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STEP 2:  PREPARE FOR THE TEST

2.1. When to Start

a. Institutions of Higher Education - A Definition

Many advisors suggest prospective students to prepare for tests at least one to two years before you plan to start your program and continue it until you receive accept letter from the school(s) you decide to study. The U.S. academic year begins around the end of August and ends in May. Application deadlines may fall as early as the end of November at some schools. Although midyear admission (to begin classes in January or February) may also be possible, not all departments and/or all levels of study will accept it. Moreover, almost all the universities and colleges finish their financial aid decisions for a school year at the beginning of the year (i.e. from December to January). Also, it takes time to register and wait to take the tests, especially in Vietnam now

 

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2.2. What Do You Need?

For all Vietnamese students

As non-English speaking country's citizens, TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language) score is required for Vietnamese students to apply to any level of higher education in the United States. No school will accept the application form without TOEFL score report.

Many institutions require a minimum 550 score on the TOEFL for both undergraduate and graduate students to enter their academic programs. Some special majors as law, foreign relations, medical, etc. may require as high TOEFL score as 600 or even higher.

Specially for Undergraduate Students

SAT I (Scholastic Assessment Test I)  may be required from undergraduate applicants. In most cases only students who completed their final three years of secondary school in the United States are asked to take these examinations. However, it is recommended for international student to take one of them to increase the chance of being granted admission and/or financial aid.

No standard score is required; results are weighed with secondary school grades and other elements of the undergraduate application.

SAT II (Scholastic Assessment Test II - Subject Test) tests knowledge in a specific subject area. One or more may be required of some undergraduate applicants according to the specific school or major. Nevertheless, in Vietnam, the test is not yet given; thus Vietnamese students can ask U.S. schools to waive this test.

Specially for Graduate Students

GRE: Most graduate applicants in science, engineering and sometimes, economics are required to submit results on the GRE (Graduate Record Examination) general test and sometimes subject tests as well. Like SAT I for undergraduate students, GRE General Test is a requirement and enhancement to your application form, especially when you are looking for a financial aid directly from the schools. GRE Subject Test has not been given in Vietnam so don't worry about it now.

Although some graduate programs state that the minimum verbal score required is 450, for international students, TOEFL is considered to be a better measurement of you language skill and verbal score of 300-350 may be accepted. Some other programs may also have a 420 minimum required on the quantitative section but this is Vietnamese students' strong point, in fact.

GMAT. Graduate applicants in business and accountancy-related areas usually must take the Graduate
Management Admission Test. (Applicants to programs in such areas as public administration may have a choice between taking t he GMAT and the GRE.)

A minimum score of 500 is often required, with a score of at least 25 percent on the verbal portion.

TSE. The Test of Spoken English may be required for graduate students seeking teaching assistantships. Your performance on the Test of Spoken English indicates how your oral language ability might affect your ability to communicate successfully in an academic or professional environment.

Notice

While the TSE test is given at some TOEFL test location, it is NOT administered as part of the TOEFL test. It is administered separately.

MCAT. Nearly all U.S. medical schools require applicants to attempt the MCAT (The Medical College Admission Test) before applying for admission.

a. TOEFL (Test of English as a Second Language)

General Information

Up until 1998, the TOEFL was available throughout the world as a paper-based test. Starting in July 1998, however, ETS introduced the computer-based TOEFL in the US, Canada, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and selected Asian countries. More countries will be phased in over a three-year period. Once the computer-based test is introduced in a country, the paper-based test will no longer be available.

The Computer-Based vs. Paper-Based TOEFL Test

Some parts of the TOEFL will be a linear computerized test, which is scored the same way as a paper test. Other parts of the TOEFL will be a computer-adaptive test (CAT). A computer-adaptive test or CAT is-as the title says-adaptive. That means that each time you answer a question, the computer adjusts to your responses when determining which question to present next. For example, the first question will be of moderate difficulty. If you answer it correctly, the next question will be more difficult. If you answer it incorrectly, the next question will be easier. The computer will continue presenting questions based on your responses, with the goal of determining your ability level.

Test Date and Registration Information

In Vietnam, each year US Committee for Scientific Cooperation with Vietnam holds free paper-based TOEFL test twice a year (in July and December) by  in Hanoi, HCM City and Hue. To know about the time schedule and register for the test, contact this address:

Ms. Hanh
International Relations Department (Vu Hop Tac Quoc Te)
Ministry of Education and Training
Dai Co Viet Street, Hanoi
Tel.: + 84 4 8

IIE Vietnam on the other hand holds (both paper-based and computer-based) International TOEFL test 12 times a year and Institutional TOEFL test with time arranged. However, IIE Vietnam is only the representative of the ETS in giving test, but not registering. You have to send your application form to this address:

Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6155
Princeton, NJ 08541
Tel.: + 1 609 771 7100
Fax: + 1 609 771 7500
E-mail: [email protected]

Test schedule and test center information is available in TOEFL bulletin. You can download it on-line, request on-line or contact to obtain it from IIE Vietnam.

Notice

The on-line downloaded bulletin does NOT contain the scannable form needed to register for the test. You will need a print copy of the Bulletin to apply.

TEST DATES IN 1999 - 2000

1999

       • February 27*
       • March 19
       • April 17
       • May 15*
       • June 11
       • July 9
       • August 7*
       • September 10
       • October 23*
       • November 20
       • December 17*

2000

       • January 15
       • February 26*
       • March 17
       • April 15
       • May 13*
       • June 9

* The Test of Written English (TWE) will be given with TOEFL on these dates.

Test Format
 

The Paper-Based TOEFL

Computer-Based TOEFL format

 Section 1:
Listening Comprehension
30 minutes `
  Part A: Dialogs - 30 items
  Part B: Extended Conversations 
          (2 conversations) - 7-8 items
  Part C: Mini-Talks (3 talks) - 12-13 items

Section 2:
Structure and Written Expression
25 minutes

  Structure
          (Sentence Completion) - 15 items
  Written Expression
          (Error Identification) - 25 items

Section 3:
Reading Comprehension
55 minutes
5-6 Passages - 50 items 

Section 1:
Listening Comprehension
CAT - 40-60 minutes (not including time
spent listening)

  Part A: Short Conversations - 11-17 items
  Part B: Longer Conversations and Talks 
         (4-6 conversations/talks) - 3-6 items per
         conversation/talk

Section 2:
Structure (Sentence Completion/Error
Recognition)
CAT - 15-20 minutes 20-25 items

Section 3:
Reading Comprehension (Linear)
70-90 minutes - 44-60 items

Prepare for the Test

To prepare for the test, you have to improve your English knowledge as well as your testing skill. Since there's no fast improvement in the test score, you should prepare for it very soon. The first thing we suggest you to do is to get a book or a sample test to take. From your result and the requirement from your target schools figure out your plan to study for the test.

Books

There are a lot of TOEFL preparation books available in Vietnam. Here are some useful ones:

  • Cliff's TOEFL: This is a very good review material rather than a test preparing book. The best part in the book is grammar and structure review.
  • Barron's How to Prepare for the TOEFL Test: There are two volumes. The first book is a simple book, mostly for intermediate level. The other is organized as a set of frequent problems followed by a set of minitests helping to build skills in the test.
  • Cambridge Preparation for the TOEFL Test: This is an advanced book with difficult tests, especially listening part. This book is really for advanced students.

Practice Questions Online

    Computer-Based TOEFL Test:

    • TOEFL Sampler (tutorials and sample questions). Order free CD-ROM online or download from ETS.
    • The Sampler contains seven tutorials similar to the ones you will view on the day of the test.
      The three Basic Computer Skills Tutorials provide animated lessons showing how to use a mouse, scroll text up and down on the screen, and use the testing tools.
      The four interactive Test Tutorials provide instructions about answering questions in each section of the test: Listening, Structure, Reading, and Writing.
      With the TOEFL Sampler, you can
      • simulate the testing environment at home or school
      • learn the basic computer skills needed to take the test
      • become familiar with the types of questions used in each section of the test
      • answer 67 practice questions - similar to those in the actual test - and review your answers
      • practice writing an essay (sample topics are included)
      • listen to English as it is spoken in North America
    • Download Writing Topics (more than 100 topics)
    • On the day of the test, each examinee will be required to go through seven tutorials. Three of them contain animated lessons showing how to use a mouse  scroll text up and down on the screen  use testing tools.

      • The other tutorials provide interactive instructions for the four sections of the test:

      • Listening
      • Structure
      • Reading
      • Writing

    Paper-Based TOEFL Test

The TOEFL test is composed entirely of multiple-choice questions with four possible answers per question. There are three sections in the test, each measuring a critical skill in the use of English.

You may wish to read How to Mark Your TOEFL Answer Sheet before you begin. Using practice answer sheets will help you become familiar with the TOEFL answer sheet formats.

    • Tips for Taking the Paper-Based TOEFL Test

      Some of the questions in the TOEFL test are harder than others, but try to answer every one. If you are not sure of the correct answer to a question, make the best guess you can and go on to the next question.

      Because your score is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, it is to your advantage to answer every question, even if you have to guess.

      When you take the test, work rapidly but carefully. Do not spend too much time on any one question.

      You will receive credit only for answers marked in the appropriate places on the answer sheet, so be sure to complete your answer sheet properly. You may not use notepaper, or make any marks in your test book or on your answer sheet.

Links for more information

 

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b. TSE (Test of Spoken English)

General Information

The Test of Spoken English (TSE) measures the ability of nonnative speakers of English to communicate orally in English. The test is approximately 20 minutes long.

Your performance on the Test of Spoken English indicates how your oral language ability might affect your ability to communicate successfully in an academic or professional environment. U.S. institutions normally require TSE scores as a criterion to select international teaching assistants.

The test requires you to demonstrate your ability to communicate in English by responding orally on tape under timed conditions to a variety of printed and recorded information.

Notes: While the TSE test is given at some TOEFL test location, it is NOT administered as part of the TOEFL test. It is administered separately.

Test Format

On the day of the test, an interviewer on tape will ask you questions. The questions will be printed in the test book, and the time you will have to answer each one is printed in parentheses after the questions.

While most of the questions on the test may not appear to be directly related to your academic or professional field, each question is designed to tell the raters how well you communicate in English.

Test Date and Registration Information

You may register for the test date in Vietnam by obtaining and filling the application form in TSE bulletin. You may obtain the Bulletin by requesting a copy from IIE Vietnam. You can also order it online. (Your copy will be mailed from Ewing, NJ, USA. Please allow up to eight weeks for delivery to an address outside the United States.) Besides, information-only copy can be downloaded online. (It does not contain the necessary scannable form needed to register for the test.).

Tips for Taking the Test of Spoken English (TSE)  

  • Answer the questions as completely as possible in the time allowed.
  • Your score for the test will be based on your recorded speech sample, so be sure to speak loudly enough for the machine to record clearly what you say.
  • Do not stop your tape recorder at any time during the test unless you are told to do so by the test supervisor.

When the test tape begins, the interviewer will ask you some questions about yourself. These questions are to warm up and will not be scored, but it is important that you answer them. The questions are similar but not identical to questions you will find in the actual test. Here are some sample questions: 

  • What is the ID number on the cover of your test book? (10 seconds)
  • How long have you been studying English? (10 seconds)
  • Why are you taking the Test of Spoken English? (10 seconds)

Practice Questions Online

 

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c. SAT I (Reasoning Test) and SAT II (Subject Test) - Special for Undergraduate Students

General Information

The SAT I measures your verbal and math reasoning abilities. These are abilities you develop over time through the work you do in school and on your own. Your SAT I scores can help you and colleges better understand how you compare with other students preparing for college.

The SAT II, on the other hand, is a set of more than 20 different tests focusing on specific disciplines such as English, History and Social Sciences, Mathematics, Physical Sciences, and Foreign Languages. Each Subject Test lasts one hour and consists entirely of multiple-choice questions, except for the Writing Test, which has a 20-minute essay section in addition to a 40-minute multiple-choice section. Result of the SAT II test is always another requirement in undergraduate admission process, especially if you expect a financial aid.

Test Date and Registration Information

To register for the SAT I or SAT II tests, you have to complete a Registration Form. There are several ways you can do this:

  • Online registration by filling Online Registration Form and use a Credit Card (Visa, MasterCard, or American Express) for payment. Once you submit your registration online, it cannot be canceled. However, you can call to change your test date (for a fee).
  • Mail registration by filling Registration Form and returning the envelope included in the Registration Bulletin. The Registration Bulletin containing test dates, registration deadlines, fees, instructions, test center codes, and other registration-related information is available at IIE Vietnam.
  • Telephone (only if you’ve registered for an SAT Program test before) If you are currently in high school and you’ve previously registered for an SAT I or SAT II test, you can call and reregister by phone. The fee for telephone reregistration is $10 for each administration requested, plus test fees, plus a $13 Basic Registration/Reporting Fee.
  • Fax. The Fax Registration Form is included in the Registration Bulletin, International Edition. To register by fax you must use a Visa, MasterCard, or an American Express credit card to pay fees. Instructions on how to complete the form are included in the Registration Bulletin and on the back of the form. 

In Vietnam IIE Vietnam holds SAT I test based on the following schedule. However, the test date may be changed due to Regional Testing Center's schedule. Keep in touch with IIE to have exact test date.

1999 SAT Program Test Dates

(Source: CollegeBoard)

Saturday Administrations
National Test Dates Test Registration Deadlines
U.S. Regular U.S. Late International Early International Regular
May 1, 1999 SAT I and
SAT II		 Mar. 26, 1999 Apr. 7, 1999 Mar. 3, 1999 Mar. 26, 1999
June 5, 1999 SAT I and
SAT II		 Apr. 29, 1999 May 14, 1999 Apr. 7, 1999 Apr. 29, 1999

Notes:  

  • For students testing outside the U.S., P.R, and U.S. territories: online registration, fax registration, and reregistration by telephone must be received by the international deadline dates listed above.
  • Mailed registration materials must be postmarked by the U.S. deadlines. Mailed registration materials must be received by the international deadlines.
  • Sunday administrations follow each Saturday test date except in October when the Sunday date is October 18.

Also, view 1999-2000 SAT Program Test Dates (Preliminary) at CollegeBoard.

The SAT I Test Format

The SAT I test comprises of 2 parts: Verbal and Mathematics part.

Verbal Question Types

Three types of verbal questions are used on the SAT I:

  • Analogy questions (19 questions) measure your:

      • - knowledge of the meanings of words
      - ability to see a relationship in a pair of words
      - ability to recognize a similar or parallel relationship

  • Sentence completion questions (19 questions) measure your:

      • - knowledge of the meanings of words
      - ability to understand how the different parts of a sentence logically fit together

  • Critical reading questions measure your:

      • - ability to read and think carefully about a single reading passage or a pair of
      - related passages

Mathematics Question Types

Three types of math questions are used on the SAT I:

  • Five-choice multiple-choice (35 questions)
  • Four-choice quantitative comparison (15 questions that emphasize the concepts of equalities, inequalities, and estimation)
  • Student-produced response (10 questions that have no answer choices provided)

The SAT I test format can also be found in Kaplan's guide topics, Focus: SAT Verbal and Focus: SAT Math.

SAT I Scoring is carefully discussed in Kaplan's Guide to SAT I Scoring and ETS' Understanding SAT I Score.

The SAT II Test Format

Following are links to ETS' descriptions the SAT II subjects. For each Subject Test listed below, you’ll find purpose, anticipated skills, format, scores reported, recommended, and preparation.

English

History

Mathematics Subject Tests

Science

Languages Tests, Reading Only

Languages Tests with Listening, including the English Language Proficiency Test


To understand SAT II score, refer to SAT II Scoring article in Kaplan's Guide to SAT II Scoring or ETS' Understanding SAT II Score.

Prepare for the Test

Books

    Until now, SAT books is are not commercially available to test takers in Vietnam. However, those of you in Hanoi can borrow books from IIE Vietnam (books can not be brought out of the center).

On-line material


Strategies and Tips
 

d. GRE

General Information

The GRE General Test is primarily a multiple-choice test that most graduate schools use for admission into their graduate programs. The GRE General Test, which measures verbal, quantitative, and analytical reasoning skills, and the GRE Subject Tests, which measure achievement in 14 different fields of study. In additional to being available in the standard format of a "pencil and paper" test, the Graduate Record Examination is also available in a computerized version, known as the Computer - Adaptive Test (CAT). The last paper-based test will be offered on 4/10/99.

The Computer-Based GRE Test

A computer-adaptive test is - as the title says - adaptive. That means that each time you answer a question, the computer adjusts to your responses when determining which question to present next. For example, the first question will be of moderate difficulty. If you answer it correctly, the next question will be more difficult. If you answer it incorrectly, the next question will be easier. The computer will continue presenting questions based on your responses, with the goal of determining your ability level.

It is very important to understand that questions at the beginning of a section affect your score more than those at the end. That's because the early questions are used to determine your general ability level. Once the computer determines your general ability level, it presents questions to identify your specific ability level. As you progress farther into a section, it will be difficult to raise your score very much, even if you answer most items correctly. That's because the later questions affect your score less, as they are used to pinpoint your exact score once the computer has identified your general ability level. Therefore, take as much time as you can afford to answer the early questions correctly. Your score on each section is based on the number of questions you answer correctly, as well as the difficulty level of those questions.

You need only minimal computer skills to take the computer-based GRE. You will have plenty of time at the test center to work through a tutorial that allows you to practice such activities as answering questions, using the mouse, using the word processor (which you will need for your essay responses), and accessing the help function.

The Computer-Based GRE Test is offered by appointment, many times each month at hundreds of locations worldwide. Appointments are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Register early to maximize your chances of scheduling your preferred test date and time.

Test Date and Registration Information

In Vietnam IIE Vietnam holds (both paper-based and computer-based) GRE test 12 times a year and Institutional TOEFL test with time arranged. However, like TOEFL, IIE Vietnam is only the representative of the ETS in giving the GRE test, but not registering. You have to send your application form to this address:

Graduate Record Examinations
Educational Testing Service
P.O. Box 6000
Princeton, NJ 08541-6000

Test schedule and test center information is available in GRE bulletin. You can download it on-line, request on-line or contact to obtain it from IIE Vietnam.

Notice: The on-line downloaded bulletin does NOT contain the scannable form needed to register for the test. You will need a print copy of the Bulletin to apply.

In the following is the test dates in 1998 - 1999. However, the test date may be changed due to Regional Testing Center's schedule. Keep in touch with IIE to have exact test date.
 

Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
(General Test)

Paper-Based Testing
(General & Subject Tests)

The General Test is given year round on the following schedule:

March-August: First 2 weeks of the month.

September: First 3 weeks of the month.

October-January: All month.

February-June: First 3 weeks of each month.

 

 November 7, 1998 * - General Test and Subject Tests.

December 12, 1998 - Subject Tests only

April 10, 1999 - General Test and Subject Tests (Last paper-based administration of the General Test)

* Subject Tests in Economics, Geology, History, Music, and Sociology will not be offered on the November test date.

The General GRE Test Format

Since students have wide-ranging backgrounds, interests, and skills, the verbal sections of the General Test use questions from diverse areas of experience. The areas tested range from the activities of daily life to broad categories of academic interest such as the sciences, social studies, and the humanities. The content areas included in the quantitative sections of the test are arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. These are content areas usually studied in high school. Questions in the analytical sections measure reasoning skills developed in virtually all fields of study. No formal training in logic or methods of analysis is needed to do well in these sections.

The General Test is only one of several means of evaluating likely success in graduate school. The test makes it possible to compare students with different backgrounds. A GRE score of 500, for example, has the same meaning whether earned by a student at a small, private liberal arts college or by a student at a large public university.

Verbal Ability

There are four major sections in the Verbal Ability section: Analogies, Antonyms, Sentence Completions, and Reading Comprehension.

The level of difficulty ranges from easy to difficult within each section. In other words, as you go along, the questions become more challenging and complex. The Reading Comprehension section usually consists of two passages, a long one and a short one. The short passage, however, is often the more difficult of the two.

This portion of the GRE is essentially a test of vocabulary. The stronger your vocabulary, the easier it will be to answer the questions in the Antonyms, Sentence Completions, and the Analogies sections. After all, although each type of question is different, it is basically a test of vocabulary. The Reading Comprehension test is exactly what it says: Reading Comprehension.

Quantitative Ability (Mathematics)

This section of the GRE is also referred to as the mathematical skills section, which requires a basic understanding of fundamental mathematical concepts and abilities. You are asked to solve problems and to utilize mathematical reasoning. Fortunately, most of the mathematics on this test is high-school-level mathematics, and should not be that difficult.

The Quantitative Comparisons questions require you to be able to reason quickly and accurately about two quantities provided. Thus, not only does this section require you to have mathematical ability, but it also requires a sense of logic and reasoning.

The Data Analysis section is a test of interpretation of charts, graphics, and tables. Much of the information is fairly clear, but many of the questions require you to analyze the material, select the data required, and then perform a variety of calculations.

Problem Solving involves traditional computational skills, and includes arithmetic, algebra, and geometry.

Analytical Ability

There are two basic types of questions in this section, but they both require strong reasoning skills. Many of these questions involve diagramming or making tables and charts. Once you've learned the basic skills for answering these types of questions, they will not seem as intimidating as they might if you just encountered them "cold" on a test.

In addition to including these two types of questions, for the last few years the ETS has been presenting another type of question as "experimental" questions, and there's no indication that they will be included on future tests. These are the Analysis of Explanations type of questions.

Essentially, you are presented with a "situation" and then the "result" of that situation. Following are two sets of questions. The first asks if the statements that follow, if true, would be relevant to the result that was given. Your choices are only "yes" or "no." The second set presents several statements, and you are to determine that if these statements are true, could they explain the result that was given? Again, your choices are only "yes" or "no." This is very important to remember, since you must be careful not to mark anything in the answer choices for (C), (D), or (E).
 

GRE CAT Format

Section

Number of Questions

Time (minutes)

Verbal

30

30

Quantitative

28

45

Analytical

35

60

GRE Paper-Based Format

Section

Number of Questions

Time (minutes)

Verbal 1

38

38

Verbal 2

38

38

Quantitative 1

30

30

Quantitative 2

30

30

Analytical 1

25

30

Analytical 1

25

30

The Subject GRE Test Format

GRE Subject Tests provide a common measure for comparing the qualifications of students from a variety of colleges and universities with different standards. Subject Tests are given in 14 subject areas. The Subject Tests measure achievement in a particular subject area, and assume an undergraduate major or extensive background in that discipline. Each Subject Test yields a total score and some yield subscores that indicate areas of strengths and weakness for placement purposes. Each test incorporates subject matter emphasized in many undergraduate programs as preparation for graduate study in the field. The Subject Tests available are:
 

The GRE Subject Tests are available only as paper-based tests.

When you register for a specific Subject Test, you will be sent a Subject Test Descriptive Booklet that contains a description of test content, sample test questions, and test-taking strategies. The booklet also includes information to help you understand the scores you earn. These booklets may be downloaded from the web and are also available free of charge by writing to the GRE Program.

Prepare for the Test

Except for Quantitative (Math) part and some of the basic Subject tests, the GRE Test requires a lot of time to prepare, especially Verbal part. Moreover, since this is a very new test, materials as well as courses are not available within Vietnam. Thus, take your time to study for it!

Books

    Until now, GRE preparation book shortage is really a problem for test takers in Vietnam. Although there are a lot of GRE books, they normally belong to some individuals. However, those of you in Hanoi can borrow books from IIE Vietnam (books can not be brought out of the center).

On-line materials
 

e. GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test)

General Information

The GMAT is designed to help graduate business schools assess the qualifications of those who seek admission to study for an MBA or into another advanced business/management program. Your scores are one predictor of your academic performance in the first year of graduate management school - many other factors are considered in the admission process

Test Date and Registration Information

To register for the test, contact IIE Vietnam to obtain the GMAT Information Bulletin. Although you can download the Bulletin online, you need a formal Bulletin to register.

To register by mail, complete the International Test Scheduling Form, found in the GMAT Information Bulletin, and mail with your check or money order, payable to ETS-GMAT, in the envelope provided in the bulletin. Mail to the Regional Registration Center (RRC) at the address:

Institute of International Education/Sylvan Prometric
G.P.O. Box 2050
Bangkok 10501
Thailand
Tel.:    + 66 2 639 2703
Fax:    + 66 2 639 2706

Your information must be received at least three weeks prior to your first choice test date. If you do not receive a confirmation, call the RRC two business days prior to your first choice test date.

Notes: The International Test Scheduling Form is not downloadable.

To phone in your registration, have your credit card ready and call Regional Registration Center.

To register by fax, complete the International Test Scheduling Form, found in the GMAT Information Bulletin, and include you credit card number. Send your fax to the appropriate RRC. Your confirmation number will be faxed to you. If you don't receive a confirmation, call the appropriate RRC two business days before your first choice test date

The GMAT Test Format

The GMAT includes verbal, quantitative, and analytical writing questions that you will answer on computer. You will have 75 minutes for 37 quantitative questions, 75 minutes for 41 verbal questions, and 30 minutes for each of the two analytical writing topics. Data sufficiency and problem solving questions are mingled within the quantitative section; sentence correction, reading comprehension and critical reasoning are included in the verbal section. Sample Questions

Verbal

Sentence Correction
Reading Comprehension
Critical Reasoning

Quantitative

Problem Solving
Data Sufficiency

Analytical Writing

Analysis of an Issue
Analysis of an Argument

Prepare for the Test

On-line materials

 

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f. MCAT (Medical College Admission Test)

General Information

Although this test has not been given on Vietnam, we include it here for reference purpose.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assist admission committees in predicting which of their applicants will perform adequately in the medical school curriculum. The test assesses 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. The MCAT is scored in each of the following areas: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences.

Registration materials for the April 17, 1999 and August 21, 1999 MCAT administrations may be obtained by contacting:

MCAT Program Office
P.O. Box 4056
Iowa City, IA 52243
Tel.:    +1 319 337 1357

The MCAT Student Manual provides specific information on the format and scoring of the test as well as sample questions and a practice examination. The packet contains complete instructions for taking the test as well as answer keys. Practice Test II and III, released operational test forms, are also available. These packets include a scoring key, a table for converting raw scores to scaled scores for each test, and a set of additional practice items. All examinees are strongly urged to refer to the MCAT Student Manual and the Practice tests to ensure that they are adequately prepared for the examination.

  Test Date

The MCAT will be given on Saturday, April 17 and Saturday, August 21, 1999.
The regular registration deadline for the April 17 MCAT is March 12, 1999.
The regular registration deadline for the August 21 MCAT is July 16, 1999.

For more information on the MCAT Test, refer to Association of American Medical Colleges' MCAT Student and Applicant Information Page

 

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©1999 The US Study Group.
Updated on 11 April, 99
by TC4Babo.