Northwest Christian University
Undergraduate  
Adult Degree  
Graduate  

Admissions Process

Admissions Tests

  • Schedule to take the exam one year prior to your hoped start date.
  • Study: Help is available at the library, book stores, and even prep courses.
  • Schools will set a recommended score needed for admission. Allow yourself enough time to re-take the exam if necessary.

GRE (Graduate School Examination)

1. Verbal Section

  • Tests your ability to recognize relationships between words and concepts.
  • Tests your ability to analyze sentences.
  • Tests your ability to analyze and evaluate written material.
  • 30 Questions/four types: Analogy questions, antonym questions, reading comprehension, and sentence completion.

2. Quantitative Section

  • Tests knowledge of arithmetic and high school algebra
  • Tests knowledge of geometry, data analysis
  • No trigonometry or calculus

3. Qualitative Section

  • Tests your ability to reason analytically and logically.

Only given in the computer format - must answer every question. No going back to look over your answers.

MAT (Miller Analogies Test)

  • 50 minutes to solve 100 problems
  • Accepted by more than 2300 graduate school programs
  • Tests your mental abilities
  • Subjects may include: literature, fine arts, mathematics, natural science, social science.

GMAT (for programs in business and management)

1. Verbal Section - understand and evaluate standard English

2. Quantitative Section - basic math skills and concepts

3. Analytical writing - critical thinking and written communication

LSAT (for Law School)

Only given a couple times each year. Includes five 35-minute sections, all multiple choice in addition to a 30-minute writing component.

  1. Reading comprehension
  2. Analytical reasoning
  3. Two logical reasoning sections
  4. Section to test new items (not scored)
  5. Writing sample - send to each school (not scored)

MCAT (for medical professions)

Only given twice each year, the MCAT  is used by schools to "weed out" applicants. Includes an achievment test and aptitude test, testing knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics. Tests ability to think critically, solve scientific problems, and write. Includes three multiple choice sections scored on a scale of 1-to-15.

  1. Verbal reasoning
  2. Physical sciences
  3. Biological sciences
  4. Two writing samples are score from J (low) to T (high)

Letters of Recommendation

1. Find faculty who are credible, fond of your work, and who write well.

2. Give them plenty of time to prepare your letter (Fall of senior year is appropriate).

3. Provide them with:

  • A current resume
  • Reason why you are pursuing a graduate degree
  • Stamped envelop and letterhead
  • Name, title, school, and address of graduate school "reviewer" - who will be reading the letter and evaluating you for admission.

Essays

1. Have faculty and friends review your essay.

2. Draft and edit. Ensure that your essay is error free.

3. Graduate students need to be excellent writers - show off your skills.

4. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete the essay.

5. Tips for writing a great essay:

  • Be yourself - you are looking for a "good match" - you will not do yourself any favors by "pretending."
  • Write a strong opening - share an experience that draws you to your subject area. Be specific - examples are more interesting than general statements.
  • Tell how your story intersects with their story - Why are you a good match for the program? Use the catalog as a resource.
  • Describe your goals.

Financial Aid

1. Fill out a FAFSA and complete by March 1st for full consideration. This is the same process that you completed as an undergraduate.

2. Opportunities through the college/university may include:

  • Fellowship Scholarships: free money if you keep your grades up.
  • Assistantships: Work for the school in exchange for tuition waiver and/or stipend.
  • Teaching Assistantships: Teach introductory subject courses (usually large universities).
  • Research Assistantships: Usually grant funded, specific research project with a faculty member.
  • Administrative Assistantships: Work 10-20 hours/week as an Administrative Assistant in your department.

Some funding programs require a separate application - read carefull for procedures.