Strategies for Success
ADMISSIONS TESTS & ENTRANCE EXAMS
CENTRALIZED APPLICATION SERVICES
DAT REGISTRATION
The Dental
Admissions Test (DAT) is conducted by the American Dental Association
(ADA) and has been in operation on a national basis since 1950.
The Dental Admission Test is administered on computer on almost
any day of the year. The testing program is designed to measure
general academic ability, comprehension of scientific information,
and perceptual ability. All U.S. dental schools require applicants
to the DAT. The examination is entirely multiple choice, takes just
over half a day to complete, and consists of four separate examinations
that cover the following:
Survey of Natural sciences (biology, general chemistry, and organic
chemistry);
Perceptual ability (two- and three-dimensional problem solving);
Reading comprehension; (dental and basic sciences); and
Quantitative reasoning.
Dental schools have a supply of DAT application packets, which
they distribute on request to individual planning to apply to their
schools. Applicants can also obtain the DAT application package
by writing to:
Department of Testing Services
American Dental Association
211 East Chicago Avenue, Suite 1846
Chicago, IL 60611-2678
For more information check www.ada.org
MCAT REGISTRATION
The Computerized MCAT in 2007
Beginning January, 2007, the MCAT will be entirely
computerized. Instead of just two administrations per year,
AAMC is pleased to offer examinees 22 administration options throughout
the year. The MCAT will be delivered through hundreds of Thomson
Prometric testing labs throughout North America and select sites
in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. To
ensure availability for all MCAT examinees, Thomson Prometric is
aggressively recruiting academic institutions to join the Thomson
Prometric testing network. To learn more about testing site
locations and administration dates, visit www.aamc.org/students/mcat/cbt.htm.
Benefits of the Computerized MCAT
The goal of computerizing the MCAT is to provide
greater service and flexibility to MCAT examinees through the following
benefits:
22 test administrations per year – Examinees and health professions
advisors have made it clear that examinees want more flexibility in
testing dates. By employing computer-based testing (CBT), we’re
able to provide 22 administration dates over the months of January,
April, May, June, July, August and September. Convenient testing locations
– Even in the most remote areas, Thomson Prometric Testing Centers
will be located within 100 miles from current paper-and-pencil testing
sites. Shorter test day – The computerized MCAT will provide
a significantly shorter test day. On average, the day will be two
hours shorter. Computerized testing requires less administrative overhead
and in 2007, the number of test questions will decrease. Research
confirms that a shorter MCAT still retains its predictive power. 30-day
score reporting – Instead of the traditional 60 days for score
reporting of the paper-and-pencil test, we’re committing to
30-day turn around for computerized test score reporting in 2007.
We anticipate score reporting will eventually decrease to 15 days.
State-of-the-art testing centers – Thomson Prometric Testing
Centers are climate and sound controlled, and equipped with comfortable,
ergonomic chairs, leading-edge technology and equipment, and guest
lockers. Online registration and scheduling – Examinees will
be able to schedule their examination with ease and flexibility.
Learn more about registration and scheduling the Computerized MCAT
at www.aamc.org/students/mcat/cbt.htm.
Computerizing the MCAT also enhances the evaluation
of applicants for professional schools that use MCAT scores for
admission decisions. The new system processes examinee information
quicker with enhanced security, superior infrastructure and improved
logistics through state-of-the-art technology.
Also see Strategies for Success: Preparing
for MCAT
OAT REGISTRATION
The Optometry Admission
Test (OAT) is offered in a computerized format. Testing is available
year round – you select the date, time, and place that is
most convenient for you to test. You receive your scores immediately
after the completion of the test. Schools receive official score
reports within two weeks. Information about the OAT can be obtained
online at www.opted.org
PCAT REGISTRATION
The Pharmacy
College Admission Test (PCAT) is a specialized test that helps
identify qualified applicants to pharmacy colleges by measuring
general academic ability and scientific knowledge necessary for
the commencement of pharmaceutical education.
The PCAT consists of approximately 280 multiple-choice questions
and essay.
To apply online, pay applicable fees, request additional Score
Reports or Transcripts, cancel an online registration, download
a PDF of the Candidate Information booklet, or request other services
online, go to the PCAT web site: http://www.pcatweb.info
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