Health Professions Advising at Mason

Information for Applicants

Test Preparation

There are many ways to prepare for these exams. You can check out of the library or purchase some of the books from the bookstore (on campus or online).

Many students elect to take a lecture- or online-based test preparation course. Many of these courses cost a good amount of money, but if you get anxious or nervous taking a standardized tests, you may want to consider these options. You may keep your eyes open for promotions that the companies run (some discounts of enrollment or some freebies with enrollment).

You can get a number of opinions from friends, but you also need to know your learning style and curricular needs to make the preparation strategy you take the most effective one for you.

Note: this is just a list of options. Inclusion to this list should not be construed as endorsements for these companies on the part of the University, the MSAC, the Health Professions Advisor, or anyone involved in health professions advising.

Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions

Kaplan has the most options for health professions preparation as they prepare their students for the DAT, OAT, PCAT, and NCLEX exams as well as the MCAT and GRE.

• Dental School (DAT)
• Graduate School (GRE)
• Medical School (MCAT)
• Optometry School (OAT)
• Pharmacy School (PCAT)

The Princeton Review

The Princeton Review conducts many lecture-based courses for the MCAT and GRE.

• Graduate School (GRE)
• Medical School (MCAT)

Examkrackers

They produce a very recommended set of study guides for the MCAT which you can purchase, but they also conduct lecture-based courses.

Dr. Flowers MCAT

This is an online-only resource based on a popular study guide, and it can be customized to address your knowledge deficiencies. Many other health professions advisors really like this resource.

TopScore (Scholarware)

For those preparing for the DAT, OAT, or PCAT, you can also purchase CD's (or download software) from TopScore for about $50 (not including shipping and stuff). A trial version is available online, and you have to purchase a key to upgrade to the full version. Each CD contains 3 practice exams.

DAT Destroyer (Orgoman)

One other resource for those who want additional, more challenging preparation for high-achieving scores is the DAT Destroyer book (abour $150). You need to be very comfortable with your science foundations to take full advantage of this book.

On retesting

The best thing you can do is ensure that your first shot at taking the standardized admissions exam is your only shot. Taking the test at the immediate next feasible administration usually does not result in a huge increase in a person's scores, and most admissions committees will question your ability to diagnose your own test-taking problems if you take your tests more than three times within a two year period. Unlike the SAT, taking a standardized exam for health professions programs more than once in a period of a couple of years is not encouraged.

Again, check the data on how matriculants have fared nationally on the exams and set a realistic target goal for yourself. The numbers may not be the only factor, but low scores will not help your application.

Information for Applicants MSAC Pre-Application

Checklist for Applicants

Graduate Student or Employee Applicants

About Low Grades

Difficulty Paying for the Application Process

Test Registration

Test Preparation

Centralized Application Services

Picking Schools

Letters of Evaluation
Forms: (Word)

MSAC Interviews
Forms: (Word)

Admissions Interviews

Scholarship Programs

You Oughta Know...

External Links
Application and Admission Timeline for Medical School (AAMC)

NIH Graduate Partnership Program

Premedical Students Guide to Preparing for Medical Programs (University Career Services)

Medical Programs Internet Resources (University Career Services)

Nursing and Health Careers Resources (University Career Services)

Predental student timeline (University of Kentucky College of Dentistry)