Standardized Tests for Graduate and Professional School

GRE

The GRE (Graduate Record Examination) is required for admission to various master's and doctoral programs, as well as some veterinary medicine programs and certain fellowship/scholarship competitions. Most students take the general exam, which is divided into three sections to evaluate verbal skills, quantitative skills, and analytical writing aptitude. Subject tests are currently administered in eight areas and evaluate knowledge in a specific field. Not all graduate programs require subject tests.

The general exam is a computer-based, adaptive-learning test (CBT), which means that it is offered throughout the year pending seat availability. The subject test is a paper-and-pencil exam that is administered on specific dates.

Study guides and subject test date information is available at http://www.gre.org/. The CAPS library also has electronic study resources.

Scores are reported for five years, but percentile rank begins to change after three years. CBT scores are mailed ten to fifteen days after the exam. Subject test scores are mailed four to six weeks after the exam.

GMAT

The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is required for business school. The GMAT is divided into three sections to evaluate verbal, analytical, and quantitative aptitude. The exam is a computer-based test (CBT), which means that it is offered throughout the year pending seat availability.

Information about the exam and about business school is available at MBA.com. The CAPS library also has electronic study resources.

Scores are reported for five years, but your percentile rank begins to change after three years. GMAT scores are mailed ten to fifteen days after the exam.

LSAT

The LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) is required for law school. The exam assesses reading comprehension, analytical skills, logical reasoning skills, and it also includes an ungraded writing section. The LSAT is administered on paper four times each year in February, June, October, and December. It is best to take the exam before the autumn/winter of application.

For information about the LSAT, obtain a copy of the latest LSAT Registration and Information Book from the wall rack next to the advising reception desk on the second floor of Harper or online at LSAT.org.

Scores are reported for five years, but percentile rank may change after three years. Scores are available three to five weeks after the exam. Study guides are available from the LSAC and also the CAPS library. The Habeas Corpus Society occasionally sponsors practice LSAT exams for students in the College.

MCAT

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is required for medical school. The exam is divided into four parts which test knowledge of basic biological sciences, physical sciences, and verbal reasoning, and includes a section devoted to expository writing. The exam is currently administered in both paper and CBT formats and is offered twice annually, in April and August. Scores are available approximately two months after the exam. Students may obtain an MCAT Student Manual Order Form from the Association of American Medical Colleges.

The Pre-Medical Students Association sponsors a MCAT preparation class for students in the College. MCAT scores are reported for five years but validity decreases after three years. For information about other health professions exams, consult the Health Professions Handbook.

Note: Due to space limitations, it is not always possible for students to get a seat at the testing site of choice. This includes students who intend to take computer-based tests (particularly during the months of November, December and January.) To minimize problems, register well in advance of the exam date.

Test Preparation Courses

The University of Chicago does not endorse any formal test preparation program. In fact, students should not assume that a test preparation course is necessary. It is advised that students study on their own and take several practice tests to gage their performance. At that time they will have enough information to decide if a formalized course of study is worth the expense.