Applying · Guide

PA-CAT vs. GRE for PA school

By The Prereq Club, a pre-PA student and her mom (not PAs or admissions advisers). Every program rule below names its source and the month we checked it: October 2026.

Short answer

It depends entirely on the programs on your list. Some programs require the GRE, some require the PA-CAT, some accept either, and some require neither the GRE nor the PA-CAT (though some of those, like Boston University and UW–Madison, require Casper). Penn State requires the GRE and doesn't accept the PA-CAT in its place. Barry requires the PA-CAT. Augusta accepts the GRE or the PA-CAT. Boston University, Emory, OHSU and UW–Madison don't require the GRE. Check every program before you book a test.

The two tests, side by side

PA-CATGRE General Test
What it covers240 questions (200 scored) across 9 science subjects, the prerequisite sciences typically required for PA schoolVerbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning and analytical writing; no science
Cost$257, including the test center fee for standard administration; fee assistance available$249 in the U.S., plus any sales tax; $100 with an ETS Fee Reduction Voucher for eligible test takers
Where5,000+ testing centers or at home with live remote proctoringTest center or at home
ScoresA scaled composite score plus scaled sub-scores for anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry; no passing score. Official transcripts go to the programs you designate within 6 weeksVerbal and quantitative scores (130–170), writing (0–6), and percentiles
RetakesOnce every 6 weeks, no more than 3 times in 12 months. Breaking this rule voids all your scoresSee ETS

What nine programs require

ProgramWhat its page says
Penn State
page checked Oct 2026		GRE required (no minimum score). MCAT (505+), PCAT (75th percentile+) or DAT (18+) scores may replace it; the program "has not adopted using the PA-CAT test results as a substitution for the GRE"
Duke
2026–27; this cycle's test window has closed		GRE required of all candidates, taken no earlier than January 1, 2022 and no later than August 15, 2026; "No other test scores are accepted in lieu of the GRE"
Barry
June 2026 FAQ		PA-CAT required for all applicants; GRE no longer required. Barry recommends taking the PA-CAT and sending scores before you apply
Augusta
page checked Oct 2026		GRE or PA-CAT, with scores sent to both CASPA and Augusta. GRE minimum 290 overall; either test must be from the last 5 years
Stanford
page checked Oct 2026		GRE, MCAT or PA-CAT "highly recommended," but it reviews all eligible applications without one. Scores must be verified or received by July 1 to be included. Stanford says the PA-CAT is preferred
Boston University
2026–27; its Sept 1, 2026 deadline has passed		GRE and MCAT scores "are NOT required for application and will not be reviewed"
Emory
2026–27		"GRE's are no longer required"
OHSU
page checked Oct 2026		Does not require GRE scores
UW–Madison
page checked Oct 2026		Does not require GRE scores

Examples, not a ranking. Test rules change from one cycle to the next, so check each program's page for the cycle you're applying in.

How to decide

  1. List your programs first, then note which test each requires, accepts or ignores.
  2. If no program on your list requires or accepts a test, you can skip it. But if you might add programs later, check whether that would mean a test, and leave at least 6 weeks for scores. Where a test is "recommended," taking it may strengthen your application.
  3. Check minimum scores, like Augusta's GRE 290 and Penn State's minimums for substitute tests, so you don't apply where your score won't qualify.
  4. Check score deadlines, not just application deadlines. Stanford wants scores verified or received by July 1 (July 1, 2026 for this cycle, now passed; check the date for yours), so test well before then. Barry keeps an application pending until it receives PA-CAT scores, which are due within 30 business days of its admissions office's notice, and recommends testing before you apply.
  5. Leave time for scores to arrive, and send them to the right places. PA-CAT official transcripts can take up to 6 weeks to reach programs. Designate each program, and CASPA too where a program asks for it.
  6. Look into fee help before you pay: Exam Master and ETS both offer fee assistance or reductions for eligible applicants.

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Quick answers

Do PA schools require the GRE or the PA-CAT?

It varies by program. Some require the GRE, some the PA-CAT, some either, and some neither. Penn State requires the GRE and doesn't accept the PA-CAT instead, Barry requires the PA-CAT, Augusta accepts either, and Boston University, Emory, OHSU and UW–Madison don't require the GRE. Check each program on your list.

How much does the PA-CAT cost?

$257, including the test center fee for standard administration, per Exam Master. Fee assistance is available for eligible applicants.

What is on the PA-CAT?

240 questions across 9 science subject areas. Programs receive a scaled composite score and scaled sub-scores for anatomy and physiology, biology and chemistry; there is no passing score. You can take it once every 6 weeks, up to 3 times in 12 months.

Sources (all opened October 2026)

Rules can change from one cycle to the next. Before you count on any of this, check each program's own admissions page or email the program. This guide is educational only and isn't admissions advice.