College Entrance Exams: Which to Take, Which to Skip

Looking through admissions requirements for the school and program you have decided on – or the ones you're still deciding on – may be overwhelming. There are a lot of details and differences to read through and compare. One of the things that you should be looking at is the entrance exam requirements. Take a close look at the tests you must take and plan accordingly.

SAT vs. ACT

You'll likely need to submit an SAT or ACT score for undergraduate admissions. Both tests are universally accepted; neither is more challenging, and admissions counselors don't have a preference.

The ACT has 40 questions based on four reading sections that will be answered in 35 minutes. The SAT has 52 questions based on five reading sections to be answered in 65 minutes. Some people may find one test more manageable, but it comes down to personal preference.

Neither the SAT nor ACT scores expire, but most colleges want scores within the last five years – or a good reason you didn't retake it. Also, the SATs underwent an overhaul in 2016, and schools may prefer a more recent score.

GRE vs. GMAT

Like the SAT vs. ACT debate, there is also a decision about graduate school admission tests. The Graduate Record Exam (GRE) is a more generic test for graduate school admissions, and business school programs typically prefer the Graduate Management Assessment Test (GMAT). 

Business schools also accept the GRE, and there are a few other differences in the tests. The GRE is slightly longer, costs slightly less, and has one less section. Scores for both tests are valid for five years.

Helpful hint: The GI Bill® Comparison Tool allows you to compare several schools simultaneously.

LSAT and MCAT

The next level of specialized graduate school entrance exams consists of the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Most people will choose one or the other, as there aren't many lawyer doctors.

Undergraduate students take the LSAT before starting their final year of studies. It has four multiple-choice sections and a writing section – this part isn't graded but submitted with your scores to the schools you apply to. Experts recommend a few months of studying at a minimum. Approximately 100,000 students take the test each year.

The longest entrance exam is the MCAT, which takes over seven hours and should be prepared for over a four to five-month period, minimum. The MCAT is taken by about 60,000 prospective doctors and has four sections, including hard sciences like chemistry and biology.

Entrance exams can be intimidating if it's been a while since you've tested. But with some preparation, they are all manageable. Talk to admissions counselors, the education center on your installation or other students about how they prepared and find the right option for you.

Ready to learn more about navigating the higher education system as a veteran? Start here.

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