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

Four sections:

1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Sciences
2. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
3. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
4. 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

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

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

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

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

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

This three-credit hour course helps pre-med students master the content and strategy needed for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Students are given practice on applying their knowledge of MCAT content in a supportive environment. Additionally, this course can apply to the pre-health minor. On average, students who complete the course see a 10-point increase in their MCAT scores.

Khan Academy MCAT Prep Course

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

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

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

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

• Multiple choice standardized exam
• Four Sections:

1. Survey of the Natural Sciences
2. Perceptual Ability
3. Reading Comprehension
4. 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

The ADA facilitates the DAT exam and provides in depth information on the DAT and how to prepare for the exam. 

2020 DAT Guide

This downloadable Pdf provides up to date information on content, structure, and policy regarding applying for, registering, and taking the DAT. 

Test Preparation

The ADA offers low cost individual modules as well as full practices tests for the DAT.

Fee Assistance

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

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

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

• Administered by ETS, Educational Testing Service
• The overall test time is about 1 hour and 58 minutes. There are five sections.
  • Analytical Writing (One section) - 30 minutes   
    • One "Analyze an Issue" task   
  • Verbal Reasoning (Two sections)   
    • Section 1: 12 questions - 18 minutes
    • Section 2: 15 questions - 23 minutes
  • Quantitative Reasoning (Two sections)   
    • Section 1: 12 questions - 21 minutes
    • Section 2: 15 questions - 26 minutes 

Books

• Because the GRE is a commonly required graduate admissions exam, a wide range of test preparation books and study guides are available. Students may purchase preparation materials from online retailers, discount bookstores, or traditional brick-and-mortar bookstores.
• When selecting materials, students should note that the GRE underwent a major revision in August 2011. Materials published prior to that date may not accurately reflect the current exam format or content. In addition, it is generally recommended that students use test preparation resources published within three years of their planned test date to ensure relevance.
• Book Recommendations by Pre-Health Advising
  • GRE Test Prep – by Kaplan
  • 5lb Book of GRE Practice Problems
     

ETS Preparation

ETS administers the GRE and offers a variety of free and low cost preparation materials for test takers.

Third Party Test Preparation*

Kaplan

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

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

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. 

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

• 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
• Can take the OAT unlimited number of times.
• Students must wait 90 days between testing dates.
• After the third test students will have to apply for permission to take the test and from there forward will only be able to retest once every 12-month period.
• OAT FAQ 

ASCO - Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry

The ASCO facilitates the OAT and provides resources and test preparation.

2020 OAT Guide

Review this document as you prepare for the OAT.

Test Preparation

• The ASCO site for OAT examination resources and guidance.
• OAT Prep – Kaplan Site
  • Interested in signing up for a FREE OAT Practice Test through Kaplan click 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. 

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?

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.