What is the MCAT®?
The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a standardized, multiple-choice, computer-based test that has been a part of the medical school admissions process for more than 90 years. Each year, more than 85,000 students sit for the exam.
How many people take the MCAT each year?
Each year, more than 85,000 students sit for the exam. Nearly all medical schools in the United States and several in Canada require MCAT scores, and many health profession schools and graduate programs now accept MCAT scores in lieu of other standardized tests.
What are the integrated sections on the MCAT?
The MCAT contains integrated sections, which means that subjects are not tested independently, but include overlapping areas of concentration, which is how you’ll encounter these subjects in medical school. The integrated content on the MCAT is broken down into four test sections that comprise the exam:
How long does the MCAT test take?
On MCAT Test Day, you can expect to sit for the exam just over 7.5 hours with test-taking time and optional breaks—including one for lunch. Note that this time does not include your check-in time at the testing center. It is important to be on-time and fully prepared.
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Is MCAT on paper or online?
As of January 2007, the MCAT exam completed its transition from a paper-based exam to a computer-based exam. All administrations of the MCAT Test are now entirely computerized.
Is there written on the MCAT?
Even though the writing section was removed from the MCAT, an essay is still required as part of your medical school application. Both allopathic and osteopathic medical schools require this essay, better known as the personal statement.
How is MCAT administered?
The MCAT exam is administered in an environment with limited seating capacity where noise and movement are controlled. In some cases, a more solitary or separate testing environment may be needed.
Is MCAT paper and pencil?
Will I get scratch paper to use when I take the MCAT? Scratch paper and pencils are provided at the test center.
How many questions can you miss on MCAT?
It's a good idea to answer all the questions on the exam, as there is no penalty for wrong or unanswered questions. Second, we take the number of correct answers and convert them to an MCAT scaled score. Scores from each of these four sections are converted to a scaled score ranging from 118 (lowest) to 132 (highest).
What is the 99th percentile for MCAT?
What is the highest MCAT score? 528 is the highest possible MCAT score, which corresponds to the 100th percentile. Anything above a 524 is also a 100th percentile score, and a 522 or 523 is a 99th percentile score.
Can you go to the bathroom during the MCAT?
You can go to the restroom whenever you want to, but try to do so during your designated breaks. Go to the restroom right after your check-in and during all your breaks, even if you do not feel you have to. This way, you will not have to take time away from your actual testing to go to the restroom.
Do you take the MCAT in one sitting?
The MCAT is taken in one day, unlike multi-day tests you may take later on in medical school (e.g., USMLE Step 2). While the AAMC offered a shortened exam—5 hours and 45 minutes—during parts of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MCAT is now back to its normal length.
Do you get a calculator on the MCAT?
The MCAT is another one of those exams which require you to do calculations without allowing a calculator in the test center. But for students, this means that their work becomes simple enough that they can do it on their own.
Do I bring my own laptop to MCAT?
You will not be allowed to bring any electronic devices into the exam, nor can you store them loose in the storage unit that you access during break. Instead, all electronic devices will be sealed in a bag that will be unsealed by a test administrator at the conclusion of the exam.
Do med schools look at all MCAT scores?
While medical schools will see all your MCAT scores, admissions committees will use multiple scores in different ways, including: Considering your highest score only. Considering the average of every score. Considering all scores, but weighing your recent score most heavily.
Are you allowed to drink water during MCAT?
New section During your scheduled breaks, you may access only food, water, and medication. All break policies are outlined in the MCAT® Essentials and Testing Center Regulations and Procedures, which you are required to read.
What's the highest MCAT score?
to 528The total score ranges from 472 to 528. The midpoint is 500.
What are the 7 subjects on the MCAT?
What is tested on the MCAT? The MCAT exam not only measures your content knowledge in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology—it also tests your critical analysis and reasoning skills.
Do you get a periodic table on the MCAT?
[ EXAM TIP: A periodic table is available during the MCAT, but a calculator is not. ]
What is the average MCAT score?
501The average MCAT total score is 501 with a standard deviation of 10.8, while the 91st percentile score is 515. As of 2022, there are 45,097 men and 50,328 women in medical school according to the AAMC.
What is the MCAT exam?
MCAT is a computer-based exam that is standardized for every participant, consisting of multiple-choice questions.
How long is the MCAT?
While the AAMC did offer a shortened MCAT exam — 5 hours and 45 minutes — during parts of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the test is now back to its normal length. It is sat in a single day and is the longest test that most students will ever take in their lives. The test itself is 6 hours and 15 minutes — when you add in breaks and extra sections, the MCAT's total ‘seated time’ is 7 hours and 27 minutes. The breaks are usually half an hour plus two 10 minute breaks. For those who need it, there is also the optional time at the start for an exam tutorial.
How long are my MCAT scores valid for?
Medical schools will usually accept MCAT scores between 2 and 3 years from the testing date. This timeframe does depend on how competitive the medical schools being applied to are. Generally, the more competitive a medical school, the less time they will allow for accepting MCAT scores.
Why is it important to check your MCAT score?
It’s really important for students to check the admission policies of their chosen schools so that they know how long their MCAT scores will be valid. By not checking, you risk wasting your time on submitting an application for a school where your score is no longer accepted.
How much does it cost to take the MCAT?
It costs $315 to take the MCAT (Princeton Review). If you register late, the cost increases to $370. This MCAT registration fee includes the distribution of your MCAT scores to medical schools. If you need to cancel or choose to reschedule your test, you will be charged additional fees. The AAMC believes that the cost of applying to medical school shouldn’t be a barrier for anyone aspiring to practice medicine. They offer a fee assistance program that helps students who, without financial aid, would not be able to take the MCAT exam or apply to medical school. Eligible students will be required to pay a reduced fee and can access several additional benefits, including free MCAT preparation resources.
What is the highest score on the MCAT?
The highest possible MCAT score is 528 . Each of the four sections of the MCAT listed above is scored from 118 to 132, with the mean and median at 125. This means the total score ranges from 472 to 528 , with the mean and median at 500. Scoring between 514 and 528 will put you in the top 10% of all test takers. Scoring between 508 and 513 — in the top 25% of all tests taken — will put you in a highly competitive place for admissions. Scoring 499 or below may be enough to get you into some medical schools, but you will be below average compared to the rest of the testing population. If you are unhappy with your MCAT score, your pre-med advisor can help you decide if you should retake the exam. Scores typically are reported 30–35 days after your exam date.
What are the skills tested in the MCAT?
The knowledge and skills tested in the MCAT are introductory level biology, physics, psychology, sociology, general and organic chemistry, and first-semester biochemistry. Pre-med advisors and other staff members at your school should be able to help you prepare you for the exam, so reach out to them for advice before you take it. If you do not have a pre-med advisor, the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) has volunteer advisors who are there to help. The AAMC offers official MCAT test preparation tools and resources, which can be accessed for free or at a low cost. This ensures that students can study and practice with content written by the real-life test developers and can replicate the actual MCAT experience in a simulated testing environment. Preparation is invaluable for students who want to achieve a good MCAT score.
How is the MCAT exam scored?
You will receive five results from your MCAT exam—one for each of the four sections and one combined total score.
How important is the MCAT exam?
Taking the MCAT exam is an important step in the application process, but it is just one part of your overall application to medical school. Admissions committees consider many other aspects about you, including your academic strengths, exposure to health care and medical research environments, personal experiences and interests, potential to contribute to the campus and community, and personal attributes such as maturity and drive to help others. You can see the 15 core competencies medical schools look for in Anatomy of an Applicant.
When should I take the MCAT exam?
It is important to take the exam when you are prepared and ready. Be sure you are comfortable with the content and skills tested on the exam, which are often covered in introductory-level science courses. Read over the What's on the MCAT Exam? tool to be sure you have covered all the topics and skills that are tested on the exam.
How many times does the MCAT test take place?
The content is divided into four sections: The AAMC develops the MCAT exam and administers it multiple times each year, from late January through September, at hundreds of test sites throughout the United States and Canada and in select locations throughout the world.
How many students take the MCAT each year?
Each year, more than 85,000 students sit for the exam. Nearly all medical schools in the United States and several in Canada require MCAT scores, and many health profession schools and graduate programs now accept MCAT scores in lieu of other standardized tests. The MCAT exam tests examinees on the skills and knowledge that medical educators, ...
What are the courses on the MCAT?
The material you will be responsible for knowing on the MCAT exam is outlined in the online tool, What’s on the MCAT Exam? The knowledge and skills tested on the exam are found in introduc tory level biology, physics, psychology, and sociology, general and organic chemistry, and first-semester biochemistry. Because course content differs between schools, it is a good idea to compare the content of the courses you plan to take with the content lists in the online tool. Pre-health advisors and other faculty at your school are also great resources for helping you plan which courses will best prepare you to do well on the exam. If you do not have a pre-health advisor, the National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) has volunteer advisors who can assist you. To help you prepare for the content on the exam, the AAMC collaborated with the Khan Academy and Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to create original video tutorials and review questions that cover all content tested on the exam.
When is the MCAT exam administered?
The AAMC develops the MCAT exam and administers it multiple times each year, from late January through September, at hundreds of test sites throughout the United States and Canada and in select locations throughout the world.
What is tested on the MCAT?
The MCAT exam not only measures your content knowledge in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology—it also tests your critical analysis and reasoning skills.
What is the MCAT test?
The MCAT is a test of critical reasoning skills that rewards students on their ability to apply test content. Knowing how to interpret and solve complex problems is the key to a great MCAT score. [ Learn more about what's on the MCAT ]
What is a good MCAT score?
When considering your MCAT score goal, it’s always a good idea to look at the requirements—or minimums, if applicable—at the med schools to which you’re applying. In addition, here are some other details about MCAT scoring that can help you assess your target score:
How long is the MCAT?
On MCAT Test Day, you can expect to sit for the exam just over 7.5 hours with test-taking time and optional breaks—including one for lunch. Note that this time does not include your check-in time at the testing center. It is important to be on-time and fully prepared. The AAMC lists the Test Day schedule as follows:
When is the MCAT offered?
The MCAT is administered approximately 25 times per year between the months of January and September. Scores are usually released about a month or just over a month from each test date.
How much does it cost to take the MCAT?
The cost to take the MCAT is $310 during AAMC’s regular registration window, but increases if you register late or if you reschedule. There are also cancellation and international fees that may pertain to some test takers. It’s important that you choose the right MCAT test date—and test prep—for you, so you don’t have to pay the fee a second time.
What are the undergraduate courses on the MCAT?
The undergraduate courses that are reflected in the Chem/Physics section of the MCAT include introductory General Chemistry (30%), introductory Physics (25%), introductory Organic Chemistry (15%), and first-semester Biochemistry (25%). Introductory Biology (5%) is also included in this section of the test.
What is the MCAT?
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a computer-based standardized exam for potential medical student applicants in the United States, Australia and Canada. It is intended to evaluate problem solving, critical thinking, written analysis and acquaintance of scientific concepts and principles.
How many times does the MCAT test take?
The test is offered 25 or more times per year at Prometric centers. The quantity of administrations may differ each year. Most students who take the MCAT are undergraduates in their junior or senior year of college before they apply a medical program. Ever since the test’s length was extended to 7.5 hours, the exam is only offered in the morning.
What is the maximum compound score for medical school?
The numerical scores from each multiple-choice unit are added together to give a compound score. The maximum compound score is 528. According to the AAMC, the average score for U.S. medical school applicants for each section is 125 for a total average score of 500.
