Graduate school entrance exams: Your complete test prep guide

Key takeaways

• Different graduate programs require different entrance exams, though many schools are becoming test-optional.
• The GRE is the most common graduate admissions test, while exams like the GMAT, Law School Admission Test (LSAT), Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), and Dental Admission Test (DAT) are tied to specific career paths.
• Most students spend about 2–6 months preparing for graduate entrance exams.
• Test scores are only one part of your application alongside GPA, essays, recommendations, and experience.
• Planning early can help reduce stress and give you more flexibility with applications and retakes.

If you’ve started looking into graduate school, you’ve probably realized pretty quickly that the admissions process can feel…like a lot.

One program wants you to take Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Another recommends the Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT). Some schools are test-optional. Others still rely heavily on entrance exams. Add in timelines, application deadlines, prep courses, and costs, and it’s easy to feel confused before you’ve even started studying.

If that’s where you are right now, you’re not behind—and you’re definitely not alone.

The good news is that graduate entrance exams become much more manageable once you understand:

• Which tests apply to your goals
• When to take them
• How to prepare realistically
• What role scores actually play in admissions

This guide walks through the major graduate school entrance exams, how they compare, how to build a prep plan, and how to approach the process with more confidence and less stress.

The test required for graduate school depends on the program. Many general graduate programs use the GRE, business schools may require the GMAT, law schools typically require the LSAT, and medical schools usually require the MCAT. Some graduate programs are now test-optional.

Different graduate and professional programs use different admissions tests depending on the field of study and the school’s application requirements. Always check admissions requirements directly with each program because policies can vary by school.

What are graduate school entrance exams?

Graduate school entrance exams are standardized tests colleges and universities use as part of the admissions process. These exams help schools evaluate skills like:

• Critical thinking
• Quantitative reasoning
• Reading comprehension
• Writing ability
• Subject-specific knowledge

Different graduate programs use different exams depending on the field of study. For example, law schools usually require the LSAT, medical schools rely on the MCAT, business schools may ask for the GMAT or GRE, and many master’s and doctoral programs use the GRE.

But here’s something students often don’t realize at first: entrance exams are usually just one part of your application.

Most graduate programs also evaluate:

• GPA
• Recommendation letters
• Personal statements
• Research experience
• Work history
• Leadership experience
• Interviews

That’s especially true as more schools move toward holistic admissions and test-optional policies.

According to Sallie’s "Grad School Confidence Report", only 30% of graduate students felt very prepared before starting grad school, yet nearly 9 in 10 ultimately felt good about their decision. Preparation—not perfection—often makes the biggest difference.

If you’re still deciding whether graduate school makes sense for your goals, it can also help to explore broader resources on how to decide if grad school is worth it,  how to choose a grad degree, and how to pay for grad school.

The exam you need depends mostly on the type of graduate program you’re applying to.

Some students only need one exam, while others may choose between multiple options depending on school flexibility and career goals.

Business school: GMAT vs GRE

Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs traditionally required the GMAT, but many business schools now accept either the GMAT or GRE.

The GMAT is specifically designed for business school admissions and focuses heavily on:

• Quantitative reasoning
• Data interpretation
• Analytical thinking
• Problem-solving

The GRE is broader and accepted across many graduate disciplines, which can be helpful if you’re applying to both business and non-business programs.

Generally:

• The GMAT is often preferred for highly business-focused applicants
• The GRE offers more flexibility across graduate programs

If you’re unsure which exam fits your goals best, comparing the GRE and GMAT side by side can help clarify scoring, format, and program preferences.

You may also want to explore Sallie's GMAT guide and GRE guide before deciding which test to take.

Law school: LSAT (Law School Admissions Test)

The LSAT is the primary admissions test for law school.

Unlike exams that focus heavily on math or science, the LSAT measures:

• Logical reasoning
• Analytical reasoning
• Reading comprehension
• Argument evaluation

Law schools place significant weight on reasoning and analytical thinking, so LSAT prep often focuses less on memorization and more on learning how to approach complex arguments efficiently.

Many students spend several months preparing because LSAT scores can significantly impact both admissions and scholarship opportunities.

If law school is part of your plan, it’s worth understanding how the LSAT works and how scores fit into the larger admissions process.

Med school: MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) 

The MCAT is required for most medical schools in the U.S. and Canada.

The MCAT is one of the most comprehensive graduate admissions exams because it tests:

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Psychology
• Sociology
• Critical analysis and reasoning

The exam is long, which means endurance and pacing become important parts of preparation. Most medical school applicants spend 3–6 months studying consistently before taking the MCAT.

You can learn more in Sallie’s guide to MCAT tips, study plans, and resources.

Dental school: DAT (Dental Admission Test)

Students applying to dental school typically take the DAT.

The DAT evaluates:

• Natural sciences
• Quantitative reasoning
• Reading comprehension
• Perceptual ability

Dental schools also commonly evaluate:

• Science GPA
• Shadowing experience
• Healthcare exposure
• Recommendation letters

If you’re considering dental school, researching prerequisites and admissions timelines early can help the process feel much more manageable.

General graduate programs: GRE (Graduate Record Exam)

The GRE is the most widely accepted graduate admissions exam.

It’s commonly used for:

• Engineering programs
• Education programs
• Psychology programs
• Public health degrees
• Humanities
• Social sciences

The GRE includes:

• Verbal reasoning
• Quantitative reasoning
• Analytical writing

Many programs are now test-optional, but strong GRE scores can still strengthen your application—especially if you’re applying competitively or hoping to offset weaker academic areas elsewhere in your application.

Other professional programs

Some graduate programs use additional or specialized exams.

Examples include:

• Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT)
• Veterinary school-specific requirements
• Specialized health professions exams

Requirements can vary significantly from school to school, so it’s important to verify admissions policies directly with each program.

One of the most confusing parts of graduate admissions is understanding how these exams actually differ.

Although all four exams measure academic readiness, they evaluate very different skills.

The GRE is broad and flexible, making it useful for students applying across multiple graduate disciplines. The GMAT is more business-focused and designed specifically for management and MBA admissions. The LSAT emphasizes reasoning, logic, and argument analysis, while the MCAT requires extensive science knowledge along with analytical thinking.

Which grad exam is the hardest?

The answer usually depends on your background and strengths. Someone with strong science preparation may feel more comfortable with the MCAT, while another student may find the LSAT’s reasoning-heavy format easier to navigate.

Do all graduate programs require entrance exams?

No, not all of them. Many graduate schools have moved toward test-optional or test-flexible admissions policies in recent years.

That shift reflects a growing recognition that academic potential can’t always be measured through a single standardized exam.

Instead, admissions teams may place more emphasis on:

• GPA trends
• Work experience
• Leadership
• Research
• Personal essays
• Interviews
• Recommendation letters

Still, entrance exams can matter in some situations.

Strong scores may help if:

• Your GPA is lower than average
• You’re changing careers
• You’re applying to highly competitive programs
• You want stronger scholarship opportunities
• Your program still strongly recommends testing

The most important thing is researching each school individually rather than assuming every graduate program follows the same policy.

How to prepare for graduate school entrance exams

Preparing for graduate entrance exams can feel intimidating at first, especially if it’s been a while since you’ve taken a standardized test.

But most students succeed through consistency—not perfection.

Create a study plan

One of the biggest mistakes students make is starting too late or studying without structure.

Most students spend:

• 2–3 months preparing for the GRE or GMAT
• 3–6 months preparing for the MCAT or LSAT

A realistic study plan should include:

• Weekly goals
• Practice exams
• Review sessions
• Built-in flexibility
• Rest days

Starting earlier gives you room to adjust your timeline without unnecessary pressure.

Choose prep resources that fit your learning style

There’s no single “best” prep method for everyone.

Some students prefer:

• Structured prep courses
• Tutoring
• Classroom instruction

Others do better with:

• Self-paced study books
• Practice apps
• YouTube lessons
• Study groups

The best approach is the one you’ll realistically stick with consistently.

Take practice tests regularly

Practice exams help you:

• Improve pacing
• Build stamina
• Identify weak areas
• Reduce anxiety
• Understand the testing format

Many students find that test-day nerves decrease significantly after taking multiple full-length practice exams ahead of time.

Set a realistic target score

It’s easy to get caught up chasing “perfect” scores online, but most graduate programs evaluate applications more holistically than students expect.

Instead of focusing on perfection, focus on:

• Competitive score ranges for your schools
• Steady improvement
• Balance across your overall application

Strong essays, recommendations, and experience can matter just as much as test scores in many admissions decisions.

Manage stress and avoid burnout

Test prep can become emotionally draining if you approach it like an all-or-nothing process.

Nearly half of graduate students surveyed in Sallie’s Grad School Confidence Report said they wished they had better guidance around balancing work and life responsibilities before enrolling.

That may also apply when you're prepping for exams and working on your grad school applications.

Try to:

• Schedule breaks intentionally
• Avoid comparing yourself to others
• Study consistently instead of cramming
• Build a schedule that feels sustainable

Consistency usually matters more than intensity.

When should I take graduate entrance exams?

Most students take graduate entrance exams about 6–12 months before application deadlines.

That timeline gives you flexibility if:

• You need a retake
• Your schedule changes
• Applications shift
• You apply to additional schools

A general timeline may look something like this:

12 months before applying

Research programs and identify testing requirements.

6–8 months before deadlines

Begin studying and take a diagnostic exam.

3–5 months before deadlines

Take your official exam while leaving room for a possible retake.

1–2 months before deadlines

Submit score reports and finalize applications. Starting earlier usually creates less stress later.

How much do graduate entrance exams cost?

Graduate entrance exams can become expensive quickly once you factor in registration fees, prep materials, tutoring, and retakes.

Registration costs include:

• GRE: $220
• GMAT: $275 at test center, $300 online
• LSAT: $248
• MCAT: $355

Additional exam-related expenses may include:

• Prep books
• Tutoring
• Prep courses
• Score reports
• Rescheduling fees
• Travel expenses

Some testing organizations offer fee assistance programs for eligible students, which may help reduce registration or prep costs.

Exam costs are just one piece of the larger graduate school financial picture. Having a plan to pay early can help make grad school feel much more financially manageable. Sallie’s research shows 57% of graduate students said financial planning helped them feel more in control during their program. So even small planning steps early on can make a big difference later.

Start by exploring resources like Sallie's guide on how to pay for grad school and our resource for graduate student scholarships. To start looking for grad school scholarships matching your background, field of study, or interests. explore Scholly® Scholarships. And for quick entry opportunities, apply for Sallie's $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship and Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships.

How do test scores impact my application?

Test scores matter—but they rarely determine admissions decisions by themselves.

Most graduate schools evaluate applicants holistically, which means they consider:

• Academic performance
• Recommendations
• Essays
• Work experience
• Leadership
• Interviews
• Research
• Extracurricular involvement

A strong test score can strengthen your application, but a lower score doesn’t automatically eliminate your chances.

Admissions teams are often looking for signs that you:

• Understand your goals.
• Are prepared academically.
• Can handle graduate-level work.
• Are a good fit for the program.

That’s one reason many schools continue moving toward more flexible admissions models.

Graduate entrance exam checklist

Before applying to graduate school, make sure you:

• Identify which exam your programs require.
• Research application and testing deadlines.
• Register for your exam early.
• Build a realistic study timeline.
• Take multiple practice tests.
• Leave room for retakes if needed
• Request score reports.
• Prepare recommendation letters and essays.
• Double-check school-specific requirements.

Breaking the process into smaller steps can make everything feel much more manageable.

Your next steps

Graduate entrance exams can feel like a major hurdle at first, but they’re really just one part of your larger graduate school journey.

You don’t need to have every detail figured out right now. What matters most is taking the next step thoughtfully and giving yourself enough time to prepare.

Start by:

• Identifying the programs you’re interested in
• Researching testing requirements
• Building a manageable study timeline
• Exploring scholarships and funding opportunities

Tools that help you compare graduate programs, estimate costs, and search for scholarships can make the process feel much more manageable.

And remember: preparation matters more than perfection.

Students who enter graduate school with clear goals and a financial plan tend to feel significantly more confident and satisfied with their decision. One step at a time is enough.