The Princeton Review
How important are the entrance exams in the graduate school admissions process?
The importance of standardized test scores varies widely, depending on the type of graduate program you’re investigating. For example, psychology Ph.D. programs typically require very high GRE scores, while other programs view the GRE as little more than a formality. Law schools place a great deal of importance on the LSAT score (the most easily quantifiable as 50-60% of the process is usually LSAT score - varies from application to application and school to school), but still are primarily concerned with your ability to handle the rigorous workload – evidenced by your undergraduate performance. Not only do medical schools look at your MCAT score, but they also stress a student’s GPA which for both sometimes accounts for 35-40% for determination of acceptance. And although many top business schools won’t admit this, the GMAT has taken on unbelievable importance in admissions – much of which is due to internal institutional pressure to make sure their numbers are in line with other top B-schools.
Generally speaking, the more competitive schools place a greater importance on the entrance exams. Most students focus on the numbers first because it is easy…”If I don’t have the numbers then I don’t get in. If I do, then I am in.” It is not all about the numbers. The numbers alone don’t get you in - but they can keep you out of the more competitive schools. The numbers are more like a starting point – it just gets you a ticket to the show.
When should the tests be taken?
It depends on when the student plans to apply to graduate school, but a good rule of thumb is to finish before working seriously on applications. Schools do not have a formula saying how many students they admit during the first round of admissions, the second round of admissions, etc., but apply early because schools don’t know until midway through the admissions process what the quality of the people applying will be. Your chances are better the earlier you apply. The GRE, GMAT and MCAT are all on computers and are offered many times throughout the year. The LSAT is only offered four times per year.
How many times can students retake the tests, and is there a downside to retaking them?
Students can take these exams multiple times - but, why would you want to? Ideally, students should take these exams once. But, in reality, most students will want to take these exams more frequently in order to improve their score. However, it is extremely important to find out how the school views multiple scores. Every time a student takes the exam, each score shows up on his or her testing record. So, schools see every score. Sometimes schools will average the scores and sometimes take the highest score. Students really don't want to have a lot of test scores on their record especially if the student's scores don't change. Nearly 50% of all MCAT testers take the exam a second time and most of the time it was because they did not prepare properly the first time.
How can students evaluate their test scores and see how they measure up in comparison to other test-takers?
There are averages posted for the exams. Students should also research on the internet the average scores of other students accepted to the schools they want to attend. It’s a great benchmark, since the only reason to take entrance exams is to get into the grad school of your choice.
How important is it to prepare for these tests?
It depends on the type of school to which the student applies, what their current score is, as well as their other factors (recommendations, extracurriculars, experience, etc.). Students should certainly do some level of preparation (when you know your starting score, it is easier to determine the method of prep) -- by taking a free practice test, buying (and reading!) a preparation book, or by taking a preparation program (private tutoring, small group tutoring, courses, or online programs).