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Examination Information

Students applying to graduate programs must submit official test scores from the last five years from the appropriate entrance examination as listed below.
 

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION

  • Drake Writing Competency Test: This examination is specific to Drake University and degree programs within the Drake University School of Education. For masters and endorsement programs (requiring more than twelve semester hours), the Drake Writing Competency Test may be taken in lieu of the Graduate Record Examination or the Miller Analogies Test. This test consists of answering an essay question related to the applicant’s field of study. The written response will be evaluated on the following criteria:
  • Analysis of complex idea(s)
  • Support and development of main points with logically sound reasons and/or well-chosen examples
  • Organization and general focus of response
  • Demonstration of appropriate use of sentence variety/structure and language usage to convey meaning clearly. 

To learn when this examination is being given and to sign up for it, please call 515-271-3726 (toll-free 1-800-443-7253, extension 3726) or email susan.harn@drake.edu.

  • GRE: The Graduate Record Examination general test may be used when applying to all master's degree programs except those requiring either or the GMAT or LSAT or the Master of Public Administration (MPA), which does not require an entrance examination. The minimum required scores for this exam are: Verbal = 400 and Quantitative = 460 OR Analytical Writing = 4.0. Locally, the computer-based GRE is administered through Prometric Testing Center, 4601 Westown Parkway Suite 119. You may contact them at 1-515-221-1514. Students and designated schools usually receive test results within ten working days. Please visit http://gre.org for additional information about the GRE.
     
  • MAT: The Miller Analogies Test may be used as a substitute for the GRE or Drake Writing Competency Test except in those cases previously listed. The minimum required scores for this exam are: 36 (exams taken before October 2004) or 389 (exams taken after October 2004). To sign up for the test through the School of Education, please contact Marcy Sparks at 1-515-271-3946 (toll-free 1-800-443-7253, extension 3946) or by email at marcy.sparks@drake.edu. For the most current information or to take a practice test visit http://www.milleranalogies.com. Students and designated schools usually receive test results within three weeks.
     
  • PRAXIS PPST I: The Pre-Professional Skills Tests in Reading, Writing and Mathematics is required for all students seeking admission to the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree program or the Master of Science in Teaching (MST) degree program. Individuals not seeking the Master of Arts in Teaching or the Master of Science in Teaching degrees are NOT required to take the PPST examination. Minimum scores required are: Reading = 171; Writing = 171; Math =169. For information about the PPST, please visit http://www.ets.org/praxis. Locally, the computer-based PPST is administered through Prometric Testing Center, 4601 Westown Parkway Suite 119. You may contact them at 1-515-221-1514. Students and designated schools usually receive test results within three weeks.

COLLEGE OF BUSINESS AND PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

  • GMAT: The Graduate Management Admission Test is required for the Master of Business Administration degree program, the Master of Accounting program and the Master of Financial Management program. It may also be used when applying to the Master of Science degree in Adult Learning and Organizational Performance. For information about the GMAT, please visit http://www.gmat.org. Locally, the computer-based GMAT is administered through Pearson Professional Center, 3737 Woodland Ave Suite 232, West Des Moines, IA 50266. You may contact them at 1-515-226-0502 or 1-800-GMATNOW. Students and designated schools usually receive test results within ten working days.
     
  • No entrance examination is required for students applying to the Master of Public Administration program.

LAW SCHOOL

  • LSAT: The Law School Admission Test is required for the Doctor of Jurisprudence degree. For more information on the LSAT, please contact the Drake Law School at 1-515-271-2824 or toll-free: 1-800-443-7253, extension 2824. You will also find information at the following website: http://www.lsat.org. 

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

  • TOEFL: The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is required of international students unless they have received a degree from an English-speaking college or university or their native language is English. For information about the TOEFL, the website is http://www.toefl.org. Locally, the computer-based TOEFL is administered through Prometric Testing Center, 4601 Westown Parkway Suite 119.  You may contact them at 1-515-224-5917. Students and designated schools usually receive test results within ten working days.

For additional information on entrance examinations, contact the Office of Graduate Admission, 1-515-271-3871, or toll-free 1-800-443-7253, extension 3871. Overseas students may contact the nearest bi-national center in their home country for testing information.