Standardized Tests

Test Preparation

Although preparation begins when one enters college through course choices that provide foundational knowledge and support the development of reading, analytical, and test-taking skills, we strongly recommend that you allow sufficient time to prepare adequately for standardized tests.

Applicants are encouraged to defer taking the MCAT, DAT, OAT, PA-CAT, and PCAT until they have completed all of the recommended core science courses. Taking these examinations prior to the completion of the coursework on a “try-out” basis is strongly discouraged and rarely fulfills any useful purpose. These skills cannot be developed overnight. It is essential to carefully plan your studying for these tests by first identifying the broad areas that need to be strengthened and then organizing your time appropriately.

AAMC PREview^™ Professional Readiness Exam

A situational judgement test (SJT) that is a “standardized exam designed to help admissions officers assess your readiness to learn about issues related to professionalism in medical school.” A limited amount of allopathic medical schools currently require applicants to complete the AAMC PREview^™ Professional Readiness Exam.

About the AAMC PREview^™ Professional Readiness Exam

Computer Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics (CASPer)

A situational judgement test (SJT) that “assesses applicants for non-academic attributes or people skills.” An increasing number of health profession schools require applicants to complete the CASPer test to assist in their selection process.

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

For Dental School Applicants

Dental Admission Test (DAT) General Information:

Apply to take the DAT
Test Preparation
DAT Score Information
DAT Newsletters and Resources
DAT Test Construction and Contact Information
DAT Partial Fee Waiver Information
DAT Program Guide

Register for DENTPIN:

The DENTPIN (DENTal Personal Identifier Number) is a unique personal identifier for applicants and students involved with the U.S. dental education system and standardized testing programs.

You must register or retrieve a DENTPIN from www.ada.org and use it to proceed with your application to a dental education program or application service, your application to test, or your score report request.

It is important that individuals authorize the forwarding of the DAT results to the Preprofessional Advising Office for their inclusion in the applicant’s file.

Graduate Record Examination (GRE)

For Veterinary and Nursing School Applicants (and other graduate programs)

Nursing
Physician Assistant (some programs may require the PA-CAT)
Veterinary Medicine

Preparation for the Graduate Record Exam (GRE)

GRE Fee Reduction Program

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

For Medical, Podiatry, and Physician Assistant School Applicants

The MCAT includes four sections:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

We recommend applicants incorporate the following courses, in addition to the traditional premedical curriculum, into their curricula at some point before taking the exam:

A course in Statistics – MA 113, 115, 116, 213, 214, EC 305, NE 212, or PS 211.
An introductory course in Psychology – PS 101 for students without a strong background in Psychology or PS 261 for students with a strong background in Psychology.
An introductory course in Sociology – SO 100 or SO 215

There are several resources published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), that can help you prepare for the MCAT.

General MCAT Information from the AAMC:

Prepare for the MCAT Exam
- The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam
- MCAT Practice Test
- Official MCAT Question Packs
- Khan Academy
Register for the MCAT Exam
MCAT Test Day and Security
MCAT Scores
MCAT FAQ
The MCAT Essentials

Fee Assistance Program

It is important that individuals authorize the forwarding of the MCAT results to the Preprofessional Advising Office for their inclusion in the applicant’s file.

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)

For Optometry School Applicants

Optometry Admission Test Information:

OAT PIN
OAT Guide
Apply to Take the OAT
OAT Test Preparation
Take the OAT at Prometric
OAT Score and Audit Information
OAT Newsletters and Resources
OAT Test Security

Register for a Personal Identification Number for the OAT:

The PIN (Personal Identification Number) is a unique personal identification for examinees who wish to take or have taken the Optometry Admission Test.

You must retrieve or register for a PIN and use it to apply to test or request a score report.

Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT)

For Pharmacy School Applicants

Pharmacy College Admission Test:

About the PCAT
Register and Schedule
Test Day
Scoring and Reporting
Practice Test and Study Guide Brochure
Candidate Information Booklet
Resources
Fee Schedule

Please note: “The final Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) testing cycle will be offered during the 2023–2024 (next) admissions cycle on the following dates: July 6, 2023; October 16–27, 2023; and January 3–9, 2024. No PCAT testing dates will be offered during the 2024–2025 admissions cycle or beyond. Applicants who have previously taken or plan to take the PCAT during the 2022–2023 (current) admissions cycle will not be affected. All test-takers may continue to request Official Transcripts and Personal Score Reports through the Pearson website until February 2026. No pharmacy schools currently require the PCAT for admission. Please visit the PCAT and Other Tests page to determine whether a pharmacy school will consider the PCAT in the current admissions process.”

– AACP

Physician Assistant College Admissions Test (PA-CAT)

For Physician Assistant School Applicants

Beginning in 2020, applicants to Physician Assistant schools will be able to take an optional PA-CAT (it is estimated that about 30 PA programs will participate). Other PA programs may continue to require the GRE until the PA-CAT is fully adopted.

Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT)

Standardized Tests