Carnegie Mellon University

Standardized tests are an important part of your application to professional schools. Strong scores can greatly enhance the success of your application, so the sooner you begin to prepare, and the more familiar you are with the material and the test format, the better your chances are of reaching your full potential.

Visit the links below for details about individual standardized tests. You'll find background information, fees, schedules, on-line test registration, sample questions, forms, and performance data. If you are interested in taking a standardized test preparatory course, look into what Kaplan, The Princeton Review, and Examkrackers have to offer for a fee.  While these companies provide a service of value, the most important factor in preparing for a standardized test is the amount of time an applicant spends preparing for it.  It is worth noting that disciplined CMU students often do not need a test prep service and that some of our best test scores have been eanrned by people who prepared without the aid of a prep service.

In addition, free information regarding content of a test can be found at Khan Academy.  Information regarding managing test anxiety can be found at CMU's Academic Development.

  • Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
    • What's on the MCAT2015 exam?
    • The AAMC Fee Assistance Program offers reduced application fees and other materials to applicants who qualify, early applicants benefit from a wider range of services, such as reduced MCAT fees and preparation materials.
    • There is no surplus of MCAT seats, so signing up for an seat early is in your best interests.  For what it's worth, you can essentially consider MCAT seats like commodities traded on an exchange.  Potential applicants may only hold one seat at a time and they often hold an earlier seat than the one associated with the test that they ultimately end up taking.  This means that at some point MCAT takers realize that they need more time to prepare and they give up their seat to take a later one.  Thus, if you feel strongly about a certain date and location combination, you should check back often. Some people like the idea of setting their browser home page to the MCAT seat reservation tool.
  • The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam from the AAMC (a link to the downloadable pdf can be found on the right side of this page)
  • Average Study Prep Time: 300 to 400 hours
  • Reserve Your Seat Now

Preparation:

  • Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
    • What's on the MCAT2015 exam?
    • The AAMC Fee Assistance Program offers reduced application fees and other materials to applicants who qualify, early applicants benefit from a wider range of services, such as reduced MCAT fees and preparation materials.
    • There is no surplus of MCAT seats, so signing up for an seat early is in your best interests.  For what it's worth, you can essentially consider MCAT seats like commodities traded on an exchange.  Potential applicants may only hold one seat at a time and they often hold an earlier seat than the one associated with the test that they ultimately end up taking.  This means that at some point MCAT takers realize that they need more time to prepare and they give up their seat to take a later one.  Thus, if you feel strongly about a certain date and location combination, you should check back often. Some people like the idea of setting their browser home page to the MCAT seat reservation tool.
  • The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam from the AAMC (a link to the downloadable pdf can be found on the right side of this page)
  • Average Study Prep Time: 300 to 400 hours
  • Reserve Your Seat Now
  • Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
    • What's on the MCAT2015 exam?
    • The AAMC Fee Assistance Program offers reduced application fees and other materials to applicants who qualify, early applicants benefit from a wider range of services, such as reduced MCAT fees and preparation materials.
    • There is no surplus of MCAT seats, so signing up for an seat early is in your best interests.  For what it's worth, you can essentially consider MCAT seats like commodities traded on an exchange.  Potential applicants may only hold one seat at a time and they often hold an earlier seat than the one associated with the test that they ultimately end up taking.  This means that at some point MCAT takers realize that they need more time to prepare and they give up their seat to take a later one.  Thus, if you feel strongly about a certain date and location combination, you should check back often. Some people like the idea of setting their browser home page to the MCAT seat reservation tool.
  • The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam from the AAMC (a link to the downloadable pdf can be found on the right side of this page)
  • Average Study Prep Time: 300 to 400 hours
  • Reserve Your Seat Now