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II.               Standardized Tests:  MCAT, DAT, and GRE.

      The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is required by medical schools.  The DAT (Dental Admission Test) is required by dental schools.  Either the GRE or the MCAT is required by veterinary schools.  The following is a brief description of the MCAT and DAT.

·        MCAT     The MCAT consists of four sections:  Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, and a Writing Sample. 

      The Physical Sciences section concentrates on physics and introductory chemistry.  The Biological Sciences section concentrates on biology and organic chemistry.  These two sections consist of passages and discrete questions that assess knowledge of basic concepts in biology, chemistry, and physics through their application to the solution of science problems.

      The Verbal Reasoning section consists entirely of passages that draw upon materials from the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.  It assesses comprehension, reasoning, and critical thinking based on material provided in the passages, and does not test  the applicant’s prior knowledge in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.

      The Writing Sample assesses general writing skills through the evaluation of two short essays on a given issue. 

     The Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and Verbal Reasoning sections are scored independently from 1 to 15, for a combined score of 1 to 45.  The Writing Sample is scored on a letter system and does not calculate into the final combined score. 

·        DAT     The DAT consists of six sections:  General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, Reading Comprehension, Quantitative Reasoning, and Perceptual Ability. 

The General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Biology, and Reading Comprehension sections

are similar in context to the sections described for the MCAT.  However, the science sections are not as problem-based as those described for the MCAT.

      The Quantitative Reasoning section assesses basic math, algebra, and geometry knowledge.

      The Perceptual Ability section is quite unique, assessing eye coordination and object manipulation abilities that are necessary skills for dental school.

       The DAT sections are scored independently and as a combined score based on a percentile.

      It is strongly recommended that you take the MCAT in August before your Junior year or in April of your Junior Year.  The DAT is only offered on computer and it is strongly recommended that you take the DAT the summer before your Junior year or during your Junior year.  Waiting to take the MCAT or DAT until the summer before your Senior year may delay the application process and significantly affect your successful admission.  For more information and study material, please consult the web sites given and the pre-health advising program. 

It is strongly recommended that you study for the MCAT.  To best prepare for the MCAT, begin studying early and consistently.  Also, take practice tests regularly to become familiar with the format and the timing of the test.  Contact the pre-health advising program for information on study material.