Applying to an online school may seem like a daunting task, but millions of people have done it and you can too. Let’s first discuss the online degree testing requirements. You may be anxious about taking an admission test, or one of the professional school exams, but if you apply to a program with that testing requirement, there is no way of avoiding it. But take heart—just follow the instructions, and you will find that it’s easy.
Some programs at community colleges and distance and online learning programs that are specifically designed for adult learners do not require a standardized admission test as part of the application process. However, policies get a bit more stringent at the graduate level and vary widely.
Once you know which exam you must take, contact the testing service that gives the exam and request registration materials or register online. Each testing service has a Web site is given in the following descriptions.
Undergraduate Admission Tests
Bachelors degree programs that require a standardized admission test usually accept either the SAT or the ACT Assessment; some programs require specific SAT Subject Tests. Testing requirements for online schools are usually the same.
The ACT Assessment assesses high school students’ general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The multiple-choice tests cover four skill areas: English, mathematics, reading, and science. The Writing Test, which is optional, measures skill in planning and writing a short essay. Web site: www.act.org
The SAT is a measure of the critical-thinking skills needed for academic success and assesses how well you analyze and solve problems. Each section of the SAT is scored on a scale of 200 to 800. The SAT includes a Critical Reading, Math, and Writing section, with a specific number of questions related to content. In addition, there is one 25-minute section that is not scored, known as the variable or equating section. This section may be a multiple-choice Critical Reading, Math, or Writing section.
SAT Subject Tests are designed to measure knowledge and skills in particular subject areas, as well as the ability to apply that knowledge. Students take the Subject Tests to demonstrate their mastery of five general subject areas: English, History and Social Studies, Mathematics, Science, and Languages. The tests’ content evolves to reflect current trends in high school curricula, but the types of questions change little from year to year.
Graduate Admission Tests
If you apply to graduate school, you may need to take a graduate admission test, namely the GRE and/or the GRE Subject Tests. The Miller Analogies Test is sometimes required instead of the GRE. In addition, specialized exams are often required for admission to various professional programs.
The GRE (Graduate Records Examinations) measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills that have been developed over a long period of time and are not necessarily related to any field of study. Like the SAT, the GRE is designed to assess whether or not you have the aptitude for higher-level study. Even though the GRE may not have subject area relevance, it can indicate that you are capable of doing the difficult reading, synthesizing, and writing demanded of most graduate students. The test, which is given only on computer, is divided into three separately timed parts: verbal, quantitative, and analytical, and all the questions are in a multiple-choice format.
GRE Subject Tests test your content knowledge of particular subjects. The eight subject area tests are biochemistry, cell and molecular biology; biology; chemistry; computer science; literature in English; mathematics; physics; and psychology. The tests assume a level of knowledge consistent with majoring in a subject or at least having an extensive background in it.
The Miller Analogies Test (MAT) is a high-level test of mental ability and critical-thinking skills. It has 120 partial analogies and is timed at 60 minutes. The questions cover a broad range of subjects, including vocabulary, literature, social studies, mathematics, and science
Professional School Exams
Professional graduate programs are likely to require the appropriate professional school exam: for business school applicants, the GMAT; for law school applicants, the LSAT; and for medical school applicants, the MCAT.
The GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) is run by the Graduate Management Admissions Council and administered by Educational Testing Service. It is designed to evaluate basic verbal, mathematical, and analytical writing skills that prospective students have gained from years of work experience and prior education.
The LSAT (Law School Admission Test) is a half-day standardized test required for admission to all ABA-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many non-ABA-approved law schools. It provides a standard measure of acquired reading and verbal reasoning skills that law schools can use as one of several factors in assessing applicants. The test is administered four times a year at hundreds of locations around the world. Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. However, taking the test earlier is often advised.
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem solving, critical-thinking, and writing skills in addition to the examinee’s knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in four areas: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Medical college admission committees consider MCAT scores as part of their admission decision process.
Tests of English Language Proficiency
Because many online students from other countries take courses in U.S. programs, providers often require applicants to take the TOEFL or the TSE (Test of Spoken English), an English language test, to determine readiness to take courses in English. Both tests are administered by ETS.
The TOEFL is given in computer-based form throughout most of the world. Like the computer-based GRE, the TOEFL does not require previous computer experience. The TOEFL has four sections: listening, reading, structure, and writing and lasts about 4 hours.
The TSE evaluates your ability to speak English. During the tests, which take about a half hour, you answer questions presented in written and recorded form. Your responses are recorded; there is no writing requirement.
Test Preparation
Preparation to take admission tests is essential, especially if you have been out of school for a while. Taking practice tests can add points to your score by refreshing both your memory and what the test-taking experience is like. From college admission to career advancement, Thomson Peterson’s offers comprehensive test preparation products and services for the SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, and TOEFL, as well as civil service and professional licensure and military entrance and advancement. To achieve your best score on admission tests, go to www.petersons.com/clep.
