Standardized testing is a necessary part of admission to all types of pre-health programs. Each pre-health specialty has its own required examination.
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee's problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Medical colleges consider MCAT scores as part of their admission process. Almost all U.S. medical schools require applicants to submit MCAT scores. Many schools do not accept MCAT scores that are more than three years old.
Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
The Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) direct the Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) for applicants seeking admission to schools and colleges of optometry. The testing program is designed to measure general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information.
Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is a specialized test administered by the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). The test helps identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges by measuring general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for the commencement of pharmaceutical education.
Dental Admission Test (DAT)
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is conducted by the American Dental Association and has been in operation on a national basis since 1950. The DAT is administered on computer on almost any day of the year. The testing program is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information and perceptual ability.
The GRE is the standardized exam required by most US veterinary schools and all masters in public health programs, physical therapy programs and occupational therapy programs. Most of these educational programs require only the general test, which is tailored to your performance level and provides precise information about your abilities using fewer test questions than traditional paper-based tests. The test measures verbal, quantitative and analytical reasoning skills that have been developed over a long period of time and are not necessarily related to any particular field. A few require the Writing assessment, which measures your proficiency in critical reasoning and writing. Additionally, a few veterinary schools require a subject test, which measures your achievement in specific subject areas and assume undergraduates have extensive background in those disciplines. Check the requirements for the schools to which you wish to apply.
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