If you’ve been researching PA schools, you’ve probably come across a whole alphabet soup of tests: GRE, PA-CAT, CASPer. 😅 And you might be wondering…
👉 Do I really need to take these?
👉 Which ones matter most?
👉 Should I be stressing out (or saving my money)?
Let’s break it down together so you can figure out what actually matters for YOUR application.
🎓 The GRE (Graduate Record Exam)
What it is:
The GRE is a general graduate school entrance exam that tests verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning (math), and analytical writing.
Do PA schools require it?
- Some do, some don’t.
- The trend? Many PA programs are moving away from requiring the GRE.
- Schools that still require it will typically list their minimum or average accepted scores on their admissions page.
What you need to know:
- If your dream schools require the GRE → you’ll have to take it.
- If not? Don’t waste your time or money.
Our advice:
✔️ Make a list of your target programs.
✔️ See how many require the GRE.
✔️ If only one or two do and you’re not excited about them → skip it.
✔️ If half or more do → start prepping.
🧪 The PA-CAT (Physician Assistant College Admission Test)
What it is:
The PA-CAT is a specialized exam designed specifically for PA school applicants. It tests your knowledge of science subjects like anatomy, physiology, microbiology, biochemistry, and more.
Do PA schools require it?
- Right now, only a handful of programs require the PA-CAT.
- It’s still pretty new compared to the GRE.
What you need to know:
- The idea is that it helps programs gauge your readiness for the heavy science load of PA school.
- But since very few schools require it, you only need to take it if your target schools are on that list.
Our advice:
✔️ Don’t stress over the PA-CAT unless it’s specifically listed as required by your programs.
✔️ Focus on strengthening your overall application (GPA, patient care hours, shadowing, essays) instead.
💻 The CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics)
What it is:
CASPer is not a knowledge-based test. Instead, it’s an online situational judgment test. You’ll watch or read scenarios and respond to ethical or interpersonal dilemmas—basically testing your professionalism, empathy, and decision-making.
Do PA schools require it?
- More and more programs are adding CASPer as a requirement.
- It’s becoming the new trend because schools want to evaluate “non-cognitive skills” (aka who you are as a person).
What you need to know:
- It’s not something you can really “study” for like the GRE.
- The best prep is reflecting on your values, professionalism, and how you’d handle tricky real-world situations.
- Practice timed typing (since you’ll need to respond quickly in short answer format).
Our advice:
✔️ If your schools require CASPer, register early so you get a test date that works.
✔️ Don’t overthink it—be authentic, thoughtful, and professional.
✔️ CASPer can actually be a great chance to shine if you’re strong in communication and empathy.
✅ The Bottom Line
- GRE: Required by some schools. Don’t waste time if it’s not on your list.
- PA-CAT: Rarely required. Only take it if your dream schools say you must.
- CASPer: Becoming more common. Think of it as another way to show programs who you are beyond stats.
Your strategy:
- Make a list of every PA school you’re considering.
- Highlight which require GRE, PA-CAT, and/or CASPer.
- Focus only on the ones that actually matter for your schools.
👉 Don’t let these extra tests distract you from what matters most: strong grades, solid patient care hours, great essays, and confident interviews.
💡 Final Thoughts
It’s easy to get caught up in the swirl of requirements and feel like you need to do everything. But remember—most programs are far more interested in your GPA, patient care experience, shadowing, and overall fit than in one test score.
So before you panic-buy a GRE prep course or stress about the PA-CAT, do your homework on your schools first. You might not need any of them.
And if you do need one? You’ve got this. Just another step in the process, and you’ll crush it. 💪
✨ Want extra support? Our PA-Cers Membership doesn’t just give you shadowing hours—it counts as a professional membership on CASPA (double win!) and helps you strengthen your app in the areas schools really care about.