Image Source: Pexels.com
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students (both Allopathic M.D. and Osteopathic D.O.) in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. Before 2007, the exam was a paper-and-pencil test; since 2007, all administrations of the exam have been computer-based.
The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It is designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, written analysis and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles. In 2015, the AAMC added a new section called Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior. The most recent version of the exam takes 7+1⁄2 hours to complete.
Admission to medical schools is highly competitive, so achieving a high MCAT score is important for students aspiring to enter the medical field. The test is scored in a range from 472 to 528. Most medical schools require applicants to obtain a score of 510 or higher, with the average score being 511-512. This places significant pressure on students to adequately prepare for the exam in an effort to score above the average percentile for matriculants at their target medical schools.
If you’re feeling daunted by the prospect of test prep and don’t know where to start, check out How to Study for the MCAT: A Complete Prep Guide. Written with individuals preparing for their MCAT test in mind, this comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide delves into the characteristics of the test and what to expect. It offers practical advice on creating a successful study plan, and answers common questions about the MCAT and exam prep.
This informative study guide covers the following insights:
- An overview of the test, including its contents, test length, and how it is scored.
- Practical tips on studying for MCAT success, such as creating a study schedule, deciding between self-led or guided test prep, and practice tests.
- Answers to frequently asked questions about MCAT test preparation.
Some compelling facts readers will discover in this resource include:
- The MCAT consists of 230 multiple-choice questions, primarily passage-based, with about 20% being discrete.
- At the end of the exam, there’s a Void Question option, allowing examinees to void the test if they feel they underperformed, for a possible retake.
- Most students prepare for the MCAT over three months, investing 200-300 hours in total.
Access the full guide here: https://www.studocu.com/blog/en/study-tips-for-mcat