Allopathic and osteopathic Medicine (MD and DO):
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required. Test dates range from January to September. Ideally, you should take the exam when you have completed (or almost completed) your required courses. We recommended that you take the exam before applying to schools (i.e. between April and July for a summer application). If necessary, you can retake the test in August or September. However, do not use the first test as a practice! If you are truly not prepared, wait until August/September, and study hard over the summer.
Dentistry:
The Dental Admission Test (DAT) is required. It is given throughout the year. It is highly recommended you take it by early June.
Veterinary Medicine:
Most veterinary schools require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Some may also require the MCAT. Find out now what test(s) is (are) required by the schools to which you plan to apply. It is highly recommended you take it by early June. The GRE is offered year-round. Most people improve their scores with repeated GREs, so you may choose to take the test more than once. The majority of schools will use your highest scores in evaluating your application.
Physician Assistant (PA):
Most PA programs require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). The GRE is offered year-round. It is highly recommended you take it by early June. Most people improve their scores with repeated GREs, so you may choose to take the test more than once. The majority of schools will use your highest scores in evaluating your application.
Optometry:
Most optometry programs require the Optometry Admission Test (OAT). It is highly recommended you take it by early June.