What test should I take?
The test(s) you take depend upon the type of graduate program which you select. First, identify programs and schools which interest you, then consult the catalog and/or application information to determine the test(s) which will be required. A look at the Peterson's Guide to Graduate Programs (available in paper in the Career Services Library and in Miller Library or on the web via the Career Services graduate school information page) may give you the information you need. If not, Miller Library makes graduate school catalogs available via CollegeSource Online. (For information about off-campus access, go to the Miller Library catalog page.) You might also consult program or university web pages for information. Check out the Career Services list of links to testing sites.

Should I take the GRE/ GMAT/ LSAT if I don't plan to go on to graduate or professional school immediately after graduating from Colby?
Research has shown that people tend to perform better on tests such as the general GRE and the GMAT while they are students, or soon after having been in the "student-mode." Those are tests you should consider taking this year even if you are unsure about your graduate school plans. The drawback in taking such tests now is that those scores are only available for 5 years from the date of the test -- so if you end up waiting 5+ years to apply to graduate school you may have to retake the test at that point. The GRE subject tests and the LSAT are exams for which you should invest considerable preparation time and effort. If you are not planning to apply to graduate programs which require these exams any time soon, you may want to wait until you are sufficiently motivated to give it the time and preparation you will need.

I've heard that the prep courses are a must -- do I have to take one?
Some students have found that the preparation courses are a helpful (or even necessary) part of their test-taking readiness. Most people who have taken the courses find they give them test-taking skills, study skills, and practice at taking timed tests. They will not, however, correct gaps in your education, cure writing problems, or guarantee a high score. The main drawback is that they are time-intensive and expensive. With determination and organization you can excel on graduate exams without a prep course. We do, however, recommend that you look carefully at the information included in the test bulletin and beg, borrow, or buy a test-prep book so that you can practice before the exam. You can learn more about prep courses by visiting the sites of the most prominent test prep companies: Princeton Review and Kaplan. Both companies frequently offer courses on campus but registration must be done directly with the company.

When is the optimum time to take the test I need?
The optimum test time is determined entirely by the application dates/requirements of the programs to which you intend to apply. Some general rules apply, however, to taking the LSAT or the MCAT/ VCAT. For law school applications you should take the LSAT, at the latest, in early fall in the calendar year before you attend (for Seniors applying to go immediately to law school, that means taking the LSAT by October of the senior year, or December at the absolute latest). For medical school candidates, you must take the MCAT in April or August at least a year before you hope to begin school. Taking it in April of your Junior year allows you to assess your eligibility for various schools more accurately. Seniors hoping to attend med school the year after graduating must have completed the MCAT before their senior year.

How important are my scores in getting into the graduate program of my choice?
How critical your test scores are will depend upon a variety of factors. For med school and law school applications, test scores are absolutely critical in the admission decision. Consult Cynthia Parker, the pre-med advisor, or Cate Talbot Ashton, the pre-law advisor, in Career Services for help in assessing how your scores compare to successful Colby candidates. For arts, science, humanities, business, education, and other professional school applications, your test scores will vary in importance. If you have extensive volunteer, research, or work/internship experience in your field, that can help mitigate low scores. High grades, particularly in courses related to your desired field of study, may be considered with more weight than test scores. Talking with professors in your field, or with alumni who have attended programs similar to those in which you are interested may shed light on what is most important in your particular application.

Where do I go for advice?
Pre-Med and Pre-Law students should begin by consulting with the Pre-Med and Pre-Law Advisors in Career Services. Pre-Med and Pre-Law advising is available for current students and alumni. Cynthia Parker is the Pre-Med Advisor and Cate Talbot Ashton is the Pre-Law Advisor. For other types of graduate programs, Career Services is a good place to start, especially if you need help organizing your plans or your application process. You should also consult with faculty members who have expertise in your area of interest -- even if they are not in your major/minor department. Career Services can also try to help you find alumni who have gone on to study in your field.