For the first part of our MCAT mini-series, we wanted to start as simple as possible by answering the question What is the MCAT? The Medical College Admissions Test is a standardized test given out by the AAMC and taken by premedical students who intend on matriculating into medical school. Both allopathic (M.D.) and osteopathic (D.O.) medical schools require students to take it before entering.
- Sections
As we stated briefly in our Quick Guide to Applying to Medical School (Quick Guide To Applying To Medical School – Culture Healthline ) the test consists of four major sections that contain 59 questions each. The sections are Chemical and Physical Foundations, CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning), Biological and Biochemical Foundations, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations.Ideally, all the prerequisite classes needed for each section should be taken before taking the test. Although this is ideal it may not be possible depending on your undergraduate schedule. If this is not possible it is recommended that you take the last required classes as you are studying for the test because this allows you to stay fresh on the material and formally know all the material for the test. This is the approach I took and it worked like a charm.
The test is roughly seven and a half hours long with the science sections being Chem/Phys, Bio/ Biochem, and Psych/Soc. Each science section is 95 minutes and the CARS section is 90 minutes. Each section is worth 25%, with the highest score being a 528 total and a 132 in each section.
- Timing
Generally, the test is taken the year before you want to apply to medical school. So for example, if you want to matriculate into medical school right after your senior year of college you would ideally take the test sometime in your junior year so you can apply during junior year and go straight through.This is what most “traditional students” do but this process can be done in many different ways. Some people want to take time off after college to rest and get ready for medical school while others may be switching careers altogether. These would be considered “non-traditional students” As long as you take the test and apply the year before you want to matriculate you will be fine.
- Specifics
With this being said the test is only offered during certain times throughout the year, so you have to make sure that the time you want to take the test falls within that window. The MCAT schedule can be found here (U.S. MCAT® Calendar, Scheduling Deadlines, and Score Release Dates | Students & Residents (aamc.org) ) for specifics.Other specifics about the test include only being able to take it 7 times in your lifetime, 3 times in a calendar year, and 4 times in two calendar years. Also, many schools do not accept test scores that are older than 3 years old. Some students worry about these restraints but if you are determined and focused you will pass the test!
Plan well, work hard, rest harder, and stay focused. You got this!