Graduate and professional school entrance examinations can feel complex, especially when guidance varies on timing, preparation, and cost. To help students navigate this process, Dr. Eric Dieter, executive director of the Strive Grad Prep Academy, led a series of workshops focused on the MCAT, LSAT, and GRE exams. Co-hosted by the Sanger Learning Center with ISSS serving as a promotional partner, the sessions offered practical guidance on what these exams assess and how students can plan with confidence.
The Strive Grad Prep Academy is a University of Texas initiative that supports students preparing for graduate and professional programs through individualized advising and practical preparation. Students can access one-on-one counseling, guidance on postgraduate planning, application material review, and mock interview practice, along with structured resources and skill-building opportunities designed to strengthen their applications.
Rather than focusing solely on exam content, these workshops encouraged students to take a holistic approach, considering timelines, readiness, test-taking strategies, financial planning, and available campus resources. Below you can find takeaways from the workshops.
Understanding the Exams
Each exam serves a different purpose and evaluates distinct skill sets.
- The MCAT measures scientific reasoning, critical thinking, and problem-solving across disciplines such as biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology, as well as the analysis of reading-intensive passages.
- The LSAT focuses on logical reasoning, analytical thinking, and reading comprehension — skills essential for legal education.
- The GRE is used by a wide range of graduate programs to assess skills in verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing.
Dr. Dieter emphasized that exam selection should align with each student’s academic and professional goals.
Course Preparation and Program Expectations
Admission requirements vary across programs, making early research essential For example, the MCAT is designed for students who have completed foundational coursework in biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. Taking the exam before completing these courses may make preparation more challenging.
Programs also differ in how long scores remain valid and how multiple attempts are evaluated. Some may prioritize the highest score, while others consider overall performance trends. Understanding these differences early can help students plan more effectively.
Planning Your Timeline
There is no single timeline that fits every student. Planning depends on application goals, potential gap years, and individual readiness.
Dr. Dieter encouraged students to focus on program fit first, while also considering financial factors. He noted that delaying application solely for financial reasons may not always be necessary, as long-term career outcomes can help offset educational costs.
For example, many law schools use rolling admissions, meaning earlier applications may offer an advantage. A common approach is to complete the LSAT by summer or early fall of the application year. While retakes are allowed, preparing for a strong first attempt is recommended.
Overall, timelines are personal, and students are encouraged to make decisions based on their own goals and circumstances.
Financial Planning and Fee Assistance
The cost of standardized testing — including registration, preparation materials, and application fees — can add up. The workshops highlighted the importance of understanding fee structures, deadlines, and rescheduling policies.
Fee assistance programs are available and can significantly reduce costs. In some cases, they also provide access to official preparation materials. Students should plan ahead, as approval is typically required before registering for an exam.
Building Effective Test-Taking Strategies
Success on these exams depends on more than subject knowledge. Students must also manage time effectively and make decisions under pressure.
Developing pacing strategies, knowing when to move on from challenging questions, and approaching each section with a clear plan can improve overall performance. Strategic guessing and consistent practice are also important components of preparation.
Students were encouraged to take advantage of available resources, including UT-offered Kaplan preparation courses, workshops, and official practice materials.
Academic Support Through the Sanger Learning Center
The Sanger Learning Center offers a range of academic support services that extend beyond standardized test preparation. Sanger workshops cover topics such as responsible use of artificial intelligence, public speaking, time management, and effective study strategies.
Students can also meet with learning specialists for individualized support in areas such as organization, motivation, and exam preparation. Peer academic coaching provides additional guidance from trained student mentors who understand the academic experience at UT.
This post was contributed by Grace Liu, graduate assistant on the ISSS Intercultural Programs and Initiatives team.
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