Testing Frequently Asked Questions

Click on the question below to find out the answers!

  1. Where can I take the GRE and GMAT on campus?
  2. What testing publications are available in the Career Services Office?
  3. How can I best prepare for a test like the GRE, GMAT or LSAT?
  4. What is computer-based testing like?
  5. How do I know if I have to take the GRE subject test?
  6. Where can I register for the MAT (Miller-Analogy Test)?

Answers

  1. The Graduate School and Continuing Education Office offers computer based testing right here on campus. The new ETS computer lab is located on the ground floor of the library. Students interested in taking the GRE or GMAT can call the testing site at (508) 531-1780 to schedule an appointment at your convenience. The exams are offered on the computer by appointment.
  2. The following is a list of graduate and professional testing registration bulletins that are available in the Career Services Office. Stop by to pick up a copy. Bulletins can not be mailed out. The Career Services Office is located on the ground floor of the Rondileau Campus Center, Room 8.
Abbr.

Test Name

 Abbr.

Test Name
GRE Graduate Record Exam MCAT Medical College Admissions Test
GMAT Graduate Management Admissions Test PCAT Pharmacy College Admissions Test
LSAT Law School Admissions Test TOEFL Test of English as a Foreign Language
  1. There are several ways to prepare for a graduate/professional school exam. The method you choose will depend upon the amount of time, energy and money you are willing to commit to the process.

    At one end you can simply purchase a study guide or software offered through a local bookstore or software vendor.  Study guides can be purchase for under $25.00 and software is often available for under $100.00. These independent methods are relatively inexpensive.  Since some of the testing providers like ETS produce their own study guides and software, it is recommended that you look into these. Preparing for the exams will require some discipline to make sure you devote sufficient time to the process within your daily schedule.

    On the other end of preparation, there are courses that are offered to help test takers prepare for the exams. There are two basic types. Commercial companies like Princeton Review and Stanley Kaplan offer the first. These companies have been around for a while and offer prep courses throughout the area. They often claim to guarantee higher scores. Remember that these are commercial profit making businesses. This doesn't mean that they are not reputable, it simply means that they are in the business of getting as many students enrolled in their courses. The cost can range upward of $1000. Some students have found these courses helpful and effective.

    Adult Education Programs, Community Colleges and other educational institutions also offer preparatory courses. These non-commercial courses are generally less expensive and may range in price from $300-$700. Be sure to ask what type of prep course is being offered.

    Students who need a more regimented program often opt for courses over study guides or software. Since the courses are at a set time they can provide the needed structure that some individuals may be looking for. Whatever you decide make sure to ask about the training of the instructor.
  1. Computer based testing, sometime referred to as CBT, is now the preferred way of taking the GRE. You may have heard of the paper and pencil version of the GRE. Currently the paper and pencil version is only available for the subject test. Most students are now taking the General Test and/or the Writing Assessment of the GRE on the computer.

    Some of the advantages of CBT are year round testing, fewer test questions, questions tailored to your ability level and immediate viewing of your scores. To assist test takers, the CBT offers a helpful tutorial before you actually begin taking the test to help you become more familiar with the computer and computer-based testing. In addition, you will receive your official scores by mail within two weeks. Currently BSU has an ETS computer testing site here on campus. Please call 508-531-1780 to schedule an appointment.
  1. Subject tests for the GRE are given in the following areas:

    (Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology), Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Economics, Engineering, Geology, History, Literature in English, Mathematics, Music, Physics, Psychology and Sociology.

    Each college and university varies in their testing requirements. If you want to know whether the colleges or universities you are considering requires a Subject test you can research this through the Peterson Graduate School Guides available in the Career Services library. You can also research this by going to the College Search page of this web site.
  1. Some colleges and universities may require the Miller Analogy Test instead of the GRE or they may give you the option of taking one or the other. Check to see what tests are required by thoroughly researching the graduate school programs. The Miller Analogy test is offered on campus through the BSU Graduate and Continuing Education Office. Please call the testing center at 508-531-1780 to schedule an appointment.

Last Modified: October 15, 2010