This study examined the possible relationship between scores on the Nelson-Denny Reading Test (current forms G and H) and performance on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) and the United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 1 examination scores. Participants were 730 medical students at a mid-Atlantic university, and for 572 of these students, MCAT scores were also available. All four Nelson-Denny Reading Test variables (Vocabulary, Comprehension, Total Score, and Reading Rate) were positively correlated with the MCAT verbal reasoning score. Nelson-Denny Vocabulary and Total Scores were positively correlated with the USMLE Step 1 score, but the Nelson-Denny Comprehension score was not significantly related to the USMLE Step 1 score. MCAT scores have been shown to be correlated with USMLE scores. Results suggest that medical schools should consider using an index of reading to predict applicants who will achieve success in medical school. (Contains 15 references.) (SLD)