Racial achievement gap

The Racial Achievement Gap in Health Professions Exam Scores

Abstract: The persistent racial achievement gap in academic metrics remains a critical hurdle in the ongoing pursuit of representation in the physician and dental workforce. This article summarizes research examining the persistent racial achievement gap on standardized examinations (MCAT, DAT, USMLE) and subsequent professional milestones among Underrepresented Minority (URM) students. ... Read more

Emil Chuck, PhD

Published March 19, 2026

choosing your testing center

How To Choose Your Testing Center

Last year, as the summer was nearing its end, I started preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test, also referred to as the MCAT. I was a recent college graduate and had just successfully ... Read more

Katayoon Dowlatshahi

Updated June 26, 2022 by Katayoon Dowlatshahi

testing center

What to Expect at the Testing Center

Lessons I Learned During My USMLE Step 1 Exam The USMLE Step 1 exam was the most daunting test I’ve ever taken. That it covers anything—anything—from the first two years of medical school is enough ... Read more

Cassie Kosarek

Updated February 1, 2019 by Cassie Kosarek

DAT Marathon

Train For The DAT Like A Marathoner

This article originally ran on ASDA’s blog, Mouthing Off, on April 21, 2017.  Preparing for the DAT can be one of the most exciting, yet challenging times during a predental’s journey to dental school. You ... Read more

Marissa Albert

Updated July 18, 2023 by Marissa Albert

DAT Week

How To Keep Calm and Succeed on the DAT

This article originally ran on ASDA’s blog, Mouthing Off, on July 20, 2016. Is the DAT stressing you out? You’re not alone. Preparing for the DAT is probably the most intimidating part of the dental ... Read more

Tara Prasad

Updated June 26, 2022 by Tara Prasad

managing anxiety

Managing Anxiety on Test Day

Taking the MCAT can be a nerve-wracking experience. In fact, many students develop significant test anxiety as a result of the MCAT’s role in the medical school admissions process. If this scenario describes you, here ... Read more

Anubodh “Sunny” Varshney

Updated June 26, 2022 by Anubodh “Sunny” Varshney

Study Like It’s Game Day

Preparing for an exam is the same as preparing for any other major event you might encounter. Just like a football player prepares for Friday night’s game or a pianist practices for their upcoming recital, ... Read more

Iowa State University Dept of Biomedical Sciences

Updated June 26, 2022 by Iowa State University Dept of Biomedical Sciences

exam preparation

Exam preparation: More than just studying?

Do you know of a colleague who is extremely good at their job, yet cannot pass the professional exams required to ascend the career ladder? Or an exceptionally bright friend – who seems to fall ... Read more

OUPBlog

Updated June 26, 2022 by OUPBlog