GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TESTING

1. GRADUATE SCHOOL ADMISSIONS TESTING Rosemarie Sena Center Career Development Services

2. GRADUATE ADMISSIONS TESTS • GRE – Graduate Record Exam • GMAT – Graduate Management Admission Test • MCAT – Medical College Admission Test • LSAT – Law School Admission Test • AHPAT, DAT, MAT, OAT, PCAT, VCAT

3. Computer-AdaptiveTest • CAT adjusts to test-taker’s ability level • The first question is of medium difficulty • The level of difficulty for each question is based on the response to the previous one • Each question must be answered • Test takers cannot return to a previous question to change a response

4. Computer Based Test Verbal (V) one 30-minute section, 30 questions Quantitative (Q) one 45-minute section, 28 questions Analytical Writing (AW), two writing tasks 45 minutes for 1st topic, 30 minutes for 2nd topic Graduate Record ExaminationGeneral Test

5. Paper-Based Test Assessment of knowledge gained through undergraduate preparation in specific areas of study Subject Tests are currently available in 8 disciplines Total testing time = 2 hours 50 minutes Test Prep Materials: www.gre.org/pracmats.html Graduate Record ExaminationSubject Test

6. Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology Biology Chemistry Computer Science Literature in English Mathematics Physics Psychology Graduate Record ExaminationSubject Tests

7. Primarily a Computer-Based Test May be taken as a paper and pencil test on a Subject Test date, but you may not take both the Writing Assessment and a Subject Test on the same date Consists of 2 analytical writing tasks “Present your perspective on an issue” (45 minutes) “Analyze an argument” (30 minutes) Graduate Record ExaminationWriting Assessment

8. GraduateManagementAdmissionTest • Computer-Based Test • Quantitative • 75 minutes for 37 questions • Verbal • 75 minutes for 41 questions • Analytical Writing (2 topics) • 30 minutes for each topic

9. LawSchoolAdmissionTest • Paper-Based Test • Five 35-minute sections • Reading Comprehension (1) • Analytical Reasoning (1) • Logical Reasoning (2) • + One extra unscored section chosen at random • Writing Sample (30 minutes)

10. MedicalCollegeAdmissionTest • Paper-Based Test • Multiple-choice examination assessing problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, knowledge of science concepts • Scored in 4 areas: • Biological Sciences – 100 minutes for 77 questions • Physical Sciences – 100 minutes for 77 questions • Verbal Reasoning – 85 minutes for 65 questions • Writing Sample – 60 minutes for 2 questions

11. Graduate Admissions Tests Internet Resources • www.gradschools.com - and www.princetonreview.com • program search and information • www.gre.org • Graduate Record Exam • www.mba.com - or - www.gmac.com • Graduate Management Admission Test • www.lsat.org - or - www.lsac.org • Law School Admission Test • www.aamc.org/mcat • Medical College Admission Test

12. Graduate School Admissions Test Preparation • Books and printed guides such as Barron’s and Princeton Review • available in the Sena Center Career Library • Software & On-line methods • ETS will provide free GRE POWERPREP software when you register for any GRE Test (General, Subject, or Writing), or it can be downloaded from the GRE Web site at www.gre.org/pracmats.html. • GMAT is also offering free POWERPREP software when you register – can be downloaded from www.mba.com. • Sample tests available on-line • GRE Diagnostic Service (on-line) • Prep courses • Kaplan (kaptest.com), Princeton Review

13. Test Taking Strategies • “To guess or not to guess” – It is better to guess on all of the tests except for the GRE Subject Test • Pace Yourself • Remember that with a CAT, you cannot return to a question later on

14. Score Ranges • GRE : 200 – 800 (Verbal & Quantitative) 0-6, in half point increments (Analytical Writing) • GMAT: 200 – 800 (Quantitative & Verbal) • LSAT: 120 - 180 • MCAT: 1 - 15 • Writing Sample: J (low) – T (high)

15. One hour each day for six weeks prior to taking the exam Take a diagnostic exam periodically to see how you are doing Consider taking a Kaplan Course (online or in person) Use Software and Books in the Sena Center Career Library Practice using free PowerPrep Software Review specific test taking tips in either the test bulletin or the web site of the test you are planning to take Strengthen your vocabulary LSAT – take a “Logic” course via the Philosophy/Religion Depart. *Repeatedly taking the LSAT does not significantly raise your score – usually @ 2.7 points on 2nd attempt, and only an additional 1.5 on the 3rd attempt. How to Study for Graduate Admission Tests

16. Good Luck!!!