Candidates are tested on their ability to analyze and interpret written texts and quantitative data, use mathematical skills to solve problems, and write coherent, well- argued essays.
As with the GMAT, you receive a score rather than a ‘pass’ or ‘fail’. Both the GMAT and GRE can be re-taken up to five times in a 12-month period – but all scores from the past five years are included on the scorecard sent out to schools.
The cost for the GRE varies depending on where you take it, currently US$160 in the US, US$205 in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan and Korea, and US$190 in all other locations.
LSAT: Law School Admissions
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is used in graduate law degree admissions in the US, Canada and a number of other countries.
The test can be taken at locations worldwide in June, October, December or February, and costs around $US160.
While there are five 35-minute sections to the LSAT, only four sections are scored; the other is used to try out new test questions.
Three types of multiple-choice questions are used: Reading Comprehension, Analytical Reasoning and Logical Reasoning.
As well as the GRE General Test, there are also eight GRE Subject Tests, available in physics, psychology, mathematics, literature in English, chemistry, computer science, biology and biochemistry, cell and molecular biology.
These are required by some admissions departments, and can also be submitted voluntarily to support your application – this can be a good way to emphasize your knowledge and skill level in a particular subject.
These test key skills required for a law degree, including ability to understand and interpret lengthy and complex texts, to reason deductively and reach logical conclusions, and to critically evaluate statements.
All questions are equally rated, resulting in a final score of between 120 and 180. You also receive a percentile rank, showing the percentage of candidates you outperformed.
English Language tests: IELTS and TOEFL
If you’re applying to a graduate course taught in English, you may also be required to take a test of English language proficiency.
The two main English language exams accepted or required by universities are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Both can be taken at locations worldwide, with costs varying. For example, the TOEFL currently costs US$175 in Jakarta, Indonesia, and US$240 in Madrid, Spain.
Both include four sections: Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. Candidates must answer questions about recorded speech and written texts, and demonstrate proficiency in writing and speaking in English.
For the IELTS, you receive a score out of nine for each section – zero indicates a non-English speaker, and nine an expert user of the language. This is then averaged to give an overall score out of nine.
The TOEFL scores each section out of 30, adding up to an overall score out of 120. Individual institutions will decide how highly they require applicants to score.
So, now you’ve got an idea of what horrors (or challenges) lie behind the abbreviations, you can decide on which standard admissions tests you need to take, book a place at your nearest test centre, and start preparing – good luck!
Find more great advice at:
www.topuniversities.com/ postgraduate-studies
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