Five Facts About the AAMC PREview Situational Judgement Test and Registration Details

The AAMC PREview Situational Judgement Test (SJT) plays a growing role in medical school admissions. If you are preparing to apply to medical school, understanding this test and its registration process is crucial. Registration for the PREview test opens on February 24, making now the perfect time to get informed and plan your next steps.

What Is the PREview Situational Judgement Test?

The PREview test evaluates non-academic skills such as professionalism, ethics, and interpersonal skills. Unlike traditional exams that focus on science knowledge, this test presents real-world scenarios to assess how applicants might respond in medical settings. Medical schools use these scores to gain insight into candidates' judgment and decision-making abilities.

Fact 1: You Do Not Have to Retake the Test If You Took It Last Year

If you completed the PREview test last year, you do not need to take it again this year. Your previous score remains valid for the current application cycle. This policy helps reduce stress and saves time for applicants who have already demonstrated their situational judgment skills.

For example, if you took the test in 2023 or 2024 and plan to apply in May, your score will automatically be available to schools requiring it. This means you can focus on other parts of your application without worrying about retesting.

Fact 2: Scores of 5 or Better Mean You Should Not Retake the Test

The PREview test scores range from 1 to 9, with 5 considered a solid passing score. If you scored 5 or higher, retaking the test is generally unnecessary.

Applicants who scored below 5 might consider retaking the test to improve their score.

Fact 3: PREview Scores Appear Automatically in AMCAS for Schools That Require It

One of the conveniences of the PREview test is that your scores are automatically sent to the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) for schools that require them. This eliminates the need for manual score submission and ensures your application is complete.

This automatic integration means you do not have to worry about missing deadlines or forgetting to send scores. It also allows medical schools to receive your situational judgment results alongside your academic records, providing a fuller picture of your qualifications.

Fact 4: Free Full-Length Practice Tests Are Available

Preparing for the PREview test is easier thanks to free full-length practice tests provided by the AAMC. These practice tests simulate the actual exam experience, helping you become familiar with the format and types of scenarios you will encounter.

We recommend doing a few questions and checking your answers before completing the rest of the practice test. If you are not getting at least half of them correct, schedule an appointment with Joanne to go through your reasoning and identify any ways to improve your test taking.

Fact 5: Registration Fees Are Waived for Applicants Who Qualify for the Fee Assistance Program (FAP)

The AAMC offers a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) to support applicants with financial need. If you qualify for FAP, the registration fees for the PREview test are waived. This makes the test more accessible and reduces financial barriers for many students.

To apply for FAP, you must meet specific income and eligibility criteria. If approved, you will receive a waiver code that you can use during registration. This program helps ensure that all applicants have a fair chance to demonstrate their situational judgment skills.

What You Need to Know About Registration

Registration for the PREview test opens on February 24. It is important to register early to secure your preferred test date. The test is taken virtually.