Testing and Admissions

Taking entrance exams

Your MCAT/DAT scores are probably the second most important criterion for evaluation by the medical and dental school admission committees. You may repeat them if you are dissatisfied with your scores.

Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination given nationwide at several scheduled times per year. The exam is computerized and typically lasts about 5 hours. More information about the actual testing experience, including registration and exam dates, can be found at www.aamc.org.

Medical colleges consider MCAT scores as part of their admission process. Almost all U.S. medical schools require applicants to submit MCAT scores and many do not accept MCAT scores that are more than three years old.

Normally the MCAT is taken in the spring of the junior year but may be taken as late as the early fall of your senior year. If they are delayed beyond this, it will delay your application by one year. MCATs are offered only on specific dates, and the student must register no later than one month prior to the date of each test.

Dental Admission Test (DAT)

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is a standardized on-line test for entrance into dental schools, given at multiple sites nationwide. All U.S. dental schools require students to take the DAT, but other admission requirements vary from school to school. The testing program is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability.

The American Dental Education Association (ADEA) is an excellent resource for information related to registration, topics covered, etc. Once the applicant has registered, the DATs may be scheduled at the local Prometric office or at another available site.

Normally DATs are taken in the spring of the junior year. They may be taken as late as the early fall of your senior year, but if they are delayed beyond this, it will delay your application by one year. You may repeat them if you are dissatisfied with your scores.

Graduate Record Examination: GRE

For information about registering for and taking the GRE go to Calvin's general GRE Test Information site.