Which test do most vet schools accept — GRE or MCAT?

Most U.S. vet schools that require a standardized test accept the GRE. A smaller number accept the MCAT, and some have become test-optional. It is critical to check each school’s individual admissions page or the VMSAR for their current, official testing policies.

How many hours should I study for the GRE/MCAT for vet school?

Study time depends heavily on your starting score and target score. General recommendations are 100–300 hours for the GRE and 300–500+ hours for the MCAT. Our planner helps you create a schedule based on your available time and goals.

How often should I take full-length practice tests?

A common strategy is to take a diagnostic test at the beginning, then a full-length practice test every 2-4 weeks. In the final month before your exam, you should increase the frequency to once per week to build stamina and simulate test-day conditions.

When should I register for the GRE or MCAT?

Register for your test as soon as you have a confirmed test date in mind, typically 2-3 months in advance. Seats at testing centers can fill up quickly, especially during peak application seasons. Check the official ETS (GRE) and AAMC (MCAT) websites for registration windows and deadlines.

Vet School Test Prep Planning Tool | Study Plans & Guide

Vet School Test Prep Planning Tool | GRE & MCAT Study Schedules

Vet School Applicant Test Prep Planning Tool

Preparing for veterinary school admissions tests takes careful planning. If you’re also figuring out GPA and overall application requirements, check out our guides: Vet School GPA Calculator and Vet School Admission Guide. Together, these resources will help you build a complete application strategy.

Create Your Study Plan

Your Personalized Study Dashboard

Complete the form on the left to generate your personalized study schedule and progress trackers.

Vet School Applicant Test Prep Planning Tool: Study Plans, Strategies, and FAQs

Many students juggle coursework, jobs, and application requirements, so having a clear roadmap saves time and stress. The tool above is designed to help aspiring veterinary students organize their admissions test preparation. It’s more than a calendar—it’s a strategy planner with built-in accountability.

How the Tool Works

Input Your Exam Date & Timeline: Enter the date you plan to take the admissions test and select a study duration (8, 12, or 24 weeks).
Generate Your Study Plan: The tool provides a week-by-week breakdown, rotating through key topics and scheduling periodic practice tests.
Track with Charts and Tables: Log your practice scores to visualize your progress, see your score trend, and identify weak spots on the topic mastery heatmap.

Why a Study Plan Matters for Vet School Applicants

Veterinary school admissions are competitive. In the U.S., acceptance rates average around 10–15%. A strong GPA and strong test performance make a big difference. Without a plan, students often overstudy one subject and neglect others, leading to stress. With a structured plan, you cover every subject at the right pace, space practice exams correctly for improvement, and build exam-day stamina and confidence.

Sample Study Plan Templates

The planner generates schedules based on templates like these:

8-Week Intensive Plan: For last-minute prep. Focuses on a diagnostic test, then weekly practice tests and targeted review of weak areas.
12-Week Balanced Plan: The most popular choice. Balances content review with bi-weekly practice tests, allowing time to thoroughly analyze mistakes.
24-Week Long-Term Plan: Ideal for early starters. Begins with foundational content review and gradually ramps up to weekly practice tests in the final months.

FAQs

Do all veterinary schools require the GRE?

Not all. Some schools accept the MCAT, and an increasing number are becoming test-optional or use situational judgment tests like CASPer. Always check the school’s official admissions page and the AAVMC's VMSAR for the most current requirements.

How far in advance should I start studying?

Ideally, 12–24 weeks. This allows for a balanced, in-depth review without burnout. If you’re short on time, the 8-week intensive plan can be effective if you can commit significant weekly hours.

What’s the best way to review mistakes?

Keep an error log. After every practice test or question set, write down what you got wrong, why you got it wrong (e.g., content gap, misread question, calculation error), and the correct concept. Review your error log weekly.