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APPLYING TO HEALTH PROFESSION SCHOOLS

Entrance exams

For the 2027 application cycle

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Entrance Exams

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Entrance exams

  • What is required?
    • MCAT, DAT, OAT, GRE, PA-CAT, TEAS, HESI A2 – the PCAT is no longer used
  • Know about the contents of the exams
  • Preparation
    • Complete courses first! Allow adequate prep time
    • Make a plan that leans on your strengths
  • Scheduling
    • Take exam long enough before applying that you will have your score when you submit.
    • Opportunity to re-take but used as last resort

Entrance exam page

Recorded MCAT presentation

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When should I take it?

  • MCAT: Allopathic, osteopathic, and podiatric medicine
    • Recommended: Between January-April 2026
    • To remain eligible for a committee letter: No later than June 13, 2026
    • Accepted by MD schools: Usually by September, 2026-Not recommended
    • Accepted by DO schools: Usually by January, 2027-Not recommended
  • DAT: Dentistry
    • Recommended: Between January-April 2026
    • To remain eligible for a committee letter: No later than June 13, 2026
    • Accepted by dental schools: Can be as late as December, 2026-Not recommended
  • OAT: Optometry
    • Recommended: No later than November 1, 2026
    • To remain eligible for a committee letter: No later than December 1, 2026
    • Accepted by optometry schools: Spring, 2027-Not recommended

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Entrance exam page

Recorded MCAT presentation

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When should I take it?

  • PA-CAT: Physician assistant—uncommon

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  • GRE: May be used by a variety of programs including public health, OT, PT, nursing, and PA�
  • TEAS, HESI A2: Nursing, sometimes other allied health

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    • Take these exams at least one month before your intended application submission date

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Entrance exam page

Recorded MCAT presentation