Preparing for Graduate and Professional School Exams

Spending a substantial amount of time preparing for a graduate or professional exam is crucial – we recommend approximately 20 hours per week for a minimum of 6-8 weeks (12 hours reviewing information and 8 hours taking practice exams and going over incorrect answers). Depending on your individual capabilities, studying for tests with science content may require additional months of preparation. Some people perform well on exams by studying on their own, while others do well after having taken a prep course in addition to independent study. One study option is not better than the other, but rather dependent on the needs of each test-taker. If you feel you are able to structure the materials and follow through on the necessary allotment of time, studying on your own might be an acceptable option. If you prefer to be taught by someone else and have the material structured for you (and can afford it), a prep course may be the best option.

There are several organizations that offer courses, below are a few:

Coursesaver (MCAT)
Princeton Review (GRE, MCAT & LSAT)
Kaplan (GRE, MCAT & LSAT)
Exam Crackers (MCAT & LSAT)
Test Masters (LSAT)
Power Score (LSAT)
Get Prepped (LSAT)
Blueprint (LSAT)
Manhattan (LSAT)

Click here for a list of the prep courses offered on-campus.

The Dickinson College Career Center serves as a clearinghouse of information regarding career and graduate school-related information. The linking to a website/resource should not be interpreted as an endorsement. Students and alumni should personally research resources on their own prior to entering into any contractual agreements. Accordingly, Dickinson College expressly disclaims any liability in connection with any potential or actual contractual relationship which results from registering with an organization listed on the Dickinson College Career Center web site.