MCAT Overview
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills in addition to the examinee's knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Iextensive MCAT information is available online at: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/ .
Scores are reported in each of the following areas: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Medical college admission committees consider MCAT scores as part of their admission decision process.
Almost all U.S. medical schools require applicants to submit MCAT scores during the application process. Many schools do not accept MCAT scores if taken more than three years ago.
Applicants should refer to the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) to determine specific MCAT requirements. The MSAR may be reviewed at many premedical advising offices or purchased from the AAMC Publications Web site.
MCAT Registration
As of 2007, the MCAT will be administered in a computerized format, only. Thomson Prometric will deliver the computerized MCAT on behalf of the AAMC 22 times per year, at hundreds of testing sites in North America and select sites in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East. Students may take the MCAT exam up to three times per year (but may be registered for only one testing date at a time). The number of questions included on the computerized MCAT will be reduced by about one-third from the previous paper format (without changing the content representation), and the allowed testing time will be reduced by about 30 percent. Research showed that a shorter MCAT exam would retain its predictive power. Scores will be reported in 30 days, with hopes of reducing reporting to 14 days.
Online registration for each testing date will open six months prior to the testing date. Thomson Prometric will reserve seats for MCAT examinees until 60 days before each testing date. After this, the seats will be released to people who wish to register for other tests. However, students will still be able to register for the MCAT exam up until two weeks before a chosen testing date. Through online registration and scheduling, it will be possible to change testing dates.
Taking the MCAT
The MCAT is comprised of four sections and a writing sample. Each MCAT section is assigned a numerical score from 1 to 15, with 15 being the highest. The essays are assigned a letter score from J to T, with T being the highest. A brief review follows.
The Verbal Reasoning Test is virtually identical to similar tests found on other standardized exams (such as LSAT, GRE, or even SAT), except it typically contains two or three science-oriented passages.
The Essay section consists of two timed half-hour essays. In each essay you are asked to interpret an open-ended ambiguous statement.
The Physical Sciences test covers inorganic chemistry and physics. One full year (two semesters) each of inorganic chemistry and physics sufficiently covers all the tested material.
The Biological Sciences test covers a variety of biology topics (about 50% of test) and organic chemistry (about 50% of test). One full year of organic chemistry plus lab is sufficient to cover the organic chemistry material on the MCAT.
Interpreting Your MCAT Score
Traditionally a good score is "double digits" (10 or better) on each test, and a score of at least "N" on the essay. You can get into medical school with lower scores, depending on the rest of your application and on the medical school. For your state medical school, a total score of 27 or higher, with no individual score less than 8, is probably sufficient. It is important to have a well balanced MCAT score, with no individual score markedly lower than the rest of the test. For example, a score of 8,8,8 (total 24) is generally considered superior to a score of 10,10,5
(total 25).
If you received greater than 27 on your first attempt, it is advisable to apply with your current score and re-take the MCAT only if you study hard and are confident that you will improve your score! Taking the MCAT multiple times is only helpful if a significant score improvement is reflected in each attempt. If you received less than 24, you should probably take the test again, prepare harder next time, and try to improve your score. The range of 24-27 is a grey zone: whether to take the test again depends on the rest of your application and on where you are applying. Note that these are just guidelines. You must consider your own individual situation to arrive at a final decision. Also note: if you take the MCAT early and are dissatisfied with your scores, you can go ahead an apply anyway and still retake the test in the same application year.
