Prospective Graduate students are required to demonstrate proficiency on standardized tests; however, the tests that assess proficiency at the Graduate level differ greatly from undergraduate standardized tests. Because Graduate level courses are specialized and reflect the pursuit of a specific area of expertise, the standardized test that will be required for admission will differ from school to school. Prospective Graduate students should familiarize themselves with the following:

GMAT – This stands for Graduate Management Admission Test and is highly recommended if you are applying to a business school. Business schools will expect for you to demonstrate proficiency on the GMAT in order to gain acceptance. The GMAT is a standardized test that assesses your verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills in order to better determine your potential success in graduate business program.

GRE – This stands for Graduate Record Examination. The GRE is a standardized test that measures your analytical writing and critical thinking skills as well as verbal and quantitative reasoning. Graduate and Professional schools may use GRE scores to assess your overall academic status as an undergraduate student and your progressive acquisition of these basic skills. GRE Subject tests are available, also, for those students who have completed extensive undergraduate coursework and wish to pursue their specialization.

LSAT – This stands for Law School Admission Test. The LSAT is a standardized test that assesses reading and verbal reasoning skills and is required for admission to most Law schools. The LSAT is a half-day test is an extensive measure of the skills you will find valuable in the practice of law. According to the Law School Admission Council, “The LSAT is designed to measure skills that are considered essential for success in law school: the reading and comprehension of complex texts with accuracy and insight; the organization and management of information and the ability to draw reasonable inferences from it; the ability to think critically; and the analysis and evaluation of the reasoning and arguments of others.”

MCAT – This stands for Medical College Admission Test and are considered a vital component in the admission process. According to the AAMC, the MCAT is “designed to assess the examinee's problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.”

It is important that you research your school of choice to and inquire about their specific requirements. However, it is highly recommended that you sit for the test that is specific to your graduate study of choice.