While there is some variation in the specific courses that medical schools require of their applicants, almost all allopathic and osteopathic schools require you to take a standardized admissions test.

STANDARDIZED TEST OPTIONS

Dentistry: 

The Dental Aptitude Test (DAT) is given on the computer throughout the year. It is highly recommended you take it in April prior to your senior year. Contact individual schools to determine whether or not they will accept October scores.

Optometry:

Optometry Aptitude Test (OAT).

Pharmacy:  

Pharmacy College Aptitude Test (PCAT).

Veterinary Medicine:

Some veterinary schools require the Graduate Record Examination (GRE); some also require the MCAT or the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT). Find out early what tests are required by the schools to which you plan to apply. It is highly recommended you take it in April prior to your senior year. The GRE is offered year-round on computer. You should take these tests one year or more before planning to enter veterinary school.

Medical School:

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is required.

MCAT Timeline

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is given in April and August of each year. In general, you should have completed the exams before you begin submitting applications. Applications are normally submitted during the summer between your Junior and Senior year, therefore, taking the MCAT in April prior to your senior year will allow your scores to be available along with your application.  And, if you need to retake it, you may do so in August. However, scores from the August sitting arrive very late at admissions offices (mid-October), putting your application at a great disadvantage.

Information about the MCAT is available online from the Association of American Medical Colleges.  MCAT REGISTRATION > 

MCAT Scores

MCAT scores for each section of the test range between 2 and 15, and are normalized to a median score of 8 (that is, 50% of the people who take the exam receive a score of 8 or better -- Data Source)

Achieving just this median score will not get you into medical school. Aim for MCAT scores of 10 or better on each section: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences.  Are your MCAT scores competitive? >