Graduate College Admissions Tests
Graduate admission tests are a big part of your overall application. Sometimes your test scores also determine your eligibility for financial aid and scholarships.
Admission to graduate programs can be very competitive. Take practice tests. Read about the subject area(s) to be tested.
GMAT — Graduate Management Admission Test
The GMAT is a standardized test that helps business schools figure out how qualified applicants are for advanced study in business and management.
Purpose
Helps graduate business schools assess the skills of applicants.
What is Tested
- Verbal skills
- Math skills
- Analytical writing skills
Samples
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GRE — Graduate Record Examinations
Because of the high correlation between high GRE scores and success in graduate school, many schools require that the applicants take the GRE General Test. They may also require the applicant to take the related GRE Subject Test.
What is Tested
There are two types of GRE test:
- GRE General Test: measures verbal ability, quantitative ability (math), and analytical writing ability
- GRE Subject Tests: achievement in a specific field of study
Samples
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LSAT — Law School Admissions Test
The LSAT is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all law schools that are members of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC).
Purpose
Measures skills that are essential for success in law school.
What is Tested
Ability to:
- Read and comprehend texts with accuracy and insight
- Organize and manage information
- Draw inferences from information
- Reason critically
- Analyze and evaluate reasoning and arguments of others
Samples
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MCAT — Medical College Admissions Test
Purpose
Predict ability to perform well in medical school.
What is Tested
- Knowledge of the science concepts and principles that are a prerequisite to the study of medicine
- Problem-solving skills
- Critical-thinking skills
- Writing skills
Samples
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Services for Students with Disabilities
Students with documented disabilities may be eligible to receive accommodations (such as Braille tests, large print, and extended time) when taking admissions tests. To learn more about the accommodations available for each test mentioned above, visit: GRE (graduate), LSAT (law), MCAT (medical), or GMAT (business/management).
Source: Minnesota State Colleges and Universities and the University of Minnesota.