GRE vs MCAT: which test do you need?
These two rarely compete for the same seat. The MCAT is the test for medical school. The GRE is the test for most other health and graduate programs. In almost every case the program you are applying to decides which one you sit. Here is how they compare, and how to tell which is yours.
Heading to medical school (MD or DO)? You need the MCAT. Heading to most other health or graduate programs, like an MPH, a biomedical or basic-science degree, or general grad study? That is the GRE, or the program is test-optional. You usually do not pick between them: the program dictates the test. A few programs accept either, so confirm what each one requires.
GRE vs MCAT, at a glance.
| Feature | GRE General Test | MCAT |
|---|---|---|
| Best for | Most graduate and many health programs (MPH, biomedical, basic science, and more) | Medical school (MD and DO programs) |
| Sections | Analytical Writing, Verbal, Quant | Bio/Biochem, Chem/Physics, Psych/Soc/Bio, and CARS |
| Total time | About 1 hour 58 minutes | About 7 hours 30 minutes (around 6 hours 15 minutes testing) |
| Content focus | General reasoning, no science | Heavily science-based, plus reasoning |
| Scoring | Verbal 130 to 170, Quant 130 to 170, Writing 0 to 6 | 472 to 528 total |
| Science content | None tested | Biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology |
| Reading section | Verbal reasoning across general passages | Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) |
| Calculator | On-screen calculator in Quant | No calculator permitted |
| Vocabulary | Heavy (text completion, sentence equivalence) | Not tested directly |
| Score validity | 5 years | Typically 2 to 3 years, set by each program |
| Typical fee | Around US$220 (varies by country) | Around US$345 (varies, plus possible add-ons) |
Structure and scoring from the official ETS and AAMC test pages. Fees and score-validity windows vary and change between cycles, so confirm the current figures before you register. Last checked June 2026.
Four differences that decide the choice.
The program picks the test
You usually do not choose between these two for the same program. Medical school (MD or DO) requires the MCAT. Most other health and graduate programs take the GRE or are test-optional. Confirm what each specific program requires before you commit.
Science vs general reasoning
The MCAT is heavily science-based, covering biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology, plus a critical-reading section (CARS). The GRE tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and writing, with no science content at all.
Length and stamina
The MCAT is one of the longest standardized tests there is: about 7 hours 30 minutes in total, with around 6 hours 15 minutes of actual testing. The GRE runs about 1 hour 58 minutes. The MCAT is far longer and far more content-heavy.
Where each score is accepted
MCAT scores are typically accepted for 2 to 3 years and are built for medical school admissions. GRE scores are valid for 5 years and are used across general graduate study and many health programs. A few programs accept either, so always check.
Match the test to your plan.
Medical school (MD or DO)
Medical school admission requires the MCAT. The GRE is not a substitute for it at the vast majority of MD and DO programs, so for this path the MCAT is the test you need.
An MPH, biomedical, or basic-science degree
Most public health, biomedical, and basic-science graduate programs take the GRE or are test-optional. The MCAT is rarely used outside medical school, so the GRE is usually your route here.
Nursing, PA, or physical therapy
Many nursing, physician assistant, and physical therapy programs accept the GRE, while some are test-optional and a few use other exams. Requirements vary widely, so confirm with each program directly.
You are weighing several program types
If you are still deciding between general graduate study and most health programs, the GRE keeps the most doors open. Reach for the MCAT only once medical school is firmly on your list.
Whichever applies, your target programs have the final word. Many list whether they require a test at all. Check yours on our is the GRE required guide and the requirements directory.
Which test do health programs take?
Outside medical school, admission-test policy across health fields varies a lot by program, and many have gone test-optional. Use this as a rough starting map, then confirm each program you are considering, since requirements change between cycles.
| Program type | Typical test |
|---|---|
| Medical school (MD or DO) | MCAT required at nearly all programs |
| Public health (MPH) | GRE at many programs, and often test-optional |
| Nursing (MSN, DNP) | Varies: GRE at some, test-optional at many |
| Physician assistant (PA) | Varies: GRE at some, others use the GRE or no test |
| Physical therapy (DPT) | Varies: GRE at some programs, waived at others |
| Biomedical or basic science (MS, PhD) | GRE at many programs, or test-optional |
Test requirements vary widely by program and change between cycles, so this is a general guide, not a guarantee. Confirm each program on the requirements directory or the school's own admissions page before you decide.
GRE vs MCAT, answered.
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