Preparing for Graduate School?

****If you have a documented learning disability, you can ask for accommodations for these standardized tests.  Please contact the administer of each test to explore your options or click here.

Graduate School 

If you are applying to graduate school, here’s a *suggested* timeline from the end of the junior year:

• June – Register for Graduate Record Exam (GRE) or other required graduate exam (GMAT, MCAT, LSAT)
• August – Take graduate exam. Be sure to send results to schools of interest. Begin drafting Statement of Purpose.
• October – Requests official transcripts from UGA to send to you schools of interest. Be sure to communicate to individuals writing letters of recommendation when you would like the letter due. Give them ample time and make sure to write a thank you note expressing your appreciation.
• November – If you are retaking the exam, aim to take it again middle of the fall semester.
• December – Try to have all applications completed and submitted. Verify schools have received your application. Keep track of deadlines, whether it’s a rolling application process or hard deadline.

Final Date for all UGA Graduate School applications for Domestic Students:

• For fall enrollment, July 1 is the deadline.
• Spring enrollment deadline is November 15.

International applications:

• For fall enrollment, April 15 is the deadline.
• Spring enrollment deadline is October 15.

***Please take note of individual departmental requirements as they may have earlier dates.

Facts about the GRE

• To register for the exam, create an account with ETS GRE.
  
• You can take the test most any day and anytime down at Clarke Howell on campus.
• GRE test scores are valid for 5 years.
• To prepare for the exam, it is suggested to start studying between 4-6 weeks prior to the exam.
• There is practice software available online that features 2 full-length tests.  Click here to learn more.
• Your official results should be sent to designated institutions in approximately 10-15 days after test date.
• You can retake the test once every 21 days, up to five times within a 12-month period.
• Average accepted GRE (at UGA): 156 verbal, 147 quantitative, 4.0 analytical writing
• To learn more about the GRE, click here.
• The Georgia Center offers GRE Prep Courses in-person or live-online. To learn more, visit the Center for Continuing Education.
• For advice on how to craft your graduate school statement of purpose, check out our blog.

Facts about the GMAT

• The Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT) is the preferred test for most business schools. It’s focus is more on problem solving and you analytical thought processing.
• To register for the exam, create an account with GMAC.
• You can take the exam year-round at Pearson Professional Centers (Atlanta is the closest location) or the University of North Georgia.
• Practice software is available at no cost. Click here to learn more.
• Your official results will be emailed to you 20 calendar days after testing.
• You can retake the GMAT up to 5 times in a year, however, there must be at least 16 days between each exam.
• GMAT scores range from 200 to 800 with two-thirds of scores falling between 400 and 600.
• To learn more about the exam, visit the GMAT official website.
• The Georgia Center offers GMAT Prep Courses in-person or live-online. To learn more, visit the Center for Continuing Education.

Medical School

If applying to medical school, here are a few key items you may need to know:

• Registration for MCAT closes one week before test date; however, you will receive a price discount if you register further out.
• For a complete calendar and additional registration information, please visit the Association of American Medical College website.
• Scores are generally released just over one-month after taking the exam.
• You can take the MCAT up to 3 times in a year (no more than 4 times over a two consecutive-year period).
• Application deadlines are usually between mid-October to mid-December.
• Applications must be processed through the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS).
• For more information about the application process, please visit AMCAS.
• For advice on how to formulate your medical school personal statement, check out our blog.

Law School

If applying to law school, here are a few key items may need to know:

• The LSAT is administered once or twice a month. For a complete listing of dates and for additional registration information, click here.
• Many law schools require that the LSAT be taken by December for admission the following fall. It is suggested to take the test earlier in June or September/October.
• Scores are generally released 3 – 4 weeks after taking the exam.
• You can take the LSAT no more than 3 times in a two consecutive-year period.
• To learn more about the LSAT and the application process, click here.
• The Georgia Center offers LSAT Prep Courses in-person or live-online. To learn more, visit the Center for Continuing Education.
• For advice on how to draft your law school personal statement, check out our blog.

Opportunities as a Student-Athlete

• Graduate School Assistantships are a great way to help fund your graduate education. The UGA Athletic Associations offers graduate assistantships each year. These positions are very competitive. For more information, contact Heather Jordan.
• Other universities and colleges offer their own graduate assistantships or teaching assistantships within athletics and departments. Contact the school you’re interested in attending to learn more about possible assistantships and research positions available.