Many U.S. colleges require that undergraduate and graduate students submit standardized test scores as part of their application. Standardized tests provide a consistent way for a college to evaluate you and sometimes even help you choose the right courses.
Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)
Many students who are planning to attend graduate school take both the General and Subject GRE tests.
The GRE General Test measures a student's verbal, quantitative (mathematical), and analytical writing skills. It is offered throughout the year at specially equipped testing centers (some on college campuses). The test runs for approximately three hours.
GRE Subject Tests measures a student's knowledge in specific subject areas. Students usually take a Subject Test related to their undergraduate majors. Subject Tests are given three times a year: in October, November, and April. Offered on college campuses, the tests usually take 3 ½ hours to complete.
Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
The Law School Admission Test (LSAT) is required by nearly all law schools approved by the American Bar Association. The test is offered four times a year, at hundreds of locations around the world. The LSAT measures aptitude rather than knowledge and is designed to show a student's readiness for success in law school.
Get more information about the LSAT
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is primarily a multiple-choice exam that tests your knowledge of science as well as skills, such as problem-solving and critical thinking, desirable for success in the medical profession. The test is made up of four sections: verbal reasoning, physical sciences, biological sciences, and writing. You will provide essay responses to questions for the writing sample section.
The MCAT is given at various times throughout the year at hundreds of test centers around the U.S. You should expect to spend more than five hours at the testing center; short breaks throughout the session are included. Learn more about and register for the MCAT.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
If you're planning to apply to graduate programs such as a Master of Business Administration (MBA) program, you'll likely be required to take the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). The three-section test measures your skills—verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing—rather than knowledge. Actual testing takes approximately four hours; short breaks are given between sections. The test is offered at centers across the country, and each center has its schedule. Make a test appointment and prepare for the GMAT.
For information about which tests you should take, contact your program coordinator or the admissions office. Your required test depends on what type of graduate degree you're seeking. Check with the schools you plan to apply to for information about required exams.
Taking Required Tests - Federal Student Aid
CSUSB Testing Office