Academic Resource Center
Standardized Tests
Most standardized tests are administered by Educational Testing Service (www.ets.org). Even if you use a commercially published test preparation book (highly recommended!), you should go on-line for up-to-the-minute information about the test you are interested in.
Pay attention to scheduling! It’s always advisable to begin early to be sure you get into your preferred test center, that you have a “cushion” of time if you need to retake the test, and that your results are sent to the school to which you are applying in a timely manner.
It is important that you familiarize yourself with your specific test; remember that standardized tests measure acquired skills. Taking practice tests allows you to focus on areas in which your skills need building. The Academic Resource Center has many practice test books; these can also be fairly inexpensively purchased at local bookstores or on-line. There is also free help on-line:
GRE : www.gre.org / www.prometric.org
GMAT Powerprep software is available at www.mba.com
LSAT goes through the Law School Admissions Council : www.lsac.org
MAT: miller analogy
MCAT: medical college admissions
PRAXIS Tests-at-a-Glance are at www.ets.org/praxis
Free Practice Tests: http://www.testprepreview.com/gmat_practice.htm
Some tests require specific content knowledge (Praxis II, MCAT, GRE subject tests, etc.); many involve general understanding of math, English grammar, and vocabulary; all call on the student to apply effective test-taking strategies in order to be successful.
Even content specific tests (MCAT, Praxis II) share some general test-taking tips:
1) Extreme or immoderate answer choices are seldom correct (words like “totally,” “only” “all”)
2) Statements that aren’t “nice” should be eliminated. (“Patients with serious psychiatric disturbances are usually to blame for their illnesses and do not deserve treatment.” “Teachers should resort to stern discipline in order to maintain their students’ attention.”)
3) When responding to math or logic problems, you should draw pictures or use symbols to help you visualize the problem before trying to answer.
NOTE: To raise your score on all standardized test, but particularly on the GRE, building your vocabulary is essential. Learn word families and Latin & Greek roots so that you can get a general idea of what words mean. Reading & learning vocabulary in context is best, so try to make a habit of reading high-level publications. Two publications that provide advanced vocabulary in an on-line format are The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times. For content-based tests, read respected journals in your field.
