Standarizedexams

Admission Tests/Application Services

Admission Test Information

Most health professions schools require submission of standardized exam scores. These standardized tests are directed at an introductory level of knowledge for science courses and comprehensive skills in reading and writing. To do well on these tests students must have analytic skills and problem solving ability. Adequate preparation for these tests is essential. A student should aim to take these tests only once. Although some professional schools will consider only the highest score or the most recent score, other schools will average all test scores. To adequately prepare for these tests, students must not only be knowledgeable about content, but must also be familiar with the test format and develop the resilience and stamina needed to concentrate for these marathon length exams. Most standardized tests have a deadline for applying that is about 6 weeks prior to the scheduled test date. Students must allow another 6 to 8 week for the test scores to be forwarded to the professional schools when determining when to take the test and apply to professional school.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The MCAT is required by allopathic, osteopathic and podiatric medical schools. Other professional schools, such as veterinary schools, may accept the MCAT in lieu of other standardized admissions tests. The written MCAT is given twice a year in April and August. [The last paper version will be administered in August 2006. The MCAT is phasing in a computerized test that will completely replace the paper test by 2007]. Applicants must register for this exam on line at the MCAT web site; no paper applications are available. The verbal reasoning, biological reasoning and physical science sections are graded out of 15 points and the writing section is graded on a letter scale from J to T.

Test Dates	Application Deadline	Fee
April 22, 2006	March 17, 2006	TBA
August 19, 2006	July 14, 2006	TBA

Dental College Admission Test (DAT)
The DAT is required for dental school admissions. This test is only administered as a computerized test. Students can register on-line for the DAT. The examination fee is $160.00. The tests are given at the Sylvan Testing Centers. There are no specific test dates, but students must pre-register for the test. The DAT should be taken during the spring of the junior year. Additional attempts may be made after a 90-day waiting period. The DAT exam has 5 sections (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, and perceptual ability) that are each scored out of 30 points.

Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
The PCAT is required by approximately half of all pharmacy schools. This test is given three times a year and is composed of 5 sections (verbal ability, biology, chemistry, quantitative ability and reading comprehension). Students should take the exam in October, if they are planning to matriculate into a pharmacy school the following fall. Registration for the PCAT is made through The Psychological Corporation.

Test Dates	Application Deadline	Fee
October 22, 2005	September 9, 2005	$125.00
January 21, 2006	December 9, 2005	$125.00

Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT)
The VCAT was required by some veterinary schools, but was discontinued in June 2003. All veterinary schools now accept the GRE in lieu of the VCAT.

Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
The GRE is required by many veterinary schools. The general portion GRE is a computer based exam that is given year-round at the Sylvan Testing Centers. Information about the GRE can be obtained at the GRE website. University of Georgia Veterinary School requires the advanced biology subject test, as well as the general GRE. The subject test is paper based and given in April, November and December. The deadlines for GRE scores for various vet schools can be found on the VMCAS website.

Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
The OAT is required for admissions by all optometry schools. The test is composed of 4 sections, which include reading comprehension, quantitative reasoning, physics and natural sciences (biology, chemistry and organic chemistry). The written OAT is given twice a year. October 2005 is the last administration for the written test. The written test will be replace by a computerized version that will be available year round. Register for the OAT on-line at Optometry Admissions Testing Program.

Test Dates	Application Deadline	Fee
October 15, 2005	September 19, 2005	$130.00

Application Services

Centralized application services are used to apply to most dental, veterinary, pharmacy, allopathic, osteopathic, and podiatric programs. Optometry schools are the only professional schools without a centralized application service. Students who apply to any of the professional programs utilizing a centralized service submit one application through the application service. The centralized service verifies the information provided on the application and submits the application to the professional schools designated by the applicant. The verification process may take up to 6 weeks and this time should be factored in when trying to meet application deadlines. Most professional schools require additional information, called a secondary or supplemental application, from the applicant once they receive the student's application from the centralized service. Students applying to professional schools that do not participate in the centralized application service must request their applications from and submit directly to the professional school. Specific information on deadlines, fees, and participating institutions can be found at the websites listed below for the various centralized application services.

American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS)
American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS)
American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS)
Associated American Dental School Application Service (AADSAS)
Pharmacy College Application Service (PharmCAS)
Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS)

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