Standardized Tests
MCAT for Medical Schools (M.D. and D.O. Programs)
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) runs the MCAT. The MCAT covers material from General Chemistry (CH 125 or CH 126), Introductory Biology (BI 107 and BI 108), Organic Chemistry (CH 221 and CH 222), Biochemistry (CH 341 and CH 342), and Physics (PY 130 and PY 140 or PY 207 and PY 208) that are often pre-requisites for admission to a number of medical schools. Note-not all topics are covered in the courses (e.g., introductory (100-level, 2-3 weeks of material) genetics in the biology courses and optics (2-3 weeks of materials) in the Physics courses). You will need to self-study or take a course. Please discuss with your HPAC advisor. In addition, the MCAT covers material from Introductory Behavioral Science (PS 101 or NS 101) and Introductory Social Science (SO 101, AN 101, or SW 212) courses. Some students self-study for these sections and others choose to take classes. Once again, please discuss with your HPAC advisor. The MCAT also tests critical analysis and reading skills. Please discuss with your HPAC advisor how to develop these skills.
The AAMC webpage has the most up-to-date information including:
- MCAT Test Dates
- How long are MCAT scores valid?
- MCAT Accommodations Application Guidelines & Requirements - note, a current evaluation is required in addition to previous verification. Overview of MCAT Accommodations.
- Using MCAT Data in Student Selection (pdf)
- What's on the MCAT? - interactive content outline
- Creating a Study Plan - first steps
- Preparing for the MCAT
- "How I prepared for the MCAT" - student examples
- Roadmap to MCAT Content in Psychology and Sociology Textbooks
MCAT Test Prep Companies & Resources
Note – HPAC does not promote, sponsor, endorse, or recommend any test preparation company. We are making information easily available so you can critically evaluate and make the best decision for you.
- Altius (offers free practice exam)
- Berkeley Review
- Blueprint (formerly NextStep Test Prep): offers free diagnostic and one free full length exam
- Examkrackers
- Gold Standard (offers free 1/3 length exam, sample study plan)
- GroSeries - podcast hosted by a med student, recommended especially for psyc/soc (Apple podcast) (Spotify)
- Kaplan (offers free practice exam; sample 3-month study plan)
- Khan Academy MCAT tutorials(Free & supported by AAMC)
- Princeton Review (offers free practice exam)
- Student Doctor Network 100 day MCAT Study Schedule
- U World (7 day free access)
Standardized Tests for Other Health Professions
- Dental: Dental Admission Test (DAT)
- Veterinary, Public Health, Others: Graduate Record Exam (GRE)
- Optometry: Optometry Admission Test (OAT)
- Pharmacy: Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT)
- If you have accomodations, please review the guidelines and requirements to apply for accomodations on the relevant standardized tests.