Taking the MCAT

Nobody likes tests, but if you're planning to go to medical school, you're almost certainly going to need to take the MCAT so here's a little information to help you on your way.

Overview

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination that is a required component for application to most medical schools in the United States as well as many in Canada. The test was designed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to assess problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills as well as the test-taker's knowledge of science concepts that are necessary pre-requisites to study medicine.
The exam is scored in four areas:

* Verbal Reasoning
* Writing Sample
* Physical Sciences
* Biological Sciences

The physical sciences tests knowledge of physics and general chemistry while the biological sciences tests biology and organic chemistry.

Scoring

Interestingly enough, your scores are based on a curve so that your performance on the test is actually measured in comparison to everyone else who took it. All the sections except the Writing Sample are judged on a scale of 1 - 15. The Writing Sample score is converted to a letter score ranging from a low J to a high T. Typically a score of 30 or higher on the MCAT is considered quite competitive. It is also desirable to have balanced rather than lopsided scores on the three different scored sections.

Paper vs. Computer Test

Right now, the MCAT is undergoing changes as the AAMC announced in July 2005 that they are converting the entire test to a computerized format. This will allow them to increase the number of available test dates as well as decreasing the length of the test day and number of test questions and improve grading accuracy and the time required to distribute scores.

The paper version of the test is anticipated to be in use only to the end of 2006. The new test will also capture examinees' thumbprints electronically instead of on paper as has happened in the past.

Be sure to clearly investigate your options as far as taking the test as this conversion takes place and to be aware of how these changes may affect your test taking!

Study

Studying to take the MCAT is very important. It is best to try to take the test only once and in order to perform well, you will need to have a firm foundation in biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. Conceptual understanding in addition to just knowing facts is vital.

There are many MCAT books and practice tests available. Be familiar with the test and the format and questions you'll be dealing with so nothing is a surprise on test day. You could take a test prep course depending on your ability to discipline yourself to study and your desire to have help planning your study efforts.

Plan, prepare, and good luck on your MCAT!


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