According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, "the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee's problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine."
Most medical schools require applicants to take the MCAT and it serves as a significant factor as they evaluate applicants. Most schools will not accept scores that are more than 3 years old.
The MCAT consists of questions that fall into 4 categories: Physical Sciences (P), Verbal Reasoning (V), Biological Sciences (B), and Writing Sample (W). The 2 sciences sections are 70 minutes and the Verbal Reasoning and Writing Sample sections are 60 minutes. For the P,V, and B sections, the maximum score per section is 15 points. The Writing Sample (consisting of 2 essays) is scored on a letter scale, with T as the maximum score.
The MCAT is held more than 20 times per year. There are test dates in January, April, May, June, July, August, and September.
To view test dates and to register, visit the American Association of Medical Colleges MCAT website.
There are several factors to consider as you decide when to take the MCAT.
First, you want to make sure that you have completed coursework in the subjects that MCAT questions cover. Generally, you should have taken a year of Introductory Biology, Organic and Inorganic Chemistry, Introductory Physics, and some type of writing/English course.
Second, you need to consider when you plan to apply. It is best to take the MCAT early enough that the scores will be available to medical schools by late summer of the year you are applying. Even though you do not have to wait until you receive your MCAT scores to submit your AMCAS application, many students like to see what their score is. If you take the MCAT by June, you would have your scores in time to submit your AMCAS application by early July. If you plan to take the MCAT later in the summer (July or after), do not delay submitting your AMCAS application.
Finally, you should think about when you will be most prepared to take the MCAT. If you feel you do not have as much time to prepare during the academic year, consider taking the MCAT in June. This gives you about a month between the end of classes and your test date to devote to studying.
The American Association of Medical Colleges MCAT website is a great resource. It features FAQs about the MCAT, practice tests, and more.
Study strategies for the MCAT vary by student. Some students choose to take a prep. course while others study on their own or in small groups. If you are trying to decide whether a prep. course is right for you, consider your learning style and how you have studied for previous exams.
MCAT scores are automatically released to AMCAS. You may release your scores to non-AMCAS schools via the MCAT Testing History (THx) System. Scores generally are processed and sent within 30 days of your test date.
In 2007, the average MCAT score for medical school matriculants was approximately 30.8 (9.9V,10.3P,10.6B) with a writing score of P. The MCAT average at Hopkins is 30.9 (9.8V, 10.5P, 10.6B) with a writing score of P.
You should aim to take the MCAT only once. If your scores are below a 30, you should consider re-taking the MCATs. Only re-take the MCAT when you have done additional preparation and feel you can get a higher score. Medical schools may take your highest score in each section or may look at the most recent set of scores. You can speak with a pre-professional advisor about your specific situation.
This situation frequently occurs when students have high biological and physical science scores but lower verbal scores. Medical schools like to see consistency so if one section is significantly lower than the others, come speak with a pre-professional advisor about whether to re-take the MCAT.
The MCAT is only one aspect of what medical schools evaluate. High MCAT scores will not serve as a substitute for average or below average grades. Maintaining a strong academic record is essential.
MCAT test site:
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/start.htm
Preparing for the MCAT guidance:
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/preparing/start.htm
MCAT practice tests and some free materials:
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/practicetests.htm
Frequently asked questions about the MCAT:
http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/ptfaqs.htm
Online materials and practice tests from the AAMC:
http://www.e-mcat.com/
