MCAT vs GRE for Medical School
U.S. **MD programs** require the **MCAT**—a long science-heavy exam. The **GRE** applies to some MD-PhD, public health, and non-physician grad paths but is not a substitute for standard medical school admission.
Step by step
1. Confirm program list
MD vs MD-PhD vs MPH—each has different test rules.
2. Plan prep months
MCAT commonly needs 3–6 months; GRE often 2–4 for strong scorers.
3. Budget practice tests
Full-length MCAT FLs are pricier and longer than GRE.
MCAT vs GRE
Pre-med track = MCAT; GRE is for adjacent grad programs only.
- MCAT: Required for MD; CARS, biochem, physics depth.
- GRE: Verbal and quant; used for many grad schools—not standard MD.
Use our calculators
Common mistakes
- Studying GRE while applying MD
- Underestimating MCAT CARS timing
FAQ
Can DO schools use GRE?
DO programs use MCAT as well—verify each school's policy.