Preparing for an Admission Test:
- Identify the admission test (also known as an entrance exam) required for your health profession. In some cases, more than one exam may be acceptable.
- Plan your timeline for exam preparation and taking the exam. Ideally, plan to receive your score prior to submitting an application so that you can adjust your list of schools in light of the score you received. Allow plenty of time to study and prepare.
- Determine your strategy for studying. Will you self-study using a set of books or take a course? Sign up for an exam prep course or obtain books for self-study. Practice tests are a very valuable tool. Some companies offer a free practice exam and many sell sets of practice exams.
- Register for your entrance exam well in advance to reserve a spot.
For information about the Dental Admissions Test (DAT), please visit:
For information about the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), please visit:
For information about the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), please visit: ;
For information about the Optometry College Admissions Test (OAT), please visit:
The Pharmacy College Admissions Test (PCAT) was officially "retired" on January 10, 2024. No PCAT testing dates will be offered moving forward.
The HPA Forms & Documents page includes several resources for applicants preparing for the MCAT, DAT, GRE and OAT. There is also a comprehensive library of test prep materials within the HPA Office (Thompson 203) that are available for students/applicants to borrow at no cost.