From CareersWiki

Standardised admissions tests are often an integral part of postgraduate applications. This page will give you a brief overview of each of the tests. For more information about specific programmes or other parts of the application process, please visit Postgraduate Study.

Overview

Many universities, particularly ones in the US and Canada, require standardised tests as part of their admission process. Admissions committees use these exams to predict your performance on the course. They are also an easy way to compare applicants of various backgrounds and experiences. Some of the tests are computer-based, others still use paper and pencils. All are timed and divided into various sections that measure different abilities and skill sets.

If you plan to apply for postgraduate study in the near future, it is advisable to take the test while you're still at university and in the test-taking mindset. The tests are often good for a number of years, but this varies greatly from exam to exam. Check the requirements for the test you're planning to take. In any case, plan to take the exam with plenty of time to spare before you plan to apply. Research when the test is given. Certain exams are often many times throughout the year, others only once or twice. Register well in advance, as spots are limited.

Testing can be expensive. The fee for the test itself can cost a couple of hundred dollars, though in some cases you can get a fee waiver for financial hardship. Then there's the cost of study materials, which can add up quickly, particularly if you enroll in a preparatory course. Make sure you need to take the test before you invest the time and money.

Types of Tests

Test	Full Name	Degree	Location	Description
BMAT	BioMedical Admissions Test	Medicine; Veterinary Medicine	UK	Measures analytic and problem-solving skills, scientific knowledge, and writing abilities Takes 2 hours to complete
GMAT	Graduate Management Admission Test	Business	US/Canada	Assesses verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing skills Takes 3 1/2 hours to complete
GRE	Graduate Record Examination	General Postgraduate	US/Canada	Two tests - a general test and a subject test Measures analytical writing, verbal reasoning, and quantitative reasoning Takes 3 hours to complete
LSAT	Law School Admission Test	Law	US/Canada	Measures reading comprehension, analytical reasoning, and logical reasoning Take half of a day to complete
MAT	Miller Analogies Test	General Postgraduate	US/Canada	An alternative to the GRE Measures verbal comprehension and analytical reasoning Takes 60 minutes to complete
MCAT	Medical College Admission Test	Medicine	US/Canada	Measures problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine Takes 5 1/2 hours to complete
UKCAT	United Kingdom Clinical Aptitude Test	Medicine; Dentistry	UK	Measures verbal, quantitative, and abstract reasoning, decision analysis and non-cognitive analysis Takes 2 hours to complete

Test Prep

Standardised tests can seem daunting, especially given their importance in the admissions process. Yet they're manageable if you've prepared. Take several practice tests before you take the real one. Typically, admissions committees will see all of the tests you have taken. In some cases they are individually listed, in others they are averaged. You don't want a poor test score to keep you out of the school you'd like to attend.

Before you start studying, take a practice test. This will familiarise you with the content and format. It can also help you determine where to focus your attention in your preparations. As you study, take several practice tests under timed conditions. This will guage your progress. It will also give you an understanding of how much you can accomplish within the time constraints of the exam.

There are several things you can do to study. Visit the website of the individual exam. Most of the testing companies offer free practice tests online. There is also wide variety of books, CDs, and courses you can use. The courses can be quite expensive, so take a few practice tests first to see if they will be worth the money. Many people find they can perform well just by taking practice tests or studying prep books on their own.

Here are some websites you should visit:

• Binary Solution
• Educational Testing Service
• Fulbright Commission
• Kaplan
• MBA.com
• PowerScore
• The Princeton Review

Additionally, here are the test prep books available in the Careers Centre:

• Cracking the LSAT
• GRE Premier Program 2011
• Master the GMAT 2012
• Official Guide to the GRE (Revised General Test - effective from August 2011)