Test Prep
Applying to Professional healthcare programs can seem intimidating, many programs often require extensive entrance exams, below are resources, courses, and other preparation tools that can help you prepare.
MCAT
The MCAT is required for medical school admission. If you are pursuing an MD or DO program you will be preparing for this exam.
- Highlights of the MCAT
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Four sections:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Sciences
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- 90-95 minutes allotted for each section for a total of 7.5 hours of testing time
- Registration opens Mid-October
- Specific Test dates and locations
- Fee Assistance and accommodations available
- AAMC - The Association of American Medical Colleges
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The AAMC is one of the best resources for preparing for the MCAT. The facilitators of the MCAT the AAMC offers up to date test preparation at varying price points
- Content Outline
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Download parts or the entire content guide for the MCAT in a convenient PDF. This resource will also provide video tutorials and sample questions for each section of the test.
- Study Plan
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Download the AAMC’s free guide on how to create a study plan for the MCAT here. MCAT courses can be very expensive, and a well-developed study plan can prepare you just as well.
- The MCAT Official Prep Hub
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Create a free AAMC Account here to gain access to a variety of free and low cost study tools. The Hub will also give you access to interactive tools to discover: what is on the MCAT, sample question flashcards, Khan Academy videos, and subject specific content.
- MCAT Fee Assistance
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The MCAT registration fee is $320, and with the addition of preparation costs it can easily grow. In addition to offering a discounted registration fee for those that qualify, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program offers discounted study materials and discounted rates on the AMCAS application.
MCAT Preparation Courses*
- MCAT Test Prep at UTC
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The Center for Professional Education at UTC hosts a semester long MCAT preparation course taught by a certified Kaplan Instructor. The cost of the course is $ 2,199 and financial aid is available. Preparation materials and access to additional resources are included in the cost of the course. The course is a spring only course that is not eligible for UTC or college credit, nor can it contribute towards the completion of a degree. An open house discussing the course in depth is offered in the fall term.
- Princeton Review MCAT Preparation Course
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The Princeton review is a national college admissions service that offers a wide range of test preparation services, tutoring, and admissions resources for undergraduate and graduate students. The online MCAT course operates during a range of dates and gives students more flexibility than an in class course. The cost of the course ranges from $3,399 - $2,449 depending on the date of the course, it is best to check often as they do offer sales and discounts.
- Khan Academy MCAT Prep Course
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Utilize this free Khan Academy MCAT course that contains sample content from all four sections of the exam, including 1,100 videos and 3,000 review questions to help you study. This course is supported by the AAMC through 2026. Review the course here.
Third Party Test Preparation*
- Kaplan
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Kaplan, Inc. is one of the most commonly thought of for-profit companies that provides test preparation. Their services range from flash cards and sample questions, to full practice exams and semester long courses.
- Princeton Review
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The Princeton review is a national college admissions service that offers a wide range of test preparation services, tutoring, and admissions resources for undergraduate and graduate students. In addition to full online courses, Princeton review offers boot camps, tutoring, and other MCAT preparation resources.
- Magoosh
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Magoosh is an online test preparation and study abroad counseling company that educates students through audio/video lessons, practice test questions, and online email support. They offer both desktop and mobile options and work with PC, Mac, Android, and iOS systems.
DAT
The DAT is required for admission for students wishing to go to dental school. It is not required for students wishing to become dental hygienists. If you are pursuing a DDS or a DMD you will need to prepare for this exam.
- DAT Highlights
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- Multiple choice standardized exam
- Four Sections:
- Survey of the Natural Sciences
- Perceptual Ability
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Computer based exam offered almost every day of the year
- Must apply via Prometric testing center and The American Dental Association to register for the exam
- Test-takers are only eligible to take DAT 3 times before seeking special permission to retake again
- ADA - American Dental Association
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The ADA facilitates the DAT exam and provides in depth information on the DAT and how to prepare for the exam.
- 2020 DAT Guide
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This downloadable Pdf provides up to date information on content, structure, and policy regarding applying for, registering, and taking the DAT.
- Test Preparation
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The ADA offers low cost individual modules as well as full practices tests for the DAT.
- Fee Assistance
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The ADA offers partial fee waivers (50% of the $420 DAT registration fee) for applicants that can demonstrate significant financial hardship. Review the requirements and application for eligibility. Applicants that have previously been awarded a fee waiver or taken the DAT are not eligible for fee waivers.
Third Party Test Preparation*
- Kaplan
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Kaplan, Inc. is one of the most commonly thought of for-profit companies that provides test preparation. Their services range from self-paced study guides to live online courses with instructors present to help you at every step.
- Princeton Review
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The Princeton Review is a national college admissions service that offers a wide range of test preparation services, tutoring, and admissions resources for undergraduate and graduate students. They offer several options at varying price points to prepare for the DAT.
GRE
The GRE is the standard entrance exam required by many graduate programs. Students planning on pursuing PA, OT, PT, or other graduate level healthcare programs outside of medical (MD and DO), dental (DDS and DMD), and Pharmacy (PharmD) may need to prepare for this exam.
- GRE Highlights
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- Administered by ETS, Educational Testing Service
- Three sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Analytical Writing
- Offered most days of the year in a variety of locations
- Computer based exam
- Cannot be taken more than 5 times a year and there must be at least 21 days in-between attempts
- Books
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As the GRE is the most commonly taken graduate exam there is a plethora of test preparation books and guides in print. Students can visit discount bookstores, online retailers, and brick and mortar bookstores to purchase books, flash cards, and guides. It is important to note the GRE was significantly overhauled in August 2011, and students should not purchase materials printed before this date if they wish to have accurate study material.
- ETS Preparation
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ETS administers the GRE and offers a variety of free and low cost preparation materials for test takers.
Third Party Test Preparation*
- Kaplan
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Kaplan, Inc. is one of the most commonly thought of for-profit companies that provides test preparation. Their services range from self-paced study guides to live online courses with instructors present to help you at every step. They offer a wide range of practice tools at varying price points.
- Magoosh
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Magoosh is an online test preparation and study abroad counseling company that educates students through audio/video lessons, practice test questions, and online email support. They offer both desktop and mobile options and work with PC, Mac, Android, and iOS systems.
- Princeton Review
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The Princeton Review is a national college admissions service that offers a wide range of test preparation services, tutoring, and admissions resources for undergraduate and graduate students. They offer several options at varying price points to prepare for the GRE.
PCAT
The PCAT is a standardized exam required by many pharmacy programs. As of August 2018 there is not a pharmacy program in the state of Tennessee that requires the PCAT for admission. Consult with the Pre-Health professions advisor about the programs you are considering and if the PCAT is a requirement for those programs.
- PCAT Highlights
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- Multiple Choice sections and a Critical Writing Section
- Biological Processes
- Chemical Processes
- Critical Reading
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Administered by Pearson Education, Inc. and is offered in: January, February, July, September, October and November
- Multiple Choice sections and a Critical Writing Section
- AACP - American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
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The AACP facilitates the PCAT and offers some preparation tools and practice tests for students who have registered for the PCAT.
- PCAT Channel
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Pearson and the AACP provide free tutorials on preparing for and navigating the PCAT.
Third Party Test Preparation*
- Kaplan
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Kaplan, Inc. is one of the most commonly thought of for-profit companies that provides test preparation. Their services range from self-paced study guides to live online courses with instructors present to help you at every step. They offer a wide range of practice tools at varying price points.
OAT
The OAT is the standardized admissions exam required for admission for optometry school. Students wishing to pursue degrees in optometry or ophthalmology must prepare for this exam.
- OAT Highlights
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- Multiple choice format
- Four sections
- Survey of the Natural Sciences
- Physics
- Reading Comprehension
- Quantitative Reasoning
- Both the US customary system and the metric system are used throughout the exam
- ASCO - Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry
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The ASCO facilitates the OAT and provides resources and test preparation.
- 2020 OAT Guide
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Review this document as you prepare for the OAT.
- Test Preparation
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The ASCO offers low cost individual modules as well as full practices tests for the OAT.
*The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is not affiliated with any for profit or nonprofit test preparation service. The companies and courses cited here are done so to provide resources for Pre-Health students only, UTC does not endorse one service over another. Any services or sites omitted from this list were not done so for any purpose. UTC does not receive an commission or incentives if students use any of the listed resources above.
PA-CAT
The Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) is a specialized test that is designed to measure applicant knowledge and application in key prerequisite science subjects typically required for PA school.
- Do You Need the PA-CAT?
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The PA-CAT is not a commonly required exam for PA school, many programs list it as an optional component of a PA application. Students will want to consult individual program requirements to determine if the PA-CAT is necessary for admission to their chosen programs. Learn more about the PA-CAT here
*The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga is not affiliated with any for profit or nonprofit test preparation service. The companies and courses cited here are done so to provide resources for Pre-Health students only, UTC does not endorse one service over another. Any services or sites omitted from this list were not done so for any purpose. UTC does not receive an commission or incentives if students use any of the listed resources above.