Graduate Admissions Tests
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.
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 http://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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