Admission exams are standardized tests designed to assess a candidate’s suitability for various levels of educational opportunity, from undergraduate and graduate studies to professional programs. These exams play a crucial role in the admissions process for colleges, universities, and professional schools both in the United States and internationally. Below, we delve into seven of the most commonly administered exams: ACT, SAT, GMAT, GRE, LSAT, MCAT, and TOEFL.
ACT (American College Testing)
Overview
The ACT is a standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. It is designed to measure a high school student’s readiness for college and provide colleges with one common data point that can be used to compare all applicants.
Structure
The ACT is composed of four multiple-choice tests: English, Mathematics, Reading, and Science, with an optional Writing test. The English test focuses on grammar and usage, punctuation, sentence structure, strategy, organization, and style. The Math test covers pre-algebra, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and elementary statistics. Reading tests comprehension of prose texts in the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, and literary fiction. The Science test assesses the interpretation, analysis, evaluation, reasoning, and problem-solving skills required in the natural sciences. The Writing test asks students to write an essay that evaluates and analyzes a complex issue.
Scoring
Each of the four main tests scores on a scale from 1 to 36. The composite score is the average of these four tests. The optional Writing section is scored separately on a scale of 2 to 12.
SAT (Scholastic Assessment Test)
Overview
The SAT is another critical standardized test used for college admissions in the United States. Like the ACT, it helps colleges evaluate the academic readiness of applicants.
Structure
The SAT is divided into two main sections: Evidence-Based Reading and Writing, and Math. The test also includes an optional Essay section. The Reading section includes passages from literature, historical documents, social sciences, and natural sciences. The Writing and Language test measures grammar and usage. The Math section covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, trigonometry, and data analysis.
Scoring
The overall SAT score ranges from 400 to 1600, combining the scores from the Reading/Writing section and the Math section, each of which ranges from 200 to 800. The optional Essay is scored separately.
GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)
Overview
The GMAT is a standardized test specifically designed for admission to graduate business and management programs globally, including MBA, Master of Accountancy, and Master of Finance programs.
Structure
The GMAT consists of four sections: Analytical Writing Assessment, Integrated Reasoning, Quantitative, and Verbal. The Analytical Writing Assessment involves writing an essay that measures critical thinking and communication. Integrated Reasoning assesses data analysis skills through graphics interpretation, table analysis, multi-source reasoning, and two-part analysis. The Quantitative section tests high school-level math, and the Verbal section covers reading comprehension, critical reasoning, and sentence correction.
Scoring
The GMAT score ranges from 200 to 800, with scores given in increments of 10. The score integrates performance on the Quantitative and Verbal sections. The Integrated Reasoning and Analytical Writing sections are scored separately.
GRE (Graduate Record Examinations)
Overview
The GRE is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States and Canada. It is used for admissions to master’s and doctoral degree programs across various disciplines.
Structure
The GRE consists of three parts: Analytical Writing, Verbal Reasoning, and Quantitative Reasoning. The Analytical Writing section tests abilities to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively. The Verbal Reasoning section assesses reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. The Quantitative section tests high school-level math and reasoning skills.
Scoring
Scores for the Verbal and Quantitative sections range from 130 to 170, in one-point increments. The Analytical Writing section is scored from 0 to 6, in half-point increments.
LSAT (Law School Admission Test)
Overview
The LSAT is a standardized test required for admission to law schools in the United States, Canada, and a growing number of other countries.
Structure
The LSAT consists of five 35-minute sections of multiple-choice questions: one reading comprehension section, one analytical reasoning section, two logical reasoning sections, and an unscoreed experimental section, which can be any of the above. There is also a separate unscored writing sample.
Scoring
The LSAT is scored on a scale from 120 to 180. The writing sample is not scored but is sent to law schools along with the score report.
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)
Overview
The MCAT is a standardized examination required for prospective medical students in the United States and Canada. It is designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.
Structure
The MCAT includes four sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills; Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
Scoring
Each of the four sections is scored from 118 to 132, making the total score range from 472 to 528.
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Overview
The TOEFL test measures the ability of non-native English speakers to use and understand English as it is spoken, written, and heard in college and university settings.
Structure
The TOEFL test is conducted in four sections: Reading, Listening, Speaking, and Writing. Each section tests the ability to perform academic tasks in English.
Scoring
The TOEFL score ranges from 0 to 120, with each of the four sections scored from 0 to 30.
These tests collectively offer a comprehensive means of evaluating a student’s capability and readiness for academic advancement in various fields, serving as a critical component in the decision-making process for admissions committees.