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A discipline specific standardized test is required for most health professional schools and is used as an important screening tool. Students should adequately prepare for the exam and take the exam seriously. You may want to consider a formal review course or as well as review books and software. Successful applicants may spend 4 - 6 months preparing for some of these exams. If you do not have prerequisite course work or time to prepare for the exam you may choose to delay your application. Check each schools admission requirements to determine what test is required and deadlines for score submission. For example, students who wish to attend medical school after graduation should take the MCAT exam by spring of your junior year. If the MCAT is taken later, the student's application to medical school may be delayed and be a significant disadvantage to a successful application. Carefully review the required reading material, guides, web sites and register early as seating may be limited.

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