Guide to Graduate School Admissions Exams: Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

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1 Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) Anyone planning on applying to medical school. At one of the various computerized testing centers. To find a testing center near you, consult How much does it cost? $225 The test contains sections for each of the following: Physical Sciences (52 questions), Verbal Reasoning (40 questions), Biological Sciences (52 questions), and Writing (2 short essays). You should try to take the MCAT about one year before you plan to begin medical school. There are certain classes you must take before taking the MCAT to be adequately prepared (Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics). It is offered 28 times throughout the year as a computerized exam. Registration opens approximately 12 weeks before each test. Individuals are allowed to take the MCAT three times per year; however, schools can view all of your scores upon application, so make sure you are adequately prepared before you take it. Approximately 5 ½ hours. The best way to practice for the MCAT is by taking multiple practice tests. The official MCAT website has resources to help you create a study plan, order practice exams, and more. The Lincoln Park and Loop Libraries also have books available to help students prepare for the MCAT. For this information and more, consult

2 Graduate Record ination (GRE), General Graduate Record ination (GRE), General GRE scores are accepted by a wide variety of graduate programs, from humanities programs to some science programs. Check with the individual universities to which you are applying to ensure you are taking the correct exam. At one of the various computerized testing centers. To find a testing center near you consult How much does it cost? $160 The test contains the following three sections: Verbal Reasoning (30 questions), Quantitative Reasoning (28 questions), and Analytical Writing (2 essays). Many students take the GRE a year before they plan to start graduate school. However, many suggest taking it earlier so you have extra time to re-take the exam if you are not satisfied with your scores. The GRE is offered year round. You are permitted to take the GRE up to one time per month; however, it is recommended you do not take it too frequently because universities often access all of your scores when making a decision on admission. Approximately 3 hours. There are several free resources provided on the official GRE website for preparation. One of these resources software known as Powerprep provides you with possible questions, study materials, and tips, and is free for anyone taking the GRE. DePaul s Lincoln Park Campus Library also has several GRE test prep books located in the reference section, as well as some review guides as e-books available for DePaul students to access. This information and more can be found at

3 GRE Subject Tests GRE Subject Tests Some graduate programs require a GRE Subject test, which assesses your knowledge in your particular field. The subject tests offered include: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics, Physics, and Psychology. Check with the individual programs you are applying to in order to determine if you need to take a subject test. At one of the various paper-based testing centers. To find a testing center near you, consult How much does it cost? $140 Each subject test contains different sections. To find out more about the specifics of the test you would like to take, consult You should take the exam about a year before you plan to enter graduate school. This will ensure you have taken as many classes as possible to prepare you for the information included on the test. However, some students prefer to take the test slightly earlier to allow time for them to take it again if they are dissatisfied with their score. The subject tests are offered three times a year in April, October, and November. Approximately 3 ½ hours. There are free practice booklets offered on the GRE website. In addition, when you register for a test, you will be sent a free Subject Test Practice Book. This information and more can be found at

4 Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Law School Admission Test (LSAT) Anyone planning on applying to law school. Upon registering, you will select your top test centers and they will try to accommodate your request if that center is hosting that particular test. The LSAT is not computerized. How much does it cost? $132 When is the test offered? How can you practice? Five separate 35 minute sessions of multiple choice questions, concluding with a 35 minute writing sample. The types of multiple choice questions are Reading Comprehension, Analytical, and Logical Reasoning. The writing sample is not scored, but is sent to the schools to which you apply. It is recommended you take the LSAT approximately a year prior to the time you plan to enter law school. If you are planning on leaving time to take the LSAT twice, consider registering for an exam a few months prior to this. The LSAT is offered in February, June, October, and December of each year. You cannot take the exam more than three times in a two year period. Approximately half of a day. The LSAC website offers a complete sample test with responses, as well as sample questions with explanations. Additional sample tests can be purchased from the website. DePaul s Loop Campus Library also has several test prep books located in the reference section, some LSAT review guides available to be checked out, and some e- book review guides accessible via the internet. This information and more can be found at

5 Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) The GMAT is needed for admission to almost any MBA program, as well as for some PhD programs, such as Finance and Management. You can take the GMAT at one of many computerized testing centers throughout the country listed at How much does it cost? $250 The test contains three sections: Verbal (41 Questions), Math (37 Questions), and Essay (one Issue and one Argument ). How long is it? It is recommended you take the GMAT when you are still in school so the information is fresh in your mind. Many recommend you take it before you start filling out applications so you can apply to schools whose score requirements you meet. This information is typically available through the individual programs to which you are applying. The GMAT is offered every weekday and on some Saturdays. You cannot take the GMAT more than once a month. Your three most recent scores for the GMAT will be sent to programs when applying for Grad School. Approximately 4 hours The Graduate Management Admission Council provides free test preparation software and materials to purchase, as well as suggestions about how to prepare for the exam. DePaul s Loop Campus Library also has several test prep books located in the reference section, some GMAT review guides available to be checked out, and some e-book review guides are accessible via the internet. This information and more can be found at

6 Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) Most pharmacy schools require the PCAT. The testing centers rotate for each exam. To locate a testing center for a specific exam, go to How much does it cost? $150 The test has six sections: Verbal Ability (48 questions), Quantitative (48 questions), Biology (48 questions), Chemistry (48 questions), Reading (48 questions), and Writing (2 Essays). It is recommended students take the exam after their second year of undergraduate study. Most schools require this amount of undergraduate study while others require a completed Bachelors degree, followed by 3-4 years of pharmaceutical studies. The PCAT is offered four times a year in June, August, October and January. You cannot take the PCAT exam more than five times. About 4 ½ hours. There is an official practice PCAT exam that is available for download on Pearson s website. For this information and more, go to

7 Optometry Admission Testing Program (OAT) Optometry Admission Testing Program (OAT) Individuals looking to receive admission to an optometry doctorate program. To find a computerized testing center near you, go to How much does it cost? $213 The test contains four sections which include: Survey of Natural Sciences (100 Questions), Physics (40 Questions), Quantitative Reasoning (40 Questions), Reading Comprehension (40 Questions). It is recommended that you take at least one year of undergraduate work in Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physics prior to taking the exam. Therefore, many students opt to take the exam after 2-3 years of undergraduate work. Tests are administered year round. The OAT cannot be taken more than once every 90 days. The four most recent scores are reported to schools; however, the schools to which you are applying will also be informed of how many times you have taken the exam. Up to 5 hours. The ADA s website offers a free practice exam with explanations of answers. For this information and more, go to or

8 Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) How much does it cost? Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Most graduate schools require this exam for international students whose native language is not English. The exam is offered in paper-based and internet-based formats throughout the world. For more information on your nearest testing center, consult $170; however, fees vary by state and country. The test contains the following sections: Reading (36-70 questions), Listening (34-51 questions), Speaking (6 tasks) and Writing (2 tasks). The TOEFL should be taken no later than 6-8 weeks prior to the application deadline for your graduate school. The test is offered most Saturdays and approximately one Friday each month. Approximately 4 ½ hours. The TOEFL website offers a practice exam, as well as helpful tips for succeeding on the exam. DePaul s Lincoln Park Library also has a guide complete with audio scripts available to be checked out, as well as two review guides accessible as e-books on the internet. For this information and more, go to and click on TOEFL

9 Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Individuals looking to enter dental school. The test is offered at various computerized testing centers throughout the country. To find a testing center near you, consult How much does it cost? $170 The test contains four sections: Survey of the Natural Sciences (100 questions), Perceptual Ability (90 questions), Reading Comprehension (50 questions), and Quantitative Reasoning (40 questions). Your application will not be reviewed by dental schools until you have submitted your scores. Because of this, it is recommended you take your exam in early summer before your senior year so you can take the exam again in the fall if you are unsatisfied with your scores. Testing appointments are available year round. Once you have taken the test, you cannot take it again for 90 days. Those who have taken the test three or more times must get special permission before taking the test again. Approximately 4 ½ hours. There is an inee Guide available on the American Dental Association s website that contains sample test items. This information and more can be found at or

10 Miller Analogies Test (MAT) How much does it cost? Miller Analogies Test (MAT) Miller Analogies Test scores are accepted by a wide variety of graduate programs in place of the GRE. Check with the individual universities for which you are applying to ensure you are taking the correct exam. There are several paper and computer based testing centers in each state where you can take the MAT. To find out where your nearest testing center is, consult and click on Find a MAT Testing Center. Because you pay the testing center directly, the fee for the MAT varies between each testing center. Consult your individual testing center to find out how much the test costs in your area. The average cost for taking the MAT is usually between $65-$85. The Miller Analogies test contains 120 analogy questions. The analogies fall into six separate content areas: General, Humanities, Mathematics, Language, Social Sciences, and Natural Sciences. Many students take the MAT a year before they plan to start graduate school. However, many suggest taking it earlier so you have time to re-take the exam if you are not satisfied with your scores. The transcripts sent with your scores will contain all MAT scores from the past five years, so make sure you are prepared before taking the test. The schedule for the offering of the MAT varies between testing centers. Consult your individual testing center to find out when they offer the MAT. 60 minutes The MAT is used to assess the knowledge you have gained throughout your academic career. Because of this, the best preparation is simply familiarizing yourself with the structure of the test. The official Miller Analogies Test website has several practice tests available for studying. In addition, DePaul s Loop Library has a review guide available to be checked out. This information and more can be found at milleranalogies.com

11 Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test How much does it cost? Praxis I: Pre-Professional Skills Test The Praxis I tests are required by many universities for entry into a teacher education program. In addition, most states request these scores during the teacher licensing process. Consult your individual state for testing requirements. The test is offered at various computerized and paper-based testing centers throughout the country. To find a testing center near you, consult For computerized testing the costs are as follows: one exam, $80; two exams, $120; three exams, $160. However, taking the three computerized tests combined is $130. If choosing to take the test in a paper-based format, the cost is $40 per test. Three separate tests are offered under the Praxis I tests: reading, writing and mathematics. The three separate tests can be taken separately or together. The reading and mathematics tests each contain 40 multiple choice questions that assess basic skills in these areas, while the writing test contains 38 multiple choice questions and one essay question. The Praxis I tests are usually taken sometime within your first year in college. You may retake the Praxis I as many times as you need to pass it. Computer-based Praxis I tests are given year round by appointment. Contact your individual testing center to set up your appointment. Paper based exams occur five times throughout the year usually in January, March, April, July, and November. The exam takes approximately one hour per test you take. For example, if you choose to take all three tests, the exam will last approximately three hours. The Praxis website offers a practice exam, as well as helpful tips for succeeding on the exam. This information and more can be found at

12 Praxis II Subject Tests How much does it cost? Praxis II Subject Tests A Praxis II exam should be taken by an individual looking to enter the teaching profession. Each exam focuses on a specific subject ranging from U.S. History to Agriculture. The Praxis II exams are required in the teaching licensing and certification process. The test is offered at various paper-based testing centers throughout the country. To find a testing center near you, consult The cost of the Praxis II depends on the individual subject you are testing in. The prices range from $65-$115; however, most exams cost around $80. To find out the price of your specific test, consult Each Praxis II test asks questions that pertain to one of 120 different subjects. The individual tests you take depend on what the teaching requirements are for your state and which grade and subject you plan to teach. It is recommended you have been in college for at least a few years prior to taking the exam to ensure you have the specific subject knowledge necessary to succeed on the test. The specific requirements for taking the exam depend on your state s licensing requirements. You may retake the Praxis II as many times as you need to pass it. Tests are offered seven times throughout the year usually in January, March, April, June, July, September and November. The tests are 1, 2 or 4 hours long. You may take up to three tests on a given day depending on the length of each test. The Praxis website offers a practice exam, as well as helpful tips for succeeding on the exam. This information and more can be found at