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Structure of the U.S. Education System: Standardized Tests
Standardized tests are computerized tools that are used to evaluate the capabilities of students in controlled environments in terms of knowledge, aptitude and cognitive skills. These tools offer assistance to most schools in the U.S. in terms of registration, admissions and academic evaluation. Common standardized tests are divided into various categories that are described below.
English Language Proficiency Tests
The Test for English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) gauges an individual’s level of grasping and writing fluent English. All foreign students who do not have a background in English are required by institutions in the U.S. to undertake this test. The results are combined with other academic results to determine admission.
First Professional Degree of Aptitude Tests
Dental Admissions Test (DAT)
These aptitude tests are done by students who want to undertake a professional degree in dentistry. This test gauges a student’s knowledge in biology and chemistry. Moreover, it measures the student’s skills of coordination, reading and spatial perception.
Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)
This examination is given to individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree in business administration and management. The test is done to assess an individual’s skills in writing and quantitative reasoning.
Law School Administration Test (LSAT)
This examination is done by students who want to pursue a degree in law. The test is normally done four times annually in June, September, October and December. This test measures verbal and reading skills.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
This test is given to students who want to pursue a degree inn allopathic, osteopathic and podiatric medicine. The test measures the ability of students to grasp concepts in all biological sciences, reasoning and writing skills.
Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
This is test is done by students who are pursuing a degree in pharmacy. It measures the concepts in biological sciences. This test is imperative for secondary and university students who are studying in institutions that are based on learning pharmacy.
Graduate Studies Aptitude Tests
Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
This test is given to individuals who possess a bachelor’s degree. It is aimed at determining an individual’s skills in advanced research.
Miller Analogies Test (MAT)
This aptitude test has a set of analogies that are to be completed in a specific period. The test measures skills in humanity, social sciences, content skills and English fluency.