Which Test Do You Need to Take?
These are the main four admission tests:
The GRE is the "general" test that is required for admission to a wide variety of graduate programs in the Humanities, Arts, Biological Sciences, Social Sciences & Behavioral Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Engineering. It includes a "general test" that measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical skills. A "subject test" that is designed to measure your knowledge of subject matter related to a specific field is required by some graduate programs in Biochemistry, Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, English Literature, Mathamatics, Physics, and Psychology. You'll need to check with the graduate programs that you are considering to see if they require the subject test.
The GMAT is a standardized test used mostly by MBA programs. There are timed sections and essay portions.
The LSAT is required by the American Bar Association for admission to any of the law schools that are members of the Law School Admission Council (LSAC). The test measures reading and verbal reasoning skills. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken nine months before law school begins. The Law School Admissions Council recommends taking the test earlier-12 to 15 months before law school begins.
The MCAT tests a wide range of skills (e.g. problem solving, critical thinking, and writing) and knowledge of science concepts and principles that are prerequisites to the study of medicine. Almost all U.S. medical schools require the MCAT for admission.
If you're considering programs in disciplines other than the ones listed above, you need to check with professional schools in that field to find out what test they require.
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