General Information

You should plan on taking the MCAT/DAT/GRE only once and only after seriously preparing for the test.  Ensure you have completed all of the required pre-requisite coursework prior to taking the exam.

 TestSectionsWhen to TakeResources

Various Health Professions Programs

(check individual schools; required by some)

CASPer

Computer-based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics

90 minute, web-based, situational judgment testLate spring or summer in which you apply.takecasper.com
Medical School

MCAT

Medical College Admission Test
  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
No later than April/May in the summer in which you apply.www.aamc.org

Medical School*

(check participating schools; only a small number require it currently)

PREview (Formerly the SJT)
  • Service Orientation
  • Social Skills
  • Cultural Competence
  • Teamwork
  • Oral Communication
  • Ethical Responsibility to Self and Others
  • Reliability and Dependability
  • Resilience and Adaptability
  • Capacity for Improvement
March-Julyhttps://students-residents.aamc.org/aamc-situational-judgment-test/aamc-situational-judgment-test
Dental School

DAT

Dental Admission Test
  • Survey of Natural Sciences-Biology, General & Organic Chemistry
  • Perceptual Ability Test
  • Comprehension Test
  • Quantitative Reasoning
No later than April/May/1st week of June in the summer in which you apply.www.ada.org
Veterinary School

GRE

Graduate Record Exam

General ExamNo later than April/May/1st week of June in the summer in which you apply.www.ets.org
Pharmacy

PCAT

Pharmacy College Admission Test
  • Writing
  • Biological Processes (General Biology, Microbiology, Human Anatomy & Physiology)
  • Chemical Processes (General, Organic, & Biochemistry)
  • Critical Reading (Comprehension, Analysis, Evaluation)
  • Quantitative Reasoning (Basic Math, Algebra, Probability & Statistics, Pre-calculus, & Calculus)
No later than September the year prior to matriculation

pcatweb.info

www.pharmcas.org

Physician Assistant

GRE or MCAT

or PA-CAT (new 20201M)

 

See above based on exam

  • Anatomy & Physiology
  • General Biology including Molecular, Genetics & Microbiology
  • Biochemistry
  • General and Organic Chemistry
  • Behavioral Sciences
  • Statistics

See above based on exam

Estimated May of application year

See above for specific exam resources

https://www.pa-cat.com/

Please note this a guideline.  For many health profession pathways the exam you need to take or subtest choice on the GRE is specific to individual schools.  Be sure to check what exam(s) you might need.


Test Preparation

The HPA Office does not endorse any particular method or brand for preparation. You should assess your own study habits, self-motivation and abilities and choose accordingly. Your preparation methods for these standardized tests may be one or more of the following. Also see the information supplied by the Association of American Medical Colleges:

  • Study your textbooks and notes from the relevant courses. You may wish to use an outline such as the one printed in the MCAT Student Manual to help you structure your review and a commercial book of practice exams to familiarize yourself with the question format.
  • Purchase a set of review materials and practice examinations. Set up a schedule for weekly review and practice exams, and stick with it.
  • Enroll in a commercial coaching course. If you elect this method of preparation, be sure to attend all classes. Don't stop there. Visit the Test Center as often as possible to work on practice tests and review the correct answers. Fees for commercial courses can run >$2000.
  • Review HPA's MCAT Tips sheet
  • COVID Cancelation Guidance