Entrance tests

Some universities use entrance tests for their more competitive and prestigious programs, such as the MBA or medicine.

If you are considering entering one of these programs as a graduate, the more you know about the following tests and the more you practise, the better.

The GMAT

The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is a test of verbal, quantitative and analytical reasoning skills used as one selection criterion in a number of Australia's business schools. The test is usually required for entry to MBA programs, rather than other business programs.

The US-developed GMAT is now a global industry, administered in countries from Albania and Algeria to Zambia and Zimbabwe. The GMAT is computer administered and takes around four hours.

Few of the thousands who take the test each year score a perfect 800; with most Australian business schools expecting a score of between 600 and 635. A smart move would be to do a practice run and see whether you are likely to get the score required, and if not, get some coaching.

Tests can be taken year-round in Melbourne and Sydney, and just once a year in Perth. For details and bookings see the Graduate Management Admission Council website .

The GAMSAT

The Graduate Australian Medical School Admission Test (GAMSAT) is used to assess postgraduate students for graduate-entry medicine programs at a number of universities.

The GAMSAT assesses candidates not only on their level of knowledge in relevant subjects, such as science, but also on their general skills, including problem solving, communication and critical analysis.

Although the GAMSAT does evaluate scientific knowledge, the test is open to students with a first degree in a non-scientific field. However, a certain level of scientific knowledge, however attained, is usually required for a positive outcome.

The test is administered through the Australian Council for Educational Research. For more information, visit their website .

The LSAT

The Law School Admissions Test (LSAT) is used by some Australian universities to evaluate postgraduate candidates for law programs, such as the Juris Doctor (JD) and other masters programs in legal practice.

The test measures reading comprehension and verbal reasoning skills through five multiple choice sections. A writing sample is also required.

The test is administered four times a year through the US-based Law School Admissions Council. Law schools around the world use the test to assess the skills considered essential for a career in law.

For more information, visit the Law School Admission Council website .

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