Preparing for your test

It’s always a good idea–regardless of which test you take–to start with a practice test. See how hard the test is for you with no advance preparation. Just take one! This will help you figure out your next steps: what do you need to do to improve your scores? Should you consider a class or a tutor? Will just buying a book or study guide and dedicating some regular, committed time to study/review be enough? Know what you’re getting into before you commit to taking the real thing. Practice tests are available online for all of the graduate admission exams.

Take a practice GRE at ETS.org

Take a practice MCAT at  aamc.org or at Kaptest.com

Take a practice LSAT at  lsac.org or at Kaptest.com

Which Test Will I Take?

Graduate Record Examination

The GRE is the most commonly accepted among the tests, as it has the broadest application.

  • Cost: $220.
  • Scores are good for five years.
  • It is a 2-hour exam.
  • Consists of verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing sections; computer-adaptive.
  • Score range for math and verbal sections is 130-170.  Writing score range is 0-6.
  • 50th percentile score is 150; average for writing section is 3.8
  • Official scores are available online and sent to designated schools approximately 10–15 days after your test date.
  • No set dates for taking the exam—test takers schedule an appointment at the time of their choice at a local computer-based testing center.
  • Practice materials are available at http://www.ets.org/gre/general/prepare and http://www.testpreppractice.net.
  • Information for test takers with disabilities or health-related needs: http://www.ets.org/gre/disabilities
  • Students with demonstrated financial need may be eligible for a test fee reduction waiver through ETS (the test administrators). To see if you qualify, go to http://www.ets.org/gre/subject/about/fees/reduction/.
  • For more information about the GRE, see ETS.org

Register to take the GRE

In addition to the GRE, schools may also require GRE Subject Tests, which are specific to certain academic disciplines.

Medical College Admissions Test

The MCAT is required for admission to medical school.

  • Cost: $315. Scheduling within two weeks of test date will add $50, so register early!
  • Scores are good for three years.
  • The MCAT is a 7 1/2 hour exam.
  • There are four  sections: (1) Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; (2) Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (MCAT CARS); (3) Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; and (4) Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
  • Scores in each of the four areas range between 118 and 132. The four scores are added together, for a total score with a range of 472-528.
  • 50th percentile score is 500.
  • Offered 20 times a year, between January and September.
  • It takes about 30 days to get your scores.
  • The AAMC offers need-based assistance in paying MCAT test fees. Find more information and apply at: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap/
  • Free online review/preparation guides are also available through Khan Academy, a non-profit educational organization that produces micro lectures in the form of YouTube videos. These videos break the MCAT down into manageable sections for you to work through at your own pace. You must first create an account, then search under “subjects,” and then “test prep” to find the MCAT material. This is newly updated for the 2015 MCAT.
  • For more information about the MCAT, see aamc.org

View schedule and register to take the MCAT

Law School Admission Test

The LSAT is required by law schools for admission to juris doctor (J.D.) programs.

  • Cost: $190.
  • Scores are good for five years.
  • It is a 4 to 5-hour exam.
  • Beginning in July 2019, the LSAT will be offered in digital format. Test-takers will be provided with a tablet at the test site, on which they will take the exam. The test measures reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logical reasoning. The writing section is separate and is now mandatory. Find more detailed information here.
  • Score range is 120-180. The writing section, while a required part of the exam, is unscored.
  • 50th percentile score is 150.
  • It is offered four times per year, in February, June, October and December.
  • Sample questions and free practice materials are available from LSAC ( the official site for law school applications) at http://www.lsac.org/jd/lsat/prep/preparing-for-the-lsat. Additional materials are available at http://www.testpreppractice.net/LSAT/Free-Online-LSAT-Practice-Tests.aspx
  • For more information about the LSAT, see lsac.org

Register to take the LSAT

Graduate Management Admission Test

The GMAT is required by most business schools, although an increasing number are now accepting the GRE as well. Check with your school to confirm requirements.

  • Cost: $250
  • Scores are good for five years.
  • Computer-adaptive; measures verbal, quantitative and analytical writing skills.
  • Quantitative and verbal section scores are combined; 200-800 range.  Writing section 0-6.
  • 50th percentile score is 560;  average for writing is 4.4
  • No set dates for taking the exam—test takers schedule an appointment at the time of their choice at a local  computer-based testing center.
  • Free practice tests are available at http://www.testpreppractice.net.
  • Download free test prep materials and register to take the GMAT at http://www.mba.com/
  • Free online review/preparation guides are also available through Khan Academy, a non-profit educational organization that produces micro lectures in the form of YouTube videos. These videos break the GMAT down into manageable sections for you to work through at your own pace. You must first create an account, then search under “subjects,” and then “test prep” to find the GMAT material.

Register to take the GMAT

Additional entrance exams offered/required