GRE vs. MCAT

Introduction

Two big exams loom for would-be physicians: the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) and the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). The MCAT is the standard requirement for MD/DO programs; the GRE is a general graduate admissions test used for non-MD health, science, and professional programs (and occasionally for certain dual-degree or special pathways). If your goal is medical school, you need to understand how these tests differ and when (if ever) the GRE makes sense.

TL;DR: which test should you take?

Planning to apply to MD/DO programs? 

MCAT. It’s the common requirement and aligns with pre-med coursework.

Still deciding between medicine and other graduate paths (MPH, MS, MBA, PA, vet, nursing)? 

GRE can keep options open, but confirm each target program’s policy.

Applying to an MD dual-degree that explicitly allows GRE? 

Follow that program’s instructions. Always verify on the program’s admissions page.

What each exam measures

MCAT (for MD/DO admissions)

• Content focus: biology/biochem, chem/phys, behavior/psych/soc, and critical analysis.
  
  

• Sections:
  
  

• Biological & Biochemical Foundations
  
  

• Chemical & Physical Foundations
  
  

• Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations
  
  

• Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS)
  
  

• Skills emphasized: science integration, experimental design, data interpretation, ethical reasoning, dense reading under time pressure.
  
  

GRE (general graduate admissions)

• Content focus: reasoning and communication skills applicable across disciplines.
  
  

• Sections:
  
  

• Analytical Writing (1 essay)
  
  

• Verbal Reasoning
  
  

• Quantitative Reasoning
  
  

• Skills emphasized: argument analysis, vocabulary-in-context, reading logic, algebra/word problems/data interpretation.
  
  

Test day experience

Delivery & location

• MCAT: test center only.
  
  

• GRE: test center or official at-home option (proctored).
  
  

Length & stamina

• MCAT: ~7.5 hours including breaks—true endurance event.
  
  

• GRE (current format): ~2 hours total—shorter, multiple dates year-round.
  
  

Tools & format

• MCAT: on-screen calculator for specific questions only (mostly no calculator); scratch notebook provided.
  
  

• GRE: on-screen calculator for Quant; standard computer-based interface.
  
  

Scoring & score use

MCAT

• Scale: 118–132 per section, 472–528 total.
  
  

• Validity window: commonly 2–3 years (varies by school).
  
  

• Superscoring: schools set their own policy; many look at your highest total from a single test date.
  
  

GRE

• Scale: 130–170 (Verbal), 130–170 (Quant), 0–6 (Writing).
  
  

• Validity window: 5 years.
  
  

• Superscoring/reporting: you can choose which test administrations to send (“ScoreSelect”); programs decide how they weigh them.
  
  

How schools view each exam

• MD/DO programs: 

Overwhelmingly built around the MCAT. A small minority of special pathways or dual-degrees may accept the GRE—always verify.

• Other health/science degrees (MPH, MS, PhD, MBA, MHA, some PA/vet/nursing programs): 

Frequently accept the GRE; some are test-optional.

• Holistic review: 

For both routes, scores live alongside GPA (especially science GPA), prerequisites, clinical hours, recommendations, and your personal statement.

Choosing between GRE and MCAT: a quick decision guide

I. You’re 100% committed to becoming a physician (MD/DO).

Take the MCAT. Build your timeline around application cycles.

II. You’re truly split between med school and other grad paths.

Consider the GRE only if the med programs you’d actually apply to clearly accept it; otherwise you’ll still need the MCAT.

III. You’re applying to a stated GRE-friendly MD dual-degree (e.g., MD-MBA) that allows GRE.

Follow that program’s testing guidance and confirm any fine print.

Study planning—how prep differs

MCAT prep essentials

• Timeline: 3–6 months for most students.
  
  

• Approach: heavy content review (bio/biochem/chem/phys/psych/soc), passage-based practice, full-length exams to build stamina.
  
  

• Milestones: periodic diagnostics → section mastery → weekly full-lengths in final month.
  
  

GRE prep essentials

• Timeline: 1–3 months for most students.
  
  

• Approach: method first (argument structure, vocab-in-context, algebra/ratios/data), then timing; mix untimed walkthroughs with timed sets.
  
  

• Milestones: baseline test → error-log driven drills → 2–3 full-lengths before test day.
  
  

Costs, scheduling, and retakes (policies evolve—always confirm)

• Both exams have registration fees, reschedule/late fees, and limited no-show refunds.
  
  

• MCAT dates cluster by testing season; seats fill early.
  
  

• GRE dates are abundant year-round (and at-home).
  
  

• Retakes: both allow multiple attempts with required spacing; schools set their own view on multiple scores.
  
  

FAQs 

#1. Do med schools accept the GRE?

A few specific pathways may; most MD/DO programs expect the MCAT. Check each school.

#2. Which test is “harder”?

Different hard: MCAT is deeper content + longer stamina; GRE is shorter but precision-timed reasoning.

#3. Score validity?

MCAT typically 2–3 years (school-specific). GRE 5 years.

#4. If I’m unsure, can I take the GRE now and the MCAT later?

Yes! But if medical school is likely, prioritize an MCAT-aligned course plan so you don’t delay your application.

Strengthen your med-school profile (beyond the test)

Layer in meaningful clinical exposure and credible supervisor references:

• Medical Electives Abroad
  
  

• Pre-Health & Pre-Med Internships
  
  

• Start your application: goelective.com/apply
  
  

Conclusion

Pick the exam that matches your destination. If you’re targeting MD/DO, the MCAT is the right lane and your prep should mirror first-year medical science and the exam’s endurance demands. If you’re exploring non-MD health or science degrees, the GRE can keep options open, but only if your actual med-school targets accept it. Confirm requirements, map your deadlines, and build a study plan that you can execute consistently. 

Pair a strong score with clinical experience and reflective writing, and you’ll present a focused, competitive application. Whichever path you choose.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, Nursing Internships, PA Internships, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE, Med Schools,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 14, 2025