The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice, computer-based assessment vital for medical school admissions for over 90 years. Administered by the AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges), the MCAT evaluates the knowledge and skills deemed essential for success in medical school and medical practice. Over 85,000 students take the MCAT each year.
MCAT: A Gateway to Medical Schools
Almost all medical schools in the United States and many in Canada require MCAT scores as part of their admission process. Furthermore, numerous health profession schools and graduate programs accept MCAT scores in place of other standardized tests. Understanding what the MCAT is and how it works is crucial for any aspiring doctor.
What Does the MCAT Exam Cover?
The MCAT exam is divided into four scored sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: Tests knowledge of biological and biochemical concepts.
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: Assesses understanding of chemical and physical principles related to living systems.
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: Explores psychological, social, and biological factors influencing behavior and health.
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): Evaluates critical thinking and analytical reasoning abilities through passages.
When is the Best Time to Take the MCAT?
Timing is everything. Take the MCAT when you are fully prepared and comfortable with the tested content and skills. Ensure you have a solid grasp of introductory-level science courses commonly covered on the exam. The AAMC provides a comprehensive “What’s on the MCAT Exam?” resource to help you identify topics and skills covered.
Typically, students take the MCAT in the year preceding their planned medical school enrollment year. Before scheduling your exam date, consider the possibility of needing to retake it and assess your comprehension of the material. For instance, if you are planning to take a science course that could enhance your MCAT performance, taking the exam later in the summer might be ideal.
Be mindful of testing limits (three times in a calendar year, four times over two years, and seven times in a lifetime), and remember that medical schools will see all your scores. Only take the exam when you are adequately prepared.
The MCAT’s Role in Your Medical School Application
The MCAT is a significant factor in the application process, but it’s one piece of a larger picture. Admissions committees consider your academic record, experiences in healthcare and research, personal experiences, potential contributions to the community, and personal attributes like maturity and motivation to help others. The AAMC’s Anatomy of an Applicant outlines the 15 core competencies medical schools seek.
Financial Assistance for the MCAT
The AAMC believes financial constraints shouldn’t prevent anyone from pursuing a career in medicine. The Fee Assistance Program helps students who would otherwise be unable to afford the MCAT or medical school applications. Eligible students receive a reduced registration fee and access to free MCAT preparation resources.
Preparing for the MCAT: Resources and Strategies
The “What’s on the MCAT Exam?” tool provides a detailed outline of the material covered on the MCAT. The exam tests knowledge and skills from introductory-level biology, physics, psychology, sociology, general and organic chemistry, and first-semester biochemistry. Compare your coursework with the content lists in the online tool, as course content varies between schools. Pre-health advisors and faculty can also provide valuable guidance on course selection. The National Association of Advisors for the Health Professions (NAAHP) offers volunteer advisors if you don’t have a pre-health advisor at your school. The AAMC collaborated with Khan Academy and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to create free video tutorials and review questions covering all tested content.
Creating a study plan is a crucial first step. It helps you organize, focus, and stay on track. The AAMC offers a six-step guide to help you create your own study plan.
Official MCAT Test Preparation Resources
The AAMC provides official MCAT test preparation tools and resources (both free and low-cost) to allow you to study with content written by the test developers and simulate the MCAT experience. Explore these resources here.
Understanding MCAT Scoring
The MCAT exam yields five scores: one for each of the four sections and a combined total score.
- Section Scores: Each section score ranges from 118 to 132.
- Total Score: The total score, combining the four sections, ranges from 472 to 528.
Scores are typically released 30–35 days after your exam date. Find out more about your scores and score report here.
What if You’re Not Happy With Your MCAT Score?
If you are unsatisfied with your MCAT score, consult your pre-health advisor for guidance on whether to retake the exam. The Official Guide to the MCAT® Exam provides helpful data to consider when making this decision.
