Learn About Your Test

From About.com

Whether you you plan to take your test in the next few months or years from now, the first step of preparation is to gather some basic information. The following resources will help you determine what test topics you already know and what you need to learn, set a score goal, estimate how much time and effort you will need to expend, and decide on a test date.

1. The PSAT and SAT
2. The ACT
3. The AP and SAT Subject Tests
4. The GRE and GRE Subject Tests

5. The LSAT
6. The GMAT
7. The MCAT

The PSAT and SAT

The PSAT and SAT, both taken in high school, are not subject-based tests. They evaluate general academic skills that you have developed over the course of your education, specifically reading, math, and writing skills. Though the PSAT and SAT have different test dates and slightly different formats, you can prepare for them in exactly the same way: increase your vocabulary, solve math problems, and take practice tests.

• Profile of the PSAT: Format and Topics
• Profile of the SAT: Format and Topics
• SAT Test Dates
• SAT Scores
• Re-Taking the SAT

The ACT

The ACT is a test for college admissions that is quite different from the SAT. It will test your knowledge of the material covered in high school math, English, reading, and science classes. So should you take it instead of the SAT, or avoid it, or take both? The articles below will help you make that decision.

• ACT Format and Topics
• ACT Test Dates
• ACT Scores
• Re-Taking

The AP and SAT Subject Tests

Standardized tests in specific subject areas are often required or recommended for college applications. The information below will help you decide which tests to take, so you can plan ahead to sign up for the courses that will prepare you for them.

• SAT Subject Tests: Why and How to Take Them
• SAT Subject Tests: Descriptions of Each Test

The GRE and GRE Subject Tests

The GRE is the basic test required for admission to graduate school, which tests general abilities in reading, math, and writing. Graduate schools often also require applicants to take GRE Subject Tests, which evaluate students' knowledge of a subject closely related to their intended field of study.

• Profile of the GRE: Format and Topics
• GRE Scores
• GRE Subject Tests: Dates and Policies
• GRE Subject Tests: Descriptions of Each Test

The LSAT

Law School does not require any particular prerequisite knowledge, so accordingly the LSAT is not a test of specific subjects but rather a test of how well you think and reason. But that doesn't mean you have no way to prepare. Familiarize yourself with the LSAT's style of asking questions and speed up your response time by taking plenty of practice tests.

• LSAT Profile: Format, Sections, and How to Prepare
• LSAT Test Dates
• When to Take the LSAT
• LSAT Scores

The GMAT

The GMAT tests general academic skills rather than specific subject areas, and it may be unlike any test you've ever taken. Learn about the question format to avoid being surprised on test day.

• Basic GMAT Info: Format, Sections, and How to Prepare
• GMAT Scores

The MCAT

It's difficult to decide when to take the MCAT because it requires so much study and practice, and most students only take it once. You have to consider when you can fit MCAT study in between other obligations, such as college courses and work, to be fully prepared in time for a test date that is early enough to get your scores out to medical schools. I've tried to break these issues down to help you decide how much time you'll need to prepare and when you should take the MCAT.

• MCAT Profile: Format, Topics, and How to Prepare
• MCAT Test Dates
• When to Take the MCAT
• MCAT Scores