The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is the standardized admissions test required by nearly all U.S. medical schools. Some combined BS/MD programs that accept students directly from high school do not require the MCAT. The test consists of four sections: Verbal Reasoning (scored 1-15), Physical Sciences (scored 1-15), Biological Sciences (scored 1-15), and a Writing Sample (scored J-T, with T being the highest). The test lasts approximiately five hours and is offered multiple times throughout the year.
2) How important is the MCAT? ^TOPThe MCAT is very important. A high MCAT score by itself will not get you into medical school, but a low MCAT score may keep you out. An otherwise qualified applicant may not even be granted an interview if his MCAT score is not high enough. Once an interview is granted, the MCAT may still play an important role in the final decision.
3) What material is on the MCAT? ^TOP
The official MCAT registration materials include a syllabus that details the subject matter. Below is a summary:
The physical sciences section covers inorganic chemistry (50%) and physics (50%). One full year of inorganic chemistry and physics sufficiently covers the tested material.
The verbal reasoning section is virtually identical to the verbal section of other standardized exams, such as the SAT, except that it typically contains 2-3 science-oriented passages.
The essay section consists of two timed half-hour essays. In each essay you are asked to interpret an open-ended statement.
The biological sciences section covers biology (80%) and organic chemistry (20%). One full year of organic chemistry plus lab sufficiently covers the organic chemistry material on the MCAT. Advanced biology courses are helpful but not required.4) When should I start studying for the MCAT? ^TOP
Most students require at least two months of regular review to cover all the necessary material, and many students require longer. However, MCAT preparation actually begins as soon as you start college. Try to do well in your undergraduate science courses and read broadly. This way, you may spend the final 2-3 months reviewing the information you have already learned.
5) How should I study for the MCAT? ^TOPIt is important to be disciplined and set aside sufficient time for review. Whatever study methods have served you well in the past should also help you prepare for the MCAT. For example, you can review your textbooks or make study sheets and notecards.
For more structured review, consider buying a review book or taking a review course. No matter what method you choose, it is highly recomended that you take many timed practice tests. Full length practice tests are available directly from the AAMC, at any bookstore, or through review courses.
6) Should I take a review course? ^TOPIt depends. If you feel overwhelmed at the thought of MCAT review, prefer a structured curriculum, and learn well in a classroom environment, then a review course may be a good idea. When used properly, review courses are an effective way to prepare for the MCAT. They offer structured, comprehensive review, teacher-student interaction, numerous practice tests and test-taking strategies, and comprehensive, well-written review materials. However, review courses are expensive. Do not enroll in a review course just for the materials, because similar materials may be purchased at a bookstore.
7) When should I take the MCAT? ^TOPThe MCAT must be taken at least one year prior to the date you wish to begin medical school. Do not take the test until you have completed the necessary pre-requisite courses. If you are planning to matriculate the fall after senior year, you may want to take the MCAT during the summer (before), fall, winter or spring of your junior year - you will be applying the summer after your junior year.
8) What is a good MCAT score? ^TOPTraditionally a good score is 10 or better on each section, with a writing score of at least "N". You can be accepted into medical school with lower scores, depending on the rest of your application and on the individual medical school. It is important to have a well balanced MCAT score, with no individual score markedly lower than the rest. For example, a score of 8,8,8 (total 24) is generally considered superior to a score of 10,10,5 (total 25).
9) Are all the sections of the MCAT equally important? ^TOPThe essay section is generally considered less important than the other sections. Your essay score is impressive if it is extremely high (S or T) and is detrimental if it is extremely low (J or K). However, any score in between has little or no impact on your application. Be sure to demonstrate your writing abilities to medical schools by composing a well-written personal statement.
10) Can I re-take the MCAT? ^TOPIt is preferrable to study as hard as possible and do well on your first attempt. Taking the MCAT multiple times is only helpful if you significantly improve your score. If there were unusual circumstances during your test day that resulted in a score much lower than your practice test scores, or if you feel that you have not studied adquately and would benefit from several more months of review, then you may consider retaking the MCAT. If you have already studied to your full potential, retaking the test often does not result in a score improvement.
11) How do medical schools interpret multiple MCAT attempts? ^TOPMedical schools will be able to see how many times you took the test, so it is best to limit yourself to one or two attempts. Only re-take the test if you feel confident that you can improve your score. Most medical schools will consider the highest overall MCAT score in evaluating your final application. You are allowed to take the test up to three times, after which you must petition to take it again.
12) Can I take the MCAT as "practice" and cancel my score at the end? ^TOPThe MCAT registration fee is over $200. There are many practice tests available, with solutions, which are much less expensive. You should use those for practice. The only good reason not to release your score on testing day is if know that you did poorly due to a fluke.
12) What is testing day like? ^TOP
Visit the MCAT Testing Experience FAQs on the AAMC Website.
Updated September 6th, 2008.