What is the MCAT, PCAT, and the GRE?
The Medical College Admissions Test is a required achievement test that measures your ability to read scientific and nonscientific articles, and then answer questions about the topic. The three categories of the MCAT are physical sciences (chemistry and physics), biological sciences (cell biology, genetics, microbiology, physiology, anatomy), and verbal reasoning. There is a writing component as well. The PCAT is an achievement test similar to the MCAT, but specific for pharmacy school. The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is very different from the MCAT, and tests on Verbal Reasoning, Math, and Analytic Skills. Some schools require a Biology GRE as well as the general GRE. There are practice books available at bookstores, libraries, and in the AED student organization library to show you what the tests are like, and how to prepare for them.
