Not only is summer the perfect time to catch up on all those New Girl episodes you missed during the semester, but it’s also the perfect time to get ahead of the game. With no schoolwork to complain about, summer can be the perfect time to squeeze in some uninterrupted studying, and maybe even knock the test out of the way! Prepping for graduate school entrance exams can feel like taking the SATs all over again (and for some of us, that’s an experience we don’t want to relive any time soon), but from the deadlines to dates, we’ve broken down the exams so you don’t have to. By getting organized now, you won’t have to stress about the details later. Knock ‘em dead!
With this HC guide, you can totally rock the LSAT like Elle!
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The Test: MCAT
What is this? Medical College Admission Test
Who should take it? If you’re applying to medical school
What’s the test like?
It’s a standardized, multiple-choice test assessing your problem solving, critical thinking, writing, and knowledge of science skills. Scores are reported in four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences.
How is the test scored?
The Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning and Biological Sciences sections are scored between a 1 and a 15. In total, the highest score you can get is a 3 and the highest score you can receive is a 45. The two essays are scored based upon a J-T scale by one person as well as one computer grader. For most competitive med schools, shoot for a combined MCAT score of 30 and a writing MCAT score of P or Q.
When should you take it?
Medical school admissions officers usually suggest that you take the test in the calendar year prior to the year that you plan on entering. A winter or spring test date is recommended as it will allow for the summer or fall completion (January-May) of your application.
How much studying is required?
Your study plan should begin at least three months before you take the exam. Experts recommend purchasing “The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam” ($30) which contains everything from tips to answers from “real life” tests.
Popular prep books:
Medical School Essays that Made a Difference, 3rd Edition written by Princeton Review and the MCAT Workout written by Princeton Review.
Popular courses:
MCAT Hyperlearning Course—students can boost an average 10 point score improvement.
How long are the results valid?
Many schools do not accept MCAT exam scores that are more than three years old.
How many times a year is the test offered?
28 times per year on 24 test dates Cost: $240. Luckily, there is also a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) to help with that cost, if you are eligible. Where can I register? Aamc.org
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The Test: GMAT
What is this? Graduate Management Admission Test
Who should take it? If you’re applying to business school
What’s the test like?
The GMAT measures basic verbal, quantitative, analytical writing, and integrated reasoning skills that you have developed in both school and through work. The test is computer-adaptive in which for each multiple choice section, potential questions are ranged from low to high level of difficulty.
How is the test scored?
The GMAT test is made up of several different components, but the most familiar number is the total GMAT score. Your composite score ranges from 200-800.
When should you take it?
Try to take it about a year prior to your expected entrance into business school—preferably during the summer or early fall.
How much studying is required?
Test takers should break out the books 3-6 months before the actual test date.
Popular prep books:
Cracking the GMAT, 2012 Edition written by Princeton Review and 1,037 GMAT Practice Questions, 2012 edition written by Princeton Review
Popular courses:
GMAT Online Private Tutoring, GMAT LiveOnline
How long are the results valid?
Five years
How many times a year is the test offered?
It is offered at testing centers every weekday and on some Saturdays Cost: $250 Where can I register? Mba.com or 1 800-717-GMAT
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The Test: LSAT
What is this? Law School Admission Test
Who should take it? If you’re applying to law school
What’s the test like?
This test consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple choice questions. The three question types that are asked are based upon reading comprehension, analytical reasoning and logical reasoning.
How is the test scored?
The LSAT is scored based on a scale of 120 to 180 points. The essay is not scored and no points are deducted for incorrect or blank responses. Most competitive schools average together multiple LSAT scores.
When should you take it?
Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission for the following fall. However, taking the test earlier (in June or September) is often advised.
How much studying is required?
With 1-2 months of studying typically proving to be inadequate, experts recommend cracking the books up at least three months before the exam.
Popular prep books:
Cracking the LSAT, 2012 Edition written by Princeton Review and 10 New Actual, Official LSAT Practice Tests
Popular courses:
The Kaplan LSAT Classroom prep class, LSAT Hyperlearning Course
How long are the results valid?
Five years
How many times a year is the test offered?
Four times per year Cost: $160 Where can I register? Lsac.org
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The Test: GRE
What is this? Graduate Record Examinations
Who should take it? If you’re applying to business or graduate school (like getting a Master’s in an academic subject)
What’s the test like?
The GRE is comprised of three sections: analytical writing, quantitative and verbal. Skills that are tested are your abilities such as communicating complex ideas, evaluating claims and evidence, using logical reasoning and giving supporting examples.
How is the test scored?
Scoring for the GRE is based upon performance for each individual section: Verbal score (130-170 points), Math score (130-170 points), and your Analytical Writing Assessment (0-6 points).
When should you take it?
It is recommended that you first find out the application deadlines for the graduate schools to which you are applying and then work backwards from your earliest deadline.
How much studying is required?
Because the exam is offered so frequently, test takers have more leeway in terms of study time. However, you should start prepping for the exam as soon as possible. For example, if you are schedule to take the test in December, start studying in August or September.
Popular prep books:
Cracking the GRE, 2013 Edition and 1,014 GRE Practice Questions, 3rd Edition written by Princeton Review
Popular courses:
GRE LiveOnline, Kaplan GRE Classroom Course
How long are the results valid?
Five years
How many times a year is the test offered?
It is offered most weekdays and weekends throughout the year Cost: $160 Where can I register? Gre.org [pagebreak]
Test Day Tips:
- Double-check Before you go into the exam, ask yourself questions such as: do I need a Number 2 pencil? How many forms of identification do I need? Do I need an authorization voucher? What is the score reporting policy? Are there any additional fees? You can find this information on the website where you registered for the test.
- Come prepared Don’t be the girl whose pen runs out of ink when she’s writing the essay—make sure you have back-up supplies whether it’s extra pens in your backpack or some Triple A batteries in case your graphing calculator runs out of juice. It’s also a good idea to bring water if you become thirsty while taking the test or even a snack (such as a Power Bar) to eat during the break. Because the temperature of testing rooms can sometimes make you feel as if you’re taking an exam at the North Pole, it doesn’t hurt to bring a sweatshirt, as freezing is no fun.
- Bring a watch Cell phones are almost always a no-go in testing rooms, and there’s no guarantee that you’ll be sitting near a clock. By bringing a wrist watch, you can track your time and won’t have to rush.
- Use your resources While many prep courses are available, they can also be expensive. Many prep books often have older tests that you can use and if you look in the right places, you can also find practice exams online for free. Also, check with your local library to see what test prep books they may carry. Photocopying a few old tests is going to be a lot easier on your wallet then some of the pricey courses that are offered.
- Arrive early Being an early bird will cut back on the stress of finding a parking spot, and you can breathe easy knowing that you’ve given yourself enough time. You can use the extra minutes you have to make a run to the bathroom before you start the test or to just get settled in your testing room.
- Eat breakfast Sorry, but downing a strawberry protein shake as you drive to the testing location does not count as a nutritious breakfast. Your brain needs all the energy it can get, so do yourself a favor, and take the time to eat a balanced meal that is going to sustain you throughout the morning. Trust us, Dad will love to make you those sunny-side up eggs that were your favorite as a kid.
Sources: Princetonreview.com Aamc.org Mba.com Lsac.org Gre.org