Most graduate/professional schools require an entrance exam. Listed below, by field, are some of the exams.
Most graduate programs require General Graduate Record Exam scores. The General GRE (4-hour test) measures skills that have been acquired over a long period of time and that are not related to any specific field of study. Verbal, Quantitative, and Analytical Writing sections comprise the test.
The computer version of the General GRE is the sole means to take the General GRE in the United States.
Appointments are scheduled on a first come, first-served basis. Register early to get your preferred test date, and to receive your test preparation material in time to prepare for the test.
The General GRE can be scheduled at testing centers across the country, including several in the Columbus, OH area. Advantages of the computer test are that you can schedule it at your convenience, you will know your scores immediately, and score reports are sent to schools within a two-week time frame (versus 4-6 weeks for the old paper version). Go to www.gre.org for more information on registering for this test.
Many graduate school programs also require Subject Graduate Record Exam scores. Subject tests are measures of achievement in particular fields of study. Subject tests are offered in the following fields: Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology; Biology; Chemistry; Computer Science; Literature in English; Mathematics; Physics; and Psychology. Each subject tests assumes either an undergraduate major or intensive background in the specific field. Check with the programs to which you are applying to see if a Subject Test is required. Subject tests are only offered in Paper/Pencil form. Go to www.gre.org for more information on the Subject Test.
Preparation for the GRE is an individual matter. Preparation materials will be sent to you when you register for the exam. Additionally, most bookstores, including Kenyon's, sell preparation material. Preparation courses are offered by a wide variety of commercial test prep companies as well.
A liberal arts degree provides an excellent background for a Masters in Business Administration (MBA), a Masters in Management (MM), or a similar professional degree. The purpose of an MBA education is to provide training in the theory and practice of business management. Professional management programs are based on the premise that people can learn to manage all types of business situations more effectively. Most professional business schools will provide the training necessary for a career in accounting, finance, human resource management, management consulting, information systems, manufacturing, marketing, operations management, entrepreneurial ventures, small business, and even careers outside business: government, education, health care, arts management, and not-for-profit agencies
While no particular undergraduate major is specified for business school admissions, an ability to deal effectively with mathematics is essential in most MBA programs. Many of the quantitative courses will require a background in calculus.
Most business schools strongly encourage graduating seniors to enter the work force for 2-5 years to gain experience before going to business school. Many businesses will provide tuition remission (80 - 100%) if you are willing to work while attending business school part time.
The GMAT is administered only as a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT) in North America. The paper test is only administered in select countries where completion of the CAT network is incomplete. For those wishing to take the GMAT while at Kenyon, there is a test center in Columbus.
Self-study guides published by the Graduate Management Admission Council include free GMAT prep software with two complete computerized tests available. Preparation materials by commercial groups are available for purchase in the bookstore. Commercial test preparation companies such as KAPLAN and The Princeton Review offer prep courses.
For help preparing for medical, dental, or veterinary school, meet with Maureen Tobin. She can advise you regarding the requirements and timelines of these programs. Additionally, she coordinates the Health Professions Advising Committee which writes your committee letter of recommendation. More information can be found on the Premed web site.
Most health-related schools across the country don't require a specific major; however, there is for each profession a core of courses which serve as prerequisites. The following information applies most directly to medical, dental, and veterinary school admissions; minor differences apply to the other health professions.
Registration materials for all exams can be found online at the site links provided below.
The MCAT should be taken after completing all necessary prerequisites. If you plan to go to medical school immediately following graduation, you should take the MCAT in the April of your junior year. You may repeat it in August preceding your senior year.
The DAT should be taken after completing the necessary prerequisites. If you plan to go to dental school immediately after graduation, you should take the DAT in the March of your junior year or October of your senior. The DAT is administer at computer testing centers year-round.
The VCAT is required by some veterinary schools and should be taken in March of your junior year if you plan to go immediately to vet school. Some vet schools prefer the Graduate Record Exam (GRE), which should be taken in the spring of your junior year or fall of your senior year. Check the Peterson's Guides in the CDO to see what test is required by the schools to which you plan to apply.
In the CDO library, as well as in the Bookstore, you will find various printed study guides. The Columbus KAPLAN Center offers both MCAT and DAT prep courses prior to each test administration. Also, the Biology Department has sometimes offered a mock MCAT early in the second semester.
While there are differences in the application process for each of the professional schools, the various stages of the process are similar.
Most medical schools across the country participate in a standard, general application to start the process for medical schools. For non-AMCAS schools, the applicant applies directly to the school. For more information on AMCAS and AACOMAS email Maureen Tobin or at x5165.
A generic application begins the process and asks for standard information which is then sent to designated dental schools along with DAT scores. The remainder of the process is similar to medical school.
A standard application completed by the application is forwarded to designated veterinary schools along with scores from the relevant testing agency (VCAT or GRE). Because not all veterinary schools participate in the VCAS, the applicant may need to apply to some schools directly. The application process continues in stages similar to medical school process.
All health professional schools encourage, and some require, some exposure to a clinical environment. Working in a hospital, clinic, physician's/dentist's/veterinarian's office is helpful in confirming your career decision and may result in a strong letter of recommendation to be used in the application process. Note: Vet and Physical Therapy programs require clinical hours.
Research, although not required by most programs, is highly recommended. Plan to spend a summer doing research either on or off campus. Doing a senior research project is also highly recommended. Letters of evaluation from research supervisors are highly valued in the application process.
Visit the following Web Sites for information on various health professions, individual schools, required admissions tests, application services and financial aid:
Before you spend the time, energy, and money on Law School, ask yourself:
Talk to Kenyon alumni or attorneys practicing in your community. See what they do on a daily basis; find out what they find satisfying and unsatisfying.
Also plan to do an externship with an attorney. This is a great way to get a week-long, hands-on look at the field of law.
How you choose to prepare for the LSAT is up to you. You can use the Triple Prep Test Plus publication of the Law School Admissions Council, which is excellent for self-study. You can purchase these and other practice tests with your LSAT registration, or review the copy available in the CDO.
KAPLAN and the Princeton Review offer LSAT prep courses.
Subscribe to the Law School Data Assembly Service (LSDAS), a service which forwards your LSAT and your transcript analysis to the schools to which you are applying. Note: You should only subscribe to LSDAS if you are applying within 12 month of taking the LSAT.
Plan to speak with Maureen Tobin, Kenyon's Pre-Law Advisor.
The following resources may be helpful: