What Are the Different Types of Entrance Exams? Entrance exams are standardized or institution-specific assessments used to evaluate candidates for admission into educational programs, professional certifications, or competitive fields. They vary by level (high school, undergraduate, graduate, professional), subject focus, and format (paper-based, computer-adaptive, or performance-based). Over 3,000 unique entrance exams exist globally, but they fall into six major types based on purpose and structure. Understanding these helps students choose the right path for nursing, medicine, engineering, or other careers.
What Are the Different Types of Entrance Exams?
1. Academic Aptitude Entrance Exams
These measure general cognitive skills—reading comprehension, logical reasoning, quantitative ability, and verbal skills. Used for broad undergraduate admissions.
- Examples: SAT, ACT (U.S. college entry), CUET (India’s Common University Entrance Test).
- Format: Multiple-choice, 2–3 hours, scored 200–1600 (SAT) or 1–36 (ACT).
- Purpose: Predict college success; required by 80% of U.S. four-year colleges.
2. Subject-Specific Entrance Exams
Focus on mastery of core subjects like math, science, or English. Essential for STEM, nursing, and allied health programs.
- Top Nursing Examples:
- TEAS (ATI): Reading, Math, Science, English — required for 90% of ADN/BSN programs.
- HESI A2: Anatomy, Math, Chemistry — used by Chamberlain, Lone Star.
- Format: 150–170 questions, 3–4 hours, 58–85% passing.
- Tip: Science section weighs 30–40%; prioritize A&P and chemistry.
3. Professional Licensure & Certification Entrance Exams
Gatekeepers to licensed careers—must pass to practice. Not for admission, but post-graduation.
- Nursing: NCLEX-RN (adaptive, 75–265 Qs), NCLEX-PN.
- Medicine: USMLE Step 1/2, MCAT (pre-med entry).
- Format: Computer-adaptive (CAT), pass/fail via logits.
- Global Use: Over 1 million NCLEX takers annually.
4. Competitive Scholarship & Talent Search Exams
Identify top performers for merit aid or elite programs. Often harder than standard entry tests.
- Examples: PSAT/NMSQT (National Merit), JEE Main/Advanced (India IITs), NEET (medical).
- Scoring: Rank-based; top 1% earn full rides.
- Prep: 6–12 months with coaching (Allen, Aakash).
5. Graduate & Postgraduate Entrance Exams
For master’s, PhD, or specialized degrees (MBA, MSN, DNP).
- Examples: GRE, GMAT, LSAT (law), MAT (nursing grad).
- Nursing Focus: GRE for MSN/PhD; some accept TEAS + GPA.
- Format: Analytical writing + quant/verbal; 3–4 hours.
6. Institutional or State-Specific Entrance Exams
Custom tests by universities or boards—less standardized, more variable.
- Examples: Kaplan Nursing Entrance, PAX (NLN), or state board pre-nursing tests.
- Use Case: Community colleges, private schools avoiding TEAS/HESI costs.
- Scoring: 60–80% typical pass; often superscored.
How to Choose the Right Entrance Exam Type
- For RN/BSN: Start with TEAS or HESI A2 → leads to NCLEX.
- Timeline: Take 3–6 months before application deadlines.
- Cost: $80–$130 (TEAS/HESI), $200+ (SAT/GRE).
- Retakes: Allowed 1–3 times/year with 30–60 day waits.
Final Takeaway: Match Exam Type to Your Goal
Pick subject-specific (TEAS/HESI) for nursing, aptitude (SAT/ACT) for general undergrad, and licensure (NCLEX) to practice. Use official sites (atitesting.com, collegeboard.org) to confirm requirements. Prep with practice tests—students scoring 10% above minimum get accepted 3x faster.