Health Professions Entrance Exams

• The Medical College Admission Test is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students and is designed to specifically assess problem solving, critical thinking, written analysis and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles.
• The four sections include Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS), Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, and Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations of Behavior.
• Cost of Test: ~315$
• Preparation begins on average during their third year of college with an intent to take it before June to apply for specific programs in the fall of their senior year. The months mentioned are not rigid; it is strongly suggested to meet with an HPO advisor to discuss a timeline that works best for you. 
• Preparation Resources at Rutgers:
  • Learning Centers MCAT Workshop
  • HPO Office
  • ODASIS MCAT Prep workshop (if you qualify for ODASIS)
• Below find an example on average of which score would lead to which percentile.
• Refer to HPO office for more information
• More information about statistics here

• The National Council Licensure Examination is a nationwide examination for the licensing of nurses and there are two types: the NCLEX-RN and the NCLEX-PN.
• There's a minimum of 70 questions and a maximum of 115. Not everyone gets asked the same number of questions. While it’s possible to pass the NCLEX after answering all 135, it’s also possible to pass the test with a minimum of 70 questions or any number in between. Keep in mind NCLEX has a time limit of five hours.
• The NCLEX isn’t a pass or fail exam based on your numerical score, it uses a system called the calculated confidence interval which will continue to ask you questions until it’s satisfied that you know enough to be a nurse.
• On the opposite end of the spectrum, once the test is 95% certain that you don’t know enough to be a nurse, it will stop asking you questions, and you will fail the exam.
• Cost: ~200$
• When do students take this exam: Students take it on average 45 days after their graduation date. Please meet with an HPO Advisor to determine what works for your schedule.
• Refer to HPO office for more information.
• Preparation Resources at Rutgers
  • Rutgers Library database of NCLEX exam questions
• Refer to HPO office for more information.

• The National Physical Therapy Examination is one part of the evaluation process for those interested in becoming a physical therapist. The exam is called NPTE and is administered by the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy.
• Overview of Exam:
• The NPTE is a multiple-choice exam with one correct answer for each question. Scores are determined by the number of questions you answer correctly.The NPTE does take into consideration which version of the test you have, whether it's more difficult or easier. If the form of the examination is easier than the form that was used to dictate the passing score, one would have to answer more questions correctly to obtain a scale score of 600. If the form of the examination is harder, a candidate would have to answer fewer questions correctly to pass the examination. This is to make sure everyone has a fair shot at passing the exam and the same level of difficulty is applied to all examinations given.
• Cost: about 485$
• When do students take the exam: An estimated 90 days after they graduate. The exam is offered in four months each year: January, April, July & October. Please refer to the HPO office to determine what timeline works best for your schedule 

• The Graduate Record Examinations (GRE) is a standardized test that is an admissions requirement for many graduate schools in the United States. The GRE aims to measure verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, analytical writing, and critical thinking skills that have been acquired over an extensive period of learning.
• The GRE exam, Graduate Record Examination is for anyone who is interested in being admitted to a Masters or PhD program. Exam length is 3hrs45 min. The three sections include Verbal Reasoning, Quantitative Reasoning, and Analytical Writing.
•  Cost: ~ 220$
• When do students take this exam: It's recommended to take it a few months before a students’ respective graduation application deadline. Most students will take it in spring semester of junior year or fall semester of senior year.
• Resources at Rutgers:
  • Rutgers University GRE Prep Course –online & in person
  • Louis Stokes Alliance Program
  • ODASIS GRE Prep Workshop
• Refer to HPO office for more information

• Find your Baseline. Know where you are in your skillset & make strategic goals on how you can improve.
• Don’t sacrifice doing practice questions to learn as much information as possible. Questions are always a priority so you can learn how to answer questions and notice patterns.
• Do your practice questions in real test taking environments.
• Learn how to manage your stress. Trying to study when under stress leads to less retention & more anxiety. Develop strategies to keep your mind grounded when studying for stress-provoking exams.
• Develop a sleeping schedule. Sleep is especially important for retention and remembering all you learned.

Limit all distractions. When you are studying, turn your phone off! It will maximize how much you can get done without spending hours studying.