An Introduction to MCAT – All you need to know
The MCAT or the Medical College Admission Test is a national level Standardised test which is computer based for students attempting to gain entry into the medical field. It not only tests basic science concepts but also written analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities. Anyone who aspires to go to med school can do so after conquering the MCAT.
In the United States, the MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Need to be a med student; a good score in the MCAT is a prerequisite. The exam is offered about 25 times per year. Undergraduates in their junior or senior year at school take the test. The duration of the test is 7.5 hours.
MCAT details
| Type | Computer-based standardized test |
| Offered | 25 times from January through September |
| Restrictions on attempts | Can be taken a maximum of 3 times in a one year period; 4 times in a two year period; and 7 times for life |
| Duration | 7 hrs 30 min |
| Scores/grades used by | Medical colleges (mostly in the United States and Canada). |
| Fee | Gold zone (registration about 1 month or more prior to test date): US $315 |
What are the four main sections of the MCAT?
There are four main sections related to:
- Chemistry and Physics
- Biology/Biochemistry
- Critical Analysis and reasoning skills
- Psychology and social foundations
How is MCAT scored?
Each individual section is scored in the range of 118 to 132. The answers are graded on the number of correct answers and not errors. So the total scores are on a scale of 472 to 528. Other than writing samples, all sections are in multiple formats.
What is the cost of taking the MCAT?
If you register 3 weeks before the exam or prior, you have to pay registration fees of $315. If you register 8 days prior to the exam, it’s $370. In case of rescheduling before 3 weeks, you pay $70 else you pay $150. International testing demands an additional fee of $105 in addition to the above.
How to register for the MCAT?
MCAT registration is typically done online. It is done through the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). To check for detail scheduling and registration check here.
How to prepare for the MCAT?
The AAMC website provides some very good study materials for the MCAT. The official AAMC site has around 300 practice questions in different sections. For extra content or targeted content review, go to prep packs online from reputed sites like Kaplan to improve your score.
The top 5 test prep books according to us are:
- Kaplan Test Prep
- Princeton Review
- MCAT Exam Prep Team
- MCAT Exam Secrets
- Kaplan Test Prep(Flashcards + APP)
How long does it take to prepare for the MCAT?
A total of 6-8 months of prep working around 20 hours per week with full concentration on perfecting the basics is ideal to perform well in the MCAT.
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Mark Roger
Mark loves food, animals, traveling and snorkeling – not in any particular order! He dons the role of a businessman, father, husband and human rights activist with equal élan and is a great lover of nature. He is often spotted fishing and engaging in endless debates with friends on the perils of global warming. Contact him at [email protected]
