The GRE General Test features question types that closely reflect the kind of thinking you'll do in your professional health program:

• Verbal Reasoning - Measures your ability to analyze and evaluate written material and synthesize information obtained form it, analyze relationships among component parts of sentences and recognize relationships among words and concepts.
• Quantitative Reasoning - Measures problem-solving ability using basic concepts of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis.
• Analytical Writing - Measures critical thinking and analytical writing skills, specifically your ability to articulate and support complex ideas clearly and effectively.

Learn more about the content and structure of the GRE^® General Test from Educational Testing Services (ETS). Also you can find information about GRE^® registration, test centers and dates through the ETS GRE^® website.

The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required for admission to all dental schools. The DAT is conducted by the American Dental Association (ADA) and is designed to measure general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information, and perceptual ability. The DAT is administered year round at test centers operated by Prometric Test Centers.

The DAT is a four-part multiple choice test that measures:

• Reading comprehension
• Quantitative reasoning
• Perceptual ability
• Aptitude in science disciplines (biology, general chemistry, and organic chemistry).

The best study plan is one that is tailored to your personal learning style and schedule. To understand the content of the DAT for which to prepare, review the DAT Guide.

JMU School of Professional and Continuing Education and the office of Pre-Professional Health Advising have established an educational partnership with Kaplan Test Prep Services to offer discounted DAT test prep services. To learn more, please follow this link.

There are many types of test preparation resources that vary in cost and approach. Pre-Health Advisors do not endorse any of the providers below, but are happy to speak with you about how you might identify the style of preparation that best fits your needs.

The Optometry Admission Test (OAT) is required for admission to all US schools and colleges of optometry. The OAT measures general academic ability and comprehension of scientific information. The OAT is comprised of four subtests: Survey of the Natural Sciences, Reading Comprehension, Physics, and Quantitative Reasoning. The OAT exam is computerized and examinees are permitted to take the OAT an unlimited number of times per year but must wait at least 90 days between testing dates. There are practice questions for the OAT online.

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required for admission to US medical schools. What are considered “competitive” MCAT scores vary among schools and with applicant populations, therefore, it is important to consult the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) for up-to-date school-specific information. You can find the MCAT Testing Calendar and Score Release Dates online.

It is advised that applicants should complete the MCAT by April prior to the application cycle beginning in May. The test consists of four sections: 

1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
3. Psychological, Social and Biological Foundation of Behavior
4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

The best study plan is one that is tailored to your personal learning style and schedule. To that end, AAMC provides a five-step guide, developed by the MCAT team at the AAMC, to help you create your own study plan.

JMU School of Professional and Continuing Education and the office of Pre-Professional Health Advising have established an educational partnership with Kaplan Test Prep Services to offer discounted MCAT test prep services. To learn more, click here!

There are many types of test preparation resources that vary in cost and approach. Pre-Health Advisors do not endorse any of the providers below, but are happy to speak with you about how you might identify the style of preparation that best fits your needs.

The Pharmacy College Admission Test (PCAT) is required by approximately 85% of U.S. colleges and schools of pharmacy. The six content areas measured by the PCAT include: verbal ability, biology, reading comprehension, quantitative ability, chemistry, and a written essay. Please refer to individual program requirements in the PSAT for any required alternate standardized tests.