Understanding Graduate School Entrance Exams

• GRE: Tests verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing. Subject Tests may apply (e.g., Mathematics).
• GMAT: For MBA/business programs, assessing analytical, quantitative, and verbal skills.
• Other: Exams like Praxis for education.

• MCAT: Tests sciences, critical analysis, and behavioral sciences.
• DAT: For dental school, covering sciences, perceptual ability, and more. For information about the Dental Admission Test (DAT), refer to UC's Pre-Professional Advising Center's Pre-Dentistry section.
• PCAT: For pharmacy, testing biology, chemistry, and quantitative skills. For information about the Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT), refer to UC's Pre-Professional Advising Center's Pre-Pharmacy section.
• OAT: For optometry, evaluating sciences and quantitative skills. For information about the Optometry Admission Test (OAT), refer to UC's Pre-Professional Advising Center's Pre-Optometry section.

LSAT: Tests logical reasoning, analytical reasoning, and reading comprehension.

• Check Programs: Verify test requirements and minimum scores on program websites.
• UC Resources:
  • Career Studio: Use Princeton Review or Peterson’s to research requirements.
    • PPAC: Offers pre-health/pre-law advising and resources like AAMC’s MSAR or LSAC.
    • UC Testing: Access Peterson’s for exam details.
  • CAPS: Manage uncertainty with free counseling (513-556-0648).

• Choose Test Date: Schedule 9–12 months before deadlines (summer/early fall of senior year). Scores are valid for 5 years.
  • GRE/GMAT: Year-round (ETS.org, MBA.com).
  • MCAT/DAT/PCAT/OAT/LSAT: Specific dates (AAMC, ADA, Pearson, ASCO, LSAC).
• Assess Baseline: Take free practice tests on official websites.
• Set Schedule: Study 2–4 months (10–15 hours/week) for GRE/GMAT; 3–6 months for MCAT/LSAT.
• Costs (2025): GRE (~$220), GMAT (~$275), MCAT (~$335), DAT (~$540), LSAT (~$243). Fee waivers available.

PPAC Tip: Pre-health/pre-law students can create tailored plans with PPAC advisors.

• UC Resources:
  • Career Studio: Big Interview for verbal/analytical practice and resume-building to highlight test prep efforts. Career Coaches in the Career Studio can speak with you about GRE/GMAT prep. Book via Handshake.
  • Learning Commons: Study skills workshops.
  • PPAC: MCAT/LSAT workshops and AAMC/LSAC resources.
• External Resources: ETS, AAMC, LSAC free tests; Kaplan, Princeton Review, Magoosh (~$200–$1,200); apps like UWorld or 7Sage.
  • CAPS: Offers group therapy workshops to help manage anxiety.

Resource Tip: Current and former UC students can access Princeton Review and Kaplan test preparation courses at reduced rates through UC Testing Services.

• Register Early: Book 2–3 months ahead.
• Prepare for Test Day: Bring ID, ensure a quiet space for at-home tests, and practice timed exams.
• Resource Tip: Reserve study space on for at-home tests (book via 25Live).

• Compare Scores: Check program averages (e.g., GRE: >160 for engineering; MCAT: >510 for medicine).
• Retake if Needed: GRE (every 21 days), MCAT (3 times/year). Focus on weak areas.
• Send Scores: Submit 3 weeks before deadlines (~$15–$45/school).

• Highlight Strengths: Emphasize high scores in essays/resumes.
• Test-Optional: Consult Career Studio/PPAC on submitting scores.
• Update Resume: Use Big Interview to refine your resume and schedule a Career Studio headshot (add link).