One of the requirements for PA school is to take an entrance exam. The standard exam right now is the GRE, but more schools are switching to the PA-CAT. Below we provide the difference, as well as everything else you need to know!
What is the GRE? The GRE is a multiple-choice, computer-based, standardized exam
What is on the GRE?
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Analytical Writing
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Verbal Reasoning
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Quantitative Reasoning
How is its scored?
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The Quantitative Reasoning and Verbal Reasoning sections are each scored on a scale of 130 to 170.
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The Analytical Writing Assessment is scored from 0 to 6 in half-point increments, and the mean score is 4.0.
Breakdown of Analytical Writing
30 minutes per task; 60 minutes total
Breakdown of Verbal Reasoning
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6 Text Completion questions
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4 Sentence Equivalence questions
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10 Reading Comprehension questions
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20 total questions per section
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TIme: 30 minutes per task; 60 minutes total
Breakdown of Quantitative Reasoning
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7–8 Quantitative Comparison questions
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12–13 Problem Solving questions
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20 total questions per section
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TIme: 35 minutes per section
How often can you take the GRE? You can take the computer-delivered GRE once every 21 days, up to five times within any continuous rolling 12-month period (365 days).
How much does it cost? The cost to take the GRE is $205
Website for more information: Kaplan GRE
What is the PA-CAT? The Physician Assistant College Admission Test (PA-CAT) is a specialized test that is designed to measure applicant knowledge and application in key prerequisite science subjects typically required for PA school.
How is it scored? The PA program using your PA-CAT will use your results to see how they compare to the results of other candidates applying to the same school(s) as you, and how your results compare to a national sample of exam takers
What is on the PA-CAT?
240-item assessment covering 9 science subject areas:
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Anatomy - 16%
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approx 39 questions
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Physiology - 16%
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approx 39 questions
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General Biology - 11%
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approx 26 questions
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Biochemistry - 5%
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approx 12 questions
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General and Organic Chemistry - 16%
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approx 38 questions
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Microbiology - 11%
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approx 26 questions
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Behavioral Sciences - 9%
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approx 22 questions
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Genetics - 11%
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approx 26 questions
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Statistics - 5%
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approx 12 questions
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How much does it cost? The cost to take the PA-CAT is $228
Website for more information: PA-CT