Overview of the MCAT, DAT, and Other Entrance Exams (App Series #3, updated 6/5/17) Which health professions schools require an entrance exam? Almost all of them!! Often, admissions committees will use performance on entrance exams to help predict academic success in medical, dental, etc. school, as well as successful performance on professional licensure examinations. The following is a list of entrance exams that are required for some of the professional/graduate schools that premeds at Xavier apply to. NOTE: If you are interested in a professional or graduate program that is not listed below, contact individual schools for detailed admission requirements. Medical (M.D.) Medical College Admission Test (MCAT); owned by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and administered by Prometric Testing Service Medical (D.O.) MCAT Dental Dental Admission Test (DAT) Veterinary Medicine--MCAT or Graduate Record Examination (GRE); check with individual schools to see which test is accepted Optometry Optometry Admission Test (OAT) Podiatry MCAT (some schools may also accept the DAT and GRE) Public Health Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or MCAT; check with individual schools to see which test is accepted Graduate School Graduate Record Examination (GRE) What Is Covered on the Exams? The following are brief overviews of the DAT and MCAT (the two tests of most interest to XU students). The OAT is similar to the DAT. Websites that provide more detailed information about these tests are included in this document. MCAT: Four (4) Parts [Total "seated" time (including tutorial & breaks) is 7 hours and 33 minutes] o Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (59 questions from General Chemistry, Biochemistry I, General Physics, Organic Chemistry, General Biology), 95 minutes; o Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (53 questions from a wide range of disciplines in the social sciences and humanities), 90 minutes; o Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (59 questions from General Biology, Biochemistry I, Organic Chemistry, and General Chemistry), 95 minutes; and o Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior (59 questions from Introductory Psychology, Introductory Sociology, and General Biology), 95 minutes. NOTE: Four (4) Scientific Inquiry & Reasoning Skills are identified for the natural and social sciences sections on the MCAT. In preparation for "Skill 4: Data-based Statistical Reasoning," we recommend completion of a statistics course. Go to the AAMC s website for more details. DAT: Four (4) Parts [Total "seated" time for DAT (including tutorial, breaks, and survey) is 5 hours] o Survey of the Natural Sciences (40 questions from General Biology, 30 from General Chemistry, 30 from Organic Chemistry), 90 minutes; o Perceptual Ability (90 items to test spatial visualization skills and ability to interpret 2-D representations of 3-D objects), 60 minutes; o Reading Comprehension (3 reading passages on various topics with 50 questions total), 60 minutes; and o Quantitative Reasoning (40 math and applied math problems), 45 minutes. (OVER)
How Are the Exams Scored? MCAT: Five (5) scores are reported on the MCAT: one for each of the four test sections and one combined (total) score. Each of the four sections will be scored from a low of 118 to a high of 132, with a midpoint of 125. The total score is a combination of scores from the four sections. The total score ranges from 472 to 528, with a midpoint of 500. MCAT and GPA ranges for students accepted into allopathic (M.D.) medical schools can be found in the most recent edition of Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR), an online resource from the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). A copy of frequented sections of the online MSAR is available for review in the Premed Office. Please note that the number of applications to medical school has increased dramatically in the past few years, a factor which seems to be translating into the need for higher MCAT scores to gain admission. Students who wish to receive feedback on their scores from the Premedical Office should be sure to release their scores to XU's Premedical Advisor when asked to do so during the MCAT registration process. Additionally, students should rely on medical schoolspecific matriculant data found in MSAR to evaluate MCAT scores, GPA, and other acceptance factors. Go to https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/ for details regarding the MCAT and MCAT Exam Statistics. Go to https://www.aamc.org/data/facts/ to view comprehensive data on U.S. allopathic (M.D.) medical school applicants and matriculants. DAT: Five (5) scores are reported for the DAT, one for each of the four areas tested as well as the Total Science score for the science sections. Each score is based on a scale of 1-30. DAT and GPA ranges for matriculants at each dental school in the U.S. can be found in ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools, a publication from the American Dental Education Association (ADEA). A copy of the current publication is available for review in the Premed Office. Students who wish to receive feedback on their scores from the Premedical Office should be sure to release their scores to XU's Director of Premedical Program when asked to do so during the DAT registration process. Additionally, students should rely on dental school-specific matriculant data found in ADEA Official Guide to Dental Schools to evaluate DAT scores and GPA. EXTRA INFO ABOUT THE MCAT: The MCAT is VERY challenging. You must be able to a) extract pertinent data from passages that often include lots of extraneous information and b) make inferences when given incomplete data to arrive at the BEST answer out of multiple answer choices that may all seem plausible. It is designed this way because physicians constantly face similar circumstances when dealing with patients. The MCAT is not like the more "straight-forward" types of exams that college students may be used to, and as a result, you must begin cultivating the essential skills NOW that will allow you to integrate and critically analyze information from a variety of academic disciplines. Students who plan on taking the MCAT are encouraged to proactively prepare for the test, throughout enrollment, by completing the appropriate coursework, developing scientific inquiry and critical thinking skills, completing practice passages and full-length tests, and taking advantage of an MCAT review course. Here are some things we encourage Freshman Premeds to begin doing NOW (and throughout enrollment) in preparation for the MCAT: Become familiar with the structure of the MCAT (competencies tested, exam sections, etc.) and utilize MCAT resources provided by the AAMC in The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam (available in the Premed Office) comprehensive MCAT information is also available at https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/; Complete LOTS of practice MCAT passages on a routine basis (available through the AAMC and MCAT prep courses). NOTE: Freshman and Sophomore Premeds are encouraged to complete practice passages for the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section i.e. the one section you can begin preparing for without having completed all of the coursework associated with MCAT content; and Read, read, read as much as possible (on a routine basis) while at XU to improve your ability to comprehend and critically analyze complex material. NOTE: WE ARE NOT TALKING ABOUT READING SCIENCE TEXTBOOKS. We recommend novels, magazines (e.g. Newsweek, The Economist, Time, etc.), and similar publications that draw from a variety of disciplines like the humanities and social sciences (e.g. art, history, ethics, geography, psychology, religion, etc.). How Much Does It Cost to Register for the MCAT/DAT? The current registration fee to take the MCAT is $310. The current registration fee to take the DAT is $445. Students who are experiencing severe financial hardship may be eligible to apply for fee waivers to help defray the cost of taking these admission tests. NOTE: Funding for fee waivers is limited, so students who are interested in applying for fee waivers should begin the MCAT or DAT fee assistance application as soon as they are allowed to so (usually January of the year the student plans on taking the MCAT or DAT). Information regarding the fee waiver application process is usually available in December of the year before the student plans on taking the MCAT or DAT.
How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT? The MCAT, a computerized test, is currently offered a number of times per year at approved testing sites. Students are allowed to take the test up to three (3) times in a single testing year and up to four (4) times in a two consecutive-year period. The MCAT can be taken up to seven (7) times in a lifetime. Be advised, however, that if you take it more than twice, admission committees may start to wonder whether or not you have what it takes to perform well on the MCAT as well as medical licensure exams. Students should NOT take the MCAT just to "see" how they are going to perform (that's what practice tests are for). The MCAT must be taken seriously as if you have only one chance to take it. If you do need to retake the MCAT, it is IMPERATIVE that you study very hard so that you improve your scores (and don't go down in any section from your previous test administration). Each medical school interprets multiple test scores differently. Some schools evaluate only the most recent scores; others evaluate all scores, noting improvement (and/or a decrease in scores) while others may choose to review MCAT scores where the student scored highest in an individual section OR the MCAT with the highest composite score. Go to https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/faq/for a list frequently asked questions. How Many Times Can You Take the DAT? The DAT is a computer-based test that is offered year round at approved testing sites. You can only take the test three (3) times, unless you get special permission from the American Dental Association (ADA). Further, you can only take the DAT once every ninety (90) days. When Should a Student Take the MCAT for the 1st Time? Generally, in the spring (i.e. April or May) of your junior year or after you have completed all of the courses that correspond to content areas on the MCAT. You should definitely plan to review for the test and take a lighter load (no more than 14 semester hours) that semester so you have time to study for it. In addition, you should definitely plan to participate in an MCAT review course. Typically, both the Kaplan and Princeton MCAT reviews are offered on XU's campus in the spring at a discounted rate for Xavier students. The Premedical Office does not endorse one review over another. As the consumer, YOU should take the time to learn as much as possible about ALL of your review options to determine which one is best for you. FYI, what works for one student in terms of MCAT prep may not necessarily work for another student. NOTE: Preparation for the MCAT does NOT begin when you enroll in a review course; ideally, it begins during freshman year and continues throughout enrollment by actively cultivating scientific inquiry and reasoning skills. When Should a Student Take the DAT or Optometry Admission Test (OAT) for the 1st Time? In the spring of your junior year OR the summer between your junior and senior years (preferably between April-June). By the time you take the DAT or OAT, you should have completed all of the courses that correspond to content areas on respective entrance exam. Note: While physics is a content area on the OAT, it is NOT a content area on the DAT. As a result, most Xavier students who are on track with completing courses that correspond with DAT content areas may study for and take the DAT at the end of sophomore year. When Should a Student Take the MCAT for the 2nd Time (if needed)? The fall semester (August/September) of your senior year. Please note that this is also the final chance to take it for entry into the following year's class. NOTE: Please check with the medical schools to which you are applying to inquire about MCAT score deadlines. When Should a Student Take the DAT or OAT for the 2nd Time (if needed)? Late summer before or early fall semester of your senior year. NOTE: Please check with the dental and optometry schools to which you are applying to inquire about DAT and OAT score deadlines. How to Study for the MCAT or DAT: To study for the MCAT: We believe the best way to study for the exam is to enroll in an MCAT review course (e.g. Kaplan, Princeton, Examkrackers, etc.) so that you can take advantage of the review materials and classroom/online instruction while also engaging in self-study at least 10 hours/week outside of the review course. There are students who opt to study on their own for the MCAT, a method that has proven successful for some. However, keep in mind that the MCAT is a HIGH STAKES test, and you should commit yourself to a very structured and disciplined regimen for test preparation whether you are enrolled in a review course or not. We recommend that students take NO MORE THAN 14 SEMESTER HOURS the semester when they are actively preparing for the MCAT. Here are some study materials you should consider utilizing to supplement your MCAT review course: o Class notes from General Biology, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Physics, Introduction to Biochemistry, Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, and your statistics course; o "Preparing for the MCAT Exam" page at https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/ for details regarding MCAT content areas, practice test resources, etc.; o MCAT Practice Tests available at https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/prepare/ and individual MCAT review courses; (OVER)
o o o MCAT Practice Materials available at https://www.adaptprep.com/mcat Individual MCAT section review books published by MCAT prep courses that provide LOTS of practice passages. NOTE: You should begin preparing for Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills well BEFORE junior year; and Several Xavier students have reported that various online video series, which review MCAT, DAT, and OAT content, have been good supplemental tools for test preparation. Examples are Coursesaver at http://www.coursesaver.com/index.php and Khan Academy at https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat. To study for the DAT: The science and quantitative reasoning sections of the DAT are generally similar in format to the tests you take in many college science courses. The perceptual ability section, however, is different than most tests you take in college because you must demonstrate spatial visualization skills and interpret 2-D representations of 3-D objects (skills that you master by PRACTICING). FYI, a course such as ceramics or sculpture is recommended for students who are interested in applying to dental school. Our recommended materials for DAT preparation are: o Class notes and helpful supplemental materials from General Biology, General Chemistry, and Organic Chemistry; o The latest edition of a COMPREHENSIVE DAT review book published by review courses such as Kaplan and Princeton. Other student-reported options for preparing for the DAT include (but are not limited to) the online Crack the DAT program, DAT Destroyer, etc.; o Dental Admission Test Preparation and Registration information (including sample DAT) available at http://www.ada.org/dat.aspx; o Top Score Pro for the DAT Sample Tests and Study Guide by ScholarWare. For more information, go to www.scholarware.com; o Several Xavier students have reported that various online video series, which review MCAT, DAT, and OAT content, have been good supplemental tools for test preparation. Examples are Coursesaver at http://www.coursesaver.com/index.php and Khan Academy at http://www.khanacademy.org/; and o Explore resources online and from DAT review courses for sample Perceptual Ability Test (PAT), Reading Comprehension, and Quantitative Reasoning problems so that you can become familiar with these sections. FYI, some students have reported that the Reading Comprehension and Quantitative Reasoning sections of the DAT are similar to comparable sections on the ACT/SAT.NOTE: Since there are no college courses required to prepare adequately for the three (3) sections of the DAT listed above, you should begin preparing for these sections well BEFORE junior year!!! To study for the OAT: This test is similar to the DAT, except that it includes physics. For the most part, you can probably use the materials listed above for the DAT and any OAT-specific materials available from review courses or testing agencies. Like the DAT, we recommend that students prepare to take the OAT for the first (and we hope ONLY) time in the spring of junior year or the summer between junior and senior years (i.e. April-June). Please visit www.opted.org for more information regarding the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). You might also utilize the computerized testing preparation software available at www.scholarware.com. NOTE: A statistics course may be REQUIRED for optometry school. Make sure you enroll in such a course to satisfy this requirement before applying, if applicable. To study for the GRE: Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is required by physical therapy, physician assistant, veterinary, and graduate schools. Please review the GRE requirements for schools of interest to determine if you must take the GRE General Test (verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing) and/or the GRE Subject Tests (for specific disciplines). Visit the Office of Graduate Placement at XU or go to www.gre.org for more info on the GRE. Students who hope to apply to professional or graduate schools that require the GRE are generally encouraged to take the GRE no later than JUNE of the year BEFORE they hope to enter. MCAT Review Course Information: The Kaplan Review: Call 1-800-KAP-TEST or visit www.kaptest.com. The Kaplan MCAT Review is usually offered during the spring semester at Xavier (at a reduced cost). The Princeton Review: Call 1-800-2REVIEW x1400 or www.princetonreview.com. The Princeton MCAT Review is usually offered during the spring semester at Xavier (at a reduced cost). Examkrackers MCAT Preparation: Call 1-888-572-2536 or http://www.examkrackers.com/mcat/. Search the internet for other MCAT review options (e.g. NextStep Test Prep, Altius MCAT Prep, Gold Standard MCAT-Prep, Dr. Flowers MCAT, etc.
Resources for Entrance Exams and Application Services for Various Health Professions Schools Medicine (Allopathic--i.e. M.D.): o Information: Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) http://www.aamc.org/ o Centralized application service: American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) and Texas Medical and Dental Schools Application Service (TMDSAS) for most schools in Texas Medicine (Osteopathic--i.e. D.O.): o Information: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine (AACOM) http://www.aacom.org o Centralized application service: American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine Application Service (AACOMAS) Dentistry: o Information: American Dental Education Association (ADEA) http://www.adea.org o Entrance exam: Dental Admission Test (DAT) o Centralized application service: Associated American Dental Schools Application Service (AADSAS) Veterinary Medicine: o Information: Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges (AAVMC) http://aavmc.org/ or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) o Centralized application service: Veterinary Medical College Application Service (VMCAS) Optometry: o Information: Association of Schools and Colleges of Optometry (ASCO) https://optometriceducation.org o Entrance exam: Optometry Admissions Test (OAT) o Centralized application service: Optometry Centralized Application Service (OptomCAS) Podiatric Medicine: o Information: American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine (AACPM) http://www.aacpm.org/ o Centralized application service: American Association of Colleges of Podiatric Medicine Application Service (AACPMAS) Public Health: o Information: Association of Schools & Programs of Public Health http://www.aspph.org or the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) o Centralized application service: Schools of Public Health Application Service (SOPHAS) Other Links: o Physician Assistant Programs: Physician Assistant Education Association http://www.paeaonline.org o Chiropractic Colleges: Association of Chiropractic Colleges http://www.chirocolleges.org/index.html o Physical Therapy Programs: American Physical Therapy Association http://www.apta.org/prospectivestudents/ o Nursing Programs: American Association of Colleges of Nursing http://www.aacn.nche.edu o Naturopathic Medicine Programs: Council on Naturopathic Medical Education http://www.cnme.org o Comprehensive List of Health Careers available at https://explorehealthcareers.org