A new October date was just added to the 2025 PREview testing calendar. Keep reading to learn why you should take the PREview exam even if it’s only recommended and how to know if the Oct. 30 test date will work for you.
1. Recommended still means important
When a school “recommends” PREview scores, that recommendation reflects genuine interest. Admissions committees wouldn’t ask for it if they didn’t plan to use it. Submitting your scores demonstrates that you’re responsive to what schools are asking for and go beyond what is minimally needed to complete your application. It won’t count against you if you do not submit a PREview score, but you might miss an opportunity to further demonstrate your professional skills.
2. Higher acceptance rates among test takers
Applicants who took the PREview exam in recent cycles had higher acceptance rates compared to those who didn’t. Medical schools use the PREview exam to get a more complete picture of their applicants’ professional skills. Submitting your scores shows that you’re willing to provide them with the information they value.
3. Another way to show professionalism
The PREview exam is designed to measure professional competencies—like service orientation, teamwork, and resilience—that medical schools consistently say are essential in future physicians. By taking the exam, you’re giving admissions officers more evidence of the qualities they want to see in their students.
4. New Oct. 30 test date supports later application deadlines
To help students applying to schools with later deadlines, we’ve added one more PREview test date this fall. Medical schools requested this option specifically to make sure their applicants have the chance to take the exam and submit their scores. Registration is open now for the Oct. 30 test date. It will close on Oct. 16, and scores will be released on or around Nov. 20.
Taking the PREview exam, even when it’s only recommended, shows admissions committees that you’re thorough, accountable, and committed to presenting the best version of yourself. With the added October test date, you still have time to register, prepare, and make your application stand out. Learn more about the exam and register at aamc.org/preview.