If you're considering attending college or enrolling in a specific college program, chances are you're simultaneously preparing for a pre-entrance college exam. Scores on pre-entrance exams are considered part of the application process to most colleges and universities in the United States. Read on for several examples of pre-entrance exams for college.
College Pre-Entrance Exams
Several types of college pre-entrance exams are used to measure your knowledge in academic areas like mathematics, writing and science. Some college programs have their own pre-entrance exam requirements. Examples of both basic and program-specific pre-entrance college exams are presented in the following list:
- ACT
- SAT Reasoning Test
- Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Test of Essential Academic Skills (TEAS)
- Law School Admission Test (LSAT)
- Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
- Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
<h3 id="section---ImportantFactsAboutCollegePrograms"> Important Facts About College Programs</h3><p></p><table border="1"><tr><td> Degree Levels </td><td> Associate's, bachelor's, master's and doctorate degrees available</td></tr>
<tr><td> Perquisites </td><td> Varies, depending upon desired program of enrollment; associate's and bachelor's degree programs typically require a high school diploma, or equivalent</td></tr>
<tr><td> Concentrations </td><td> Accounting, English, history, international business, sociology, psychology, business administration, health administration, nursing, graphic design and media arts</td></tr>
<tr><td> Possible Careers </td><td> Engineer, budget analyst, cost estimator, teacher, database administrator, software developer, actuary, editor, translator</td></tr>
</table><h3 id="section---ACT">ACT</h3><p>The ACT, originally known as American College Testing, is a pre-entrance college exam used to assess your academic skills and ability to handle college-level courses. The four sections of the ACT test are reading, mathematics, English and science. The test may also include a writing section.
</p><h3 id="section---SATReasoningTest">SAT Reasoning Test</h3><p>Previously known as the Scholastic Aptitude Test or Scholastic Assessment Test, the SAT Reasoning Test consists of four sections: mathematics, writing and language, reading, and an essay. Like the ACT, the SAT Reasoning Test measures skills to determine how well a student is prepared for college work.
</p><h3 id="section---GRE">GRE</h3><p>The GRE is taken by individuals seeking entrance to graduate school, and a general test and subject-specific tests are available. The general test focuses on the verbal and quantitative reasoning skills and analytical writing skills needed for any graduate program. Subject-specific GRE exams are given in seven subjects, including biology, English literature and mathematics. The general test is available in computer-based and paper formats, but the subject tests are only available on paper.
</p><h3 id="section---TEAS">TEAS</h3><p>The TEAS exam is primarily a pre-entrance college exam for those entering nursing programs. The exam tests skills in mathematics, reading, science and English to assess preparation for success in a college nursing program. This 4-part test is provided at a testing facility.
</p><h3 id="section---LSAT">LSAT</h3><p>Given by the Law School Admission Council, the LSAT is a required pre-entrance exam for those applying to law schools. This multiple-choice test is administered four times per year. The test measures reading comprehension and logical and analytical reasoning.
</p><h3 id="section---MCAT">MCAT</h3><p>Medical schools use the MCAT pre-entrance college exam as part of their admissions process. Given by the Association of American Medical Colleges, this standardized test measures skills in critical thinking, writing, verbal reasoning and science.
</p><h3 id="section---GMAT">GMAT</h3><p>The GMAT, sponsored by the Graduate Management Admission Council, is frequently taken by students pursuing admission to a graduate program in business. The test includes four sections, including analytical writing, reasoning, quantitative knowledge and problem solving skills.</p>
