testing year-round, but you’ll want to choose a test date that will give you plenty of time to prepare. You’ll also need to find out the mailing date of your test score and check the application deadlines for the schools you’re applying to so you can make sure they’ll receive your scores on time.
Fees – The fees charged for graduate school entrance exams vary by test. For example, the DAT currently costs $205, and it costs $250 to take the GMAT.
Location – Choose a test location that’s convenient for you. If possible, visit the testing location before the exam to get a feel for the environment and determine how long it will take you to get there on test day.
Format – Be sure to check if the test you’re taking is computerized or a more traditional paper and pencil exam. Most graduate entrance exams are now administered on computers, but you don’t want to be caught by surprise on test day.
Accommodations – As required by the Americans with Disabilities Act, testing centers must provide reasonable and appropriate accommodations for people with disabilities. If you need special accommodations, find out what you’re entitled to at www.ada.gov. Then, check with the program you’re registering for to see what is required to get the accommodations you’ll need.

Study methods for graduate entrance exams

There is no right or wrong way to prepare for a graduate entrance exam. Different people find that different study techniques work for them. Some methods of study include:

Independent Study – Many people with busy schedules find that it’s easiest to study independently for graduate school entrance exams. Many tools are available to help test takers prepare independently, including:
- Books – Dozens of books are available to help you prepare to take your graduate school entrance exam. Some even come with CD’s you can use on your computer to take practice tests. Spend some time at the library or bookstore and check out reviews online to make sure you’re choosing the book that will best prepare you for your exam.
- Online resources – Many test preparation resources are available online, including testing tips and free practice tests. For example, the American Dental Association provides free practice test questions to people studying for the DAT. Check your test’s official website to see what's available.
One-on-one tutoring – This can be a costly option for graduate school exam preparation, but you’ll get individualized attention and a tutor who will be sensitive to your particular strengths and weaknesses.
Study groups – Study groups are a good option for test preparation if you think you’ll have trouble motivating yourself to study independently, but you’re not ready to invest the money necessary for formal classes. You’ll be surrounded by other like-minded people, and you’ll be held accountable for showing up at meetings.
Prep courses – A number of organizations offer test preparation classes that meet regularly to prepare for graduate entrance exams. This is also a more costly option, but you’ll have the advantage of a regular schedule.

Preparation tips for graduate school entrance exams

Once you’ve decided what study method to use to prepare for your graduate school entrance exam, here are guidelines you’ll want to keep in mind when you start a study program:

Set realistic goals – Don’t expect to get a perfect score the first time you take a graduate school entrance exam. Instead, check to see what scores the schools you’re applying to require, and aim for those.
Set a study schedule – After you register for your test, work backward to see how much time you have to prepare. That way, you’ll know how much ground you need to cover each week. Then, make a study schedule and stick to it.
Know your strengths and weaknesses – Taking a practice test before beginning a study schedule can help you assess your strengths and weaknesses. With that in mind, you can allot your study time appropriately.
Learn how to pace yourself – When test day comes, you don’t want to spend all your time on the hard questions. To get an idea of how much time to spend on each question, use a stopwatch while taking a practice test.

Test day tips for graduate school entrance exams

You’ve spent a significant amount of time preparing for your graduate entrance exam, and you’ve made it to test day. To make sure your test-taking experience goes smoothly, here are some final tips for exam day:

Get enough rest – You’ll have trouble focusing on the test if you’re running on little sleep.
Eat a good meal – Don’t skip breakfast on the day of the test. Avoid greasy foods, excess caffeine, and anything else that will give you an upset stomach or make you jittery.
Pace yourself – Some questions are bound to be tougher than others, but don’t spend all of your time on the difficult ones.
Stay calm – Taking a graduate entrance exam can be stressful. But you’ve spent plenty of time preparing for the test, and you’re ready to do your best. If you feel yourself getting stressed, take some deep breaths.
Take advantage of breaks – Most tests allow for a few short breaks. Take advantage of those breaks by stretching, doing relaxation breathing, and clearing your mind. You may also be able to grab a quick snack during your breaks, so make sure you bring a piece of fruit or a granola bar just in case.

With all your preparation, you’re ready to take your graduate entrance exam. Just take a deep breath, relax, and do your best. Good luck on your test!

By: Faith Hinz

8-15-2009

Faith Hinz is a freelance writer who has written for industries ranging from healthcare to automotive. She lives and works in Chicago. Follow her on Twitter at www.twitter.com/faithaubrey and on her blog at www.advertisinginthecity.wordpress.com.