Standardized Exams

Where to Start

StandardizedTestGuide
Click here to download the Handout.

We often get asked "When should I begin studying for the exam?" The answer to this question depends on the exam. Some exams are content based and require specific coursework, while others, such as the GRE, do not have specific courses linked to it. Here are three things to consider about standardized exams:

  • If they require specific content (Bio, Chem, OChem, Physics, Biochem, etc), you should have a strong foundation in this content. That means a B or higher average in the majority of that coursework.
  • The tests are long, so it is as much about endurance as it is content mastery. You must practice sitting and reading for long periods of time.
  • Multiple choice exams are different and require different strategies. By studying test taking strategies for your test, you may improve your ability to score higher.

If your exam requires specific content, do not take the test until you have completed all of those courses.

Before you begin studying, consider taking a full diagnostic test to determine where you are starting. This may also assist in more directed studying.

Should I use a test prep company or study on my own?

This is a very personal decision. The courses can be very costly, but consider the following:

When buying a course, you

  • receive several sample tests to practice
  • learn test taking strategies
  • have an "expert" teacher to give direction and feedback regarding studying
  • are in a structured study environment

Some students are naturally good test takers and can commit the time to study alone. If that applies to you, you may not need a test prep course.

Fee Assistance

Some health professions associations offer fee assistance for applicants. This often entails applying and submitting additional documentation, but by qualifying, you could receive discounted test rates, lower application fees and even waived supplemental application fees. Take a look to see if your program offers fee assistance.

Average Test Scores

When speaking with an admissions office about test score requirements, it is best to ask, "What is your range?" rather than about the average. Averages are not minimums, and most schools seek to post higher averages. Take a look at the averages for several programs.

Types of Standardized Exams

  • MCAT
  • The MCAT is required for the following programs:
    Allopathic Medical School
    Osteopathic Medical School
    Podiatric Medical School

    The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.

    For more in depth information on takin the MCAT, take a look at the 2019 MCAT Essentials Guide.

    There are four sections:
    -  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 Skill
    Learn More

    When should you begin studying for the MCAT?
    You ARE studying for the MCAT when you are taking the following courses:
    -  Biology
    -  Chemistry
    -  Organic Chemistry
    -  Biochemistry
    -  Physics
    -  Psychology
    -  Sociology

    You can begin formal test prep when these courses are completed. If you did not master the content in these courses, you may struggle with test preparation.
    Click here for tips.
  • Is the MCAT absolutely required?
  • Almost all U.S. medical schools require you to submit MCAT exam scores. Many schools do not accept MCAT exam scores that are more than three years old.

    How often can you take the MCAT?
    -  The MCAT exam can be taking up to 3 times in a single testing year.
    -  The MCAT exam can be taken up to 4 times in a two-year period.
    -  The MCAT exam can be taken up to 7 times in a lifetime.

    If you have taken the MCAT once and did not earn a satisfactory score, please contact HPA to discuss a strategy for improvement. Do NOT take the MCAT without proper preparation.

    How long does it take to receive scores back?
    If you take the exam in April 2015 or May 2015, it will take longer than the typical 30-35 days.  This is because extra time is needed to conduct the necessary analyses to set the score scale. Examinees who test in April or May will receive their scores before AMCAS begins sending applications to medical schools for the first time in early July.
    Please note, April 2015 and May 2015 examinees will also receive preliminary percentile rank ranges approximately three weeks after your exam date. These preliminary percentile rank ranges will show you how well you performed compared to other examinees who took the exam on that day. This will help you make a decision early about whether or not to retest or where to apply.

    Can I buy a sample test?
    We encourage you to take a full practice exam before you begin studying. The MCAT is a content-based test, but moreso, it is a test of endurance. At 7.5 hours, the test will test your ability to stay focused for a long period of time. This needs to be measured as well. It is best to attempt to test for that period of time initially to learn how much practice you need simply taking the test. With the results from a practice exam, you can direct your study of content areas, begin learning test taking strategies and train your body and mind to sit for extended periods of time reading and staying focused. You can purchase a practice exam from the AAMC for $25.

    Registration Information
    For more information on taking the MCAT, click HERE
    Email: mcat@aamc.org
    Phone: 202-828-0600

    What's On The MCAT?
    Before taking the test, be sure you know the depth of content covered. Learn more here.

    How do I create a study plan?
    Visit our MCAT Prep Organizer Google Sheet to get started

    Do you need a test prep course?
    There are several free test prep companies offering courses for the MCAT. Choosing to use a test prep course is a personal decision.
    -  AAMC
    -  Khan Academy
    -  NextStep Test Prep
    -  Mcatforme.com 
    -  Chegg MCAT Test Prep
    -  Princeton Review offers all UCD students a 10% discount on courses. Code: UCDHPA
  • DAT

  • The DAT is a 4.5 hour long test with four sections:
    DATTestTiming

    The Survey of the Natural Sciences

    The content is limited to those areas covered by an entire first-year course in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. The examination is comprised of 100 items: 40 biology items, 30 general chemistry items, and 30 organic chemistry items. Since separate sub-scores will be given for each of the three science sections, you should pace yourself through each section. A periodic table will be available for this test by clicking an Exhibit button.

    The Perceptual Ability Test

    Includes various types of nonverbal visual acuity items. There are six sections in the Perceptual Ability Test. One section covers two-dimensional perception, while the other sections cover three-dimensional perception. It is important that you read and understand the instructions at the beginning of each section. You must pace yourself so that you complete all six sections of the Perceptual Ability Test within the given time frame. You are not permitted to use measuring devices (i.e., pencils, fingers, erasable note board) while taking the Perceptual Ability Test.

    The Reading Comprehension Test

    Consists of three reading passages, each with 16 to 17 items. The reading passages are scientific in nature and may reflect topics covered in dental school. Applicants are encouraged to read each passage before attempting to answer the corresponding questions. The Reading Comprehension Test is presented in a split-screen format with the items presented on the upper half of the screen, and the reading passage presented in a scrollable format on the lower half of the screen.

    The Quantitative Reasoning Test

    Measures your ability to reason with numbers, to manipulate numerical relationships, and deal intelligently with quantitative materials. For the DAT Practice Test, a calculator will not be present. However, a basic calculator will be available as a pop-up image on the screen for the Quantitative Reasoning Test section in the real DAT.

    Here is a demo of the DAT and the how the functions will appear.

    You must wait 90 days between each testing attempt, and after three attempts, you must apply for permission to retest.

    The DAT cost $415, which includes the release of the score report to the schools you select on your initial application. Sending a report to additional schools later will cost $34 per school. Scores are released 3-4 weeks after the test date.

  • GRE
  • Some of the health professions that require the GRE include:
    -  Physician Assistant
    -  Nursing (Entry-Level MSN)
    -  Physical Therapy
    -  Genetic Counseling
    -  Occupational Therapy

    The GRE has three sections:
    Verbal Reasoning — Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained from it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
    Quantitative Reasoning — Measures problem-solving ability, focusing on basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry and data analysis.
    Analytical Writing — Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.
    The GRE cost $205, which includes score reports to four graduate programs. Additional reports cost $27 each. 

    There are free test prep companies offering courses for the GRE.
    -  Several free prep resources can be found on the ETS website.
  • PCAT
  • The PCAT (Pharmacy College Admission Test) is no longer offered or utilized in the admissions process to pharmacy school. 
  • OAT

  • All optometry schools require applicants take the OAT.

    The OAT is comprised of four sections:
    -Survey of the Natural Sciences - 90 Minutes
    The content is limited to those areas covered by an entire first-year course in biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry. The examination is comprised of 100 items: 40 biology items, 30 general chemistry items, and 30 organic chemistry items. Since separate sub-scores will be given for each of the three science sections, you should pace yourself through each section. A periodic table will be available for this test by clicking an Exhibit button.

    -Reading Comprehension - 60 Minutes
    The Reading Comprehension Test contains three reading passages on various scientific topics. Prior understanding of the science topics is not a prerequisite to answering the test items. The reading passages require the ability to read, comprehend, and thoroughly analyze basic scientific information.

    -Physics - 50 Minutes
    Units and vectors, linear kinematics, statics, dynamics, rotational motion, energy and momentum, simple harmonic motion, waves, fluid statics, thermal energy and thermodynamics, electrostatics, D.C. circuits, and optics.

    -Quantitative Reasoning - 45 Minutes
    Mathematical Problems: algebra (equations and expressions, inequalities, exponential notation, absolute value, ratios and proportions, and graphical analysis); Data Analysis, Interpretation, and Sufficiency; Quantitative Comparison; and Probability and Statistics
    Applied Mathematics (Word) Problems
    Note that a basic four-function calculator is available on the screen during the whole section.

    With optional tutorial (15 minutes), break (30 minutes), and optional post test survey (15 minutes), total time 290 minutes.

    Scoring
    The OAT yields a raw score, which is the sum of the applicant's correct answers. The raw score is scaled from a range of 200 to 400 on increments of 10.

    The OAT costs $465. Go here for fee waiver information.

    To retest, you have to wait 90 days after your first attempt to retake it and only one retest is allowed once per 12-month period.

    Check out the 2019 OAT Candidate Guide for more information.

    Most test prep materials for the DAT can be used to help study for the OAT, excluding the DAT's Perceptual Ability Test Section.