With a few exceptions, graduate programs will require applicants
to take the Graduate Records Exam, referred to as the GRE. Students seeking
admission to professional schools such as law, medicine, or business will be
required to take the LSAT, MCAT or GMAT, respectively. Visit the websites of
the programs to which you seek admission to determine if any standardized tests
are required.
GRE General Test Visit www.gre.org to learn
about test format, registration, and preparation. This website is user-friendly
and a must view for anyone taking the GRE. After downloading the free PowerPrep
software available at the site you can take full-length practice exams that
are EXACTLY like the actual test and get your score immediately. Other test
prep companies and booklets advertise that they have practice exams; however,
the only true test (the others can closely approximate it) is at the GRE websiteand its free! The catch: you need a PC to download
it. The PowerPrep software is also automatically mailed to all GRE registrants,
and is available on the PCs located in the Office of Undergraduate Research
and Graduate Opportunity (URGO) as well.
GRE Subject Test
In addition to the General GRE, some graduate
programs require applicants to take a GRE Subject Test. Subject tests are administered
(but not always required) in the following areas: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular
Biology, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Literature in English, Mathematics,
Physics, and Psychology. Unlike the Computer Adaptive General Test, Subject
Tests are pencil and paper tests only and are offered three times per year:
in November, December and April. Visit www.gre.org for test dates and details.
Test registrants receive a free sample test by mail or can access one via the
website.
GRE Scores
Nearly all graduate programs require official GRE
scores, sent directly from the testing company. When you sit for the exam,
you can list up to four schools/programs you want your scores sent to at no
additional cost. It costs $15.00 per additional school beyond four, or for
any not listed at exam time. If you are thinking of applying to a school, list
them at the time of the test. The scores will be there, then, in the event
that you do decide to apply. Some students choose not to list any schools in
case scores are poor. But keep in mind that any school you apply to will eventually
get the scores, as all GRE exams taken within the past five years are included
on the score report. It might make sense not to list a school where GREs are
only preferred until you know that your scores are worth sending.
It takes about ten business days to receive GRE scores following the General
Test; four to six weeks following a Subject Test. Additional score reports
take approximately five days.
Note: The actual essays you write during the exam are sent electronically
to the graduate program. Schools are able to download your essays and add them
to your application file.
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2008. Augsburg College. All rights reserved.
