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Source: https://www.onlinemasterscolleges.com/resources/grad-school-test/

Types of Graduate School Tests

Graduate school admissions often require standardized tests to evaluate academic readiness. Here’s an overview of major exams, their purpose, and key details.

1. GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

Length: ~3 hrs 45 mins | Cost: ~$205 | Sections: Verbal, Quantitative, Analytical Writing

Score Range: Verbal & Quantitative: 130–170 | Writing: 0–6

Retakes: Every 21 days, up to 5 times/year

General Test: Measures reasoning and writing skills across disciplines.

Subject Test: Focuses on specific fields like Math, Physics, Psychology.

Online Version: Can be taken from home under remote proctoring.

2. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

Length: ~3 hrs 7 mins | Cost: ~$275 | Sections: Analytical Writing, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, Verbal

Score Range: 200–800 total

Retakes: Up to 5 times/year (max 8 total)

Used by 2,100+ business schools to assess skills in analysis, logic, and problem-solving.

3. LSAT (Law School Admission Test)

Length: ~3 hrs 30 mins | Cost: $200–$225 | Sections: Reading, Analytical, Logical Reasoning, Writing

Score Range: 120–180

Retakes: Up to 7 times/year

Essential for law school admissions; measures logic, reasoning, and reading comprehension.

4. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

Length: ~7 hrs 30 mins | Cost: ~$320 | Sections: Biology, Chemistry, Psychology/Sociology, Reasoning

Score Range: 472–528 | Retakes: 3 times/year (7 lifetime)

Required for medical schools to test scientific knowledge and critical thinking.

5. TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Length: ~3 hrs | Cost: $180–$300 | Sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, Writing

Score Range: 0–120 | Retakes: Every 3 days

Preferred by 9/10 U.S. universities to assess English proficiency.

6. DAT (Dental Admission Test)

Length: ~4 hrs 15 mins | Cost: ~$475 | Sections: Natural Sciences, Perceptual Ability, Reading, Quantitative

Score Range: 1–30 | Retakes: 90 days between attempts

Used for dental school admissions to test academic and spatial abilities.

7. OAT (Optometry Admission Test)

Length: ~5 hrs | Cost: ~$495 | Sections: Natural Sciences, Reading, Physics, Quantitative

Score Range: 200–400 | Retakes: 90-day wait (12 months after 4th attempt)

Required for optometry programs; evaluates science and reasoning skills.

8. PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test)

Length: ~4 hrs | Cost: $220–$250 | Sections: Writing, Biology, Chemistry, Reading, Quantitative

Score Range: 200–600 | Retakes: 90 days (180 after 3rd attempt)

Key for pharmacy school admissions; measures readiness for advanced study.

Which Test Should You Take?

GRE: Most general grad programs

GMAT: Business schools

LSAT: Law schools

MCAT: Medical schools

TOEFL: English proficiency for non-native speakers

Some programs waive these exams or accept multiple tests (e.g., GRE for business or law). Always check university requirements before applying.

Do Grad Schools Still Require Test Scores?

Many schools still use GRE, GMAT, LSAT, or MCAT scores, but trends are shifting. Some programs emphasize GPA, experience, and recommendations instead. Increasingly, schools offer test-optional admissions or no-GMAT online MBA programs.

How to Send Your Scores

Log in to your test provider’s account (ETS, GMAC, LSAC, AAMC).

Select recipient schools and confirm institution codes.

Pay additional fees if required.

Submit and confirm receipt with schools.

15 Tips to Ace Grad School Exams

Understand the format and scoring.

Create a realistic study schedule.

Use official prep materials.

Practice regularly and focus on weak areas.

Get expert guidance if needed.

Simulate real test conditions.

Stay healthy and well-rested.

Review progress often and stay positive.

Join study groups for peer learning.

Manage stress through mindfulness and breaks.

Read instructions carefully on exam day.

Early Preparation Matters

Choose your test based on target schools.

Gather prep materials early and register in advance.

Align preparation with test subjects and requirements.

Additional Resources

GRE Prep Guide

GMAT Prep Guide

Online Master’s Programs (No GRE)

MBA Programs (No GMAT)