What types of tests do I have to take in order to apply for graduate school
(GMAT, GRE, LSAT)?

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Attending graduate school is next on your list. However, first you need to be accepted to your desired college or university. Graduate schools require a standardized test in order to process your application. You took the SAT and/or ACT before you applied to your undergraduate college education. For graduate school you will take one of the following entrance tests: GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT.

The GRE Exam

GRE stands for "Graduate Record Examination". This is similar to the SAT that you took for your undergraduate college education. Most graduate schools require this exam. Check with your specific college or university for score requirements for your field of study.

• The GRE consists of three sections including: Quantitative, Verbal, and the Analytical Writing Assessment.
   
• The Quantitative section essentially tests mathematics skills. It consists of 28 multiple choice questions and you have 45 minutes to complete the test.
   
• The Verbal section tests English skills. It consists of 30 multiple choice questions and you are allowed 30 minutes to take the test.
   
• The Analytical Writing Assessment tests your language arts skills. You have to write two essays. You have 30 minutes to complete one essay and 45 minutes to complete the other essay.

Currently the GRE is computer based and takes approximately 2.5 hours. Starting in October 2006, the GRE exam will still be computer based, but will be longer at approximately 4 hours in duration. Check out www.GRE.org for the latest information and to register for the GRE.

The GMAT

GMAT stands for "Graduate Management Admission Test". The GMAT is used as the entrance testing for Business schools. Check with your desired college or university for score requirements.

The GMAT is taken on the computer and can be taken any time during the year. The GMAT consists of three sections including: Quantitative, Verbal, and Analytical Writing Assessment.

• The Quantitative section consists of 37 multiple choice questions and you are allotted 75 minutes to complete it.
   
• The Verbal section consists of 41 multiple choice questions and you are allotted 75 minutes to complete it.
   
• The Analytical Writing Assessment consists of two essays. You are allotted 30 minutes per essay.

The GMAT takes approximately 4 hours to complete. Check out www.MBA.com to learn more and register for the GMAT.

The LSAT

LSAT stands for "Law School Admission Test" and is used to gain entrance to law school. The LSAT consists of five sections including: Reading Comprehension, Logical Reasoning (Arguments), Analytical Reasoning (Games), Experimental, and Essay.

• The Reading Comprehension section consists of 27 multiple choice questions and you are allowed 35 minutes to complete it.
   
• The Logical Reasoning (Arguments) section consists of two sections that have 25 multiple choice questions. You are allowed 35 minutes per section.
   
• The Analytical Reasoning (Games) section consists of approximately 25 multiple choice questions. You are allowed 35 minutes for this section.
   
• The Experimental section consists of approximately 25 multiple choice sections and you are allowed 35 minutes to complete it.
   
• The Essay section consists of one essay and you have 35 minutes to write it.

Check with your college of university for LSAT score requirements. Log on to www.LSAC.org  for more information and to register for the test.

The MCAT

MCAT stands for "Medical College Admission Test" and is used to gain entrance to medical school. The MCAT is 8 hours in duration and consists of four sections including: Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, Writing, and Biological Sciences.

• The Physical Sciences section consists of 77 multiple choice questions and you have 100 minutes to complete the section.
   
• The Verbal Reasoning section consists of 60 multiple choice questions and you have 85 minutes to complete it.
   
• The Writing section consists of two essays and you have 60 minutes to complete this section.
   
• The Biological Sciences consists of 77 questions and you have 100 minutes to complete the section.

Check with your medical school for score requirements. Log on to www.aamc.org  for more information and to register for the test.