Most graduate departments require scores on at least one academic
admissions test, either a general aptitude test such as the Graduate
Record Examination (GRE) General Test or a demonstration of
proficiency in your field (GRE Subject Test), or sometimes both. The
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is required almost without
exception for applicants to business schools. The Miller Analogy
Tests (MAT) may also be required in fields like education and
psychology. These tests are in addition to an English language
proficiency examination. They are sometimes referred to as
standardized tests because all applicants are required to take the
same tests (including U.S. applicants), allowing admissions officers
to compare candidates by test score. See a listing of general
academic tests that may be required for admission. Professional
schools such as schools of law, medicine, dentistry, and veterinary
medicine have special examinations; see "Specialized Professional
Study," for further information.
Usually, the faculty of each department within a university
determines the requirements for various admissions tests, as well as
the weight given to the results. Consequently, there is no general
rule to follow with respect to test requirements.
To find out if you need to take one or more of these tests, consult
university catalogs and Web sites or look in university reference
books that are available at U.S. educational information and
advising centers. The reference books may also give the test score
ranges of successful applicants to the various programs. There are no
passing or failing scores on these examinations, but your score will
have an effect on the overall competitiveness of your application.
Admissions tests are multiple-choice tests that require a high
degree of English proficiency. Some also require mathematical skills
or in-depth knowledge of content related to the field of study. It
is important to note, however, that test scores are only one of the
factors used in evaluating an international student's application.
Admissions officers are aware that you may be taking the
examinations in a language other than your native tongue, and they
will take this into account.
In most parts of the world today, the GRE and GMAT are
computer-adaptive tests. As with the TOEFL, this means that not all
students will answer exactly the same questions on the test.
Depending on how the student performs on each question, the computer
will determine whether the student should be asked a harder or an
easier question next. Test takers can view scores instantly when
they finish the exam (with the exception of essay questions), and
score reports are forwarded to university recipients within two to
three weeks after the student has completed the test. In general,
only very basic keyboard skills are required; however, tests
including essay components require stronger typing skills. On the
actual test day, time is allowed at the beginning for a brief
tutorial on how to use a computer mouse in answering the questions.
You should plan to take the appropriate examinations one year prior
to when you hope to start your graduate program. Contact your
nearest information or advising center for registration and test
preparation materials, and to obtain information about these
examinations. Also visit the Educational Testing Service website at
https://www.ets.org or contact the testing organization directly for
further information. Remember that at busy times of the year you may
not be able to take the test immediately; therefore, register well
in advance. In particular, since the GRE subject tests are offered
only two or three times each year, you must register to take the
tests up to eight weeks in advance. Test scores can take several
weeks to be mailed out, and it is essential that they reach
universities before the application deadline date. |
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