Everything You Should Know About The MCAT Test
MCAT test (Medical College Admission Test) is a mandatory standardized test for those who want to study medicine abroad. Therefore, although the test structure is similar to the GMAT and GRE, the MCAT test is much more diverse and difficult. Those who want to take the MCAT, in theory, must have at least 1 year of study in each of the following subjects: Biology, General Organic, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics. It can be said that getting a high score in the MCAT exam is not easy and you need to have serious preparation in terms of knowledge, experience, and psychology. In the below article, we will provide you with the most up-to-date information about the MCAT test, which can be beneficial for you during the preparation process.What is MCAT Test?
The MCAT (which stands for Medical College Admission Test) is a multiple-choice standardized exam designed for the purpose of assessing the knowledge and analytical skills required by students who intend to pursue a career in Medicine. However, it is computerized and assesses physics and biological sciences, verbal reasoning, and writing skills. The MCAT is required for admission to most medical schools in many countries around the world, including the US, UK, Canada, and several others. However, it is computerized and assesses physics and biological sciences, verbal reasoning, and writing skills.In addition, the MCAT helps colleges and universities assess students' knowledge of the Natural, Behavioral, and Social Sciences concepts and principles of science before studying medicine. It serves as a predictor of your success for admissions officers.In April 2015, the Association of American Medical Colleges (which is often known as the AAMC) released the new version of the MCAT. With the last revision in the year 1991, recent updates of MCAT reflect developments in medicine and science and also rate candidates on their knowledge, skills, and applications in reality.Sections of the MCAT Test
The MCAT is an exam of 230 questions divided into four general topics, and the test-takers score in each section is calculated equally in the total score. Background information covered in college-level introductory courses in biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, sociology, and pre-algebra is tested across these four sections of the MCAT.- Biological and biochemical foundation of living systems
- Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems
- Critical analysis and reasoning skills
- Psychological, social, and biological basis of behavior
3 of the 4 sections of the MCAT focus on the natural and social sciences and build on knowledge learned at University, says Mitchell. In contrast, the MCAT's Analytical and Reasoning Skills section does not test academic knowledge, but reading comprehension. The detailed information of four sections is described in the below table:Sections | Content Description |
Biological and biochemical foundation of living systems | - 59 multiple-choice questions
- 95-minute section
- Tests for basic biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry
- There are 44 questions related to the passage, while the remaining ones are completely standalone and not associated with any corresponding essay/passage.
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Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems | - 59 multiple-choice questions
- 95-minute section
- Test basic biochemistry, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics
- There are 44 questions related to the passage, while the remaining ones are completely standalone and not associated with any corresponding essay/passage.
|
Critical analysis and reasoning skills | - 59 multiple-choice questions
- 95-minute section
- Tests in introductory psychology, sociology, and biology
- There are 44 questions related to the passage, while the remaining ones are completely standalone and not associated with any corresponding essay/passage.
|
Psychological, social, and biological basis of behavior | - 53 passage-related multiple-choice questions
- 90-minute section
- This section is similar to the reading comprehension section in terms of other standardized tests. Paragraphs come from many humanities and social sciences disciplines.
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MCAT Scoring Rules
MCAT scores run from 472 to a maximum of 528. The definition of a "great" MCAT score changes depending on your application arrangement. In common, you'll be able to consider a review "great" in the event that it meets or surpasses the normal MCAT score of understudies accepted to your target schools. The normal MCAT score for all therapeutic school registration understudies in 2019- 2020 (acknowledged students) is approximately 506.1. Rate appraisals can assist you to decide how your score compares to the scores of other participants.For each of the 4 MCAT sections mentioned above, your raw score (the number of MCAT questions answered accurately) is converted to a proportional score. The score scale range is 118-132. The exact conversion calculation differs a little bit for each MCAT test for the purpose of explaining the variation in difficulty. Your total MCAT score, which fluctuates from 472 to 528, is the total score of the scaled testing section.Once you receive your MCAT score report, it'll incorporate the percentile rankings for each area and your add-up to score. The percentile rating tells you how you compare to other candidates taking the MCAT. To be more specific, in case the rate rating for your add-up to score is 80%, it implies that having scored equal to at least 80% of the contenders and equal to a maximum of 20% of the contenders. (Note: For the 2019-2020 testing cycle, the MCAT percentile positioning is based on test scores from 2016, 2017, and 2018).The MCAT is regarded as a good measure of your ability to succeed in medical school, and your MCAT score is one of the most important factors in applying to medical school. A good MCAT score will help you maximize your chances of getting into top medical schools. However, keep in mind that your MCAT score is not the only factor. GPA is equally important. Assuming your overall application is good, a high GPA can make up for a slightly lower MCAT score, and a high MCAT score can make up for a slightly lower GPA. Other, non-quantitative factors also influence your admissions decision, including letters of recommendation, undergraduate coursework, clinical experience, extracurriculars, personal statement, and more.MCAT Administration
The MCAT is managed at numerous testing locales over the US and Canada, as well as a few universal areas. Don't forget to enroll right when you know your testing date, as MCAT testing centers have a constrained capacity and work on a first-come-first-served premise. In addition, as the MCAT is gradually becoming more popular in many countries, delaying registration may cost you the opportunity to take the exam at a suitable time.Upon entry at the testing center, candidates are to check in with the test director. Here you may sign in, appear with your recognizing proof, make a computerized filter of your palm, and take a test-day photograph. You'll not get to bring any other materials along with you when entering the MCAT testing center, because you'll be given a note-board booklet and point marker for the purpose of taking all fundamental calculations.MCAT Fees
MCAT fees will fluctuate dramatically depending on the specific features of each option that you choose in your registration. Below is the detailed information of the scheduling fees that you should carefully consider:Regular scheduling fees of MCATFeatures/Options | Gold Zone | Silver Zone | Bronze Zone |
Registration Fee | $320 per person | $320 per person | $320 per person |
Cancellation Refund Fee | $320 per person | $320 per person | $320 per person |
International MCAT Testing Fee | $115 per person | $115 per person | $115 per person |
Registration Cutoff | More than 29 days before the MCAT test day | From 15 to 28 days before the MCAT test day | From 15 to 28 days before the MCAT test day |
Assistance program fee of MCATFeatures/Options | Gold Zone | Silver Zone | Bronze Zone |
Registration Fee | $130 per person | $130 per person | $130 per person |
Cancellation Refund Fee | $130 per person | $130 per person | $130 per person |
International MCAT Testing Fee | $115 per person | $115 per person | $115 per person |
Registration Cutoff | More than 29 days before the MCAT test day | From 15 to 28 days before the MCAT test day | From 15 to 28 days before the MCAT test day |
Note: Because the MCAT often costs you such a large amount of budget, it is suggested for you to use numerous free and available MCAT practice tests as well as other resources to practice. By this method, you can have the opportunity to achieve a high score the first time without paying lots of money for taking tests.Eligibility for MCAT
You will be considered eligible to sit for the medical college entrance exam if you plan to apply to a medical-vocational school, which includes the following programs:- The Doctor of Medicine (MD) Degree Program
- The Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) Degree Program
- The Doctor of Podiatric Medicine (DPM)
- The Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)
Any other health-related program will accept test results to meet test score admission requirements.FAQs about MCAT Test
How long is the MCAT?
The real timing of the official MCAT can vary, as test-takers can work at their own pace, in spite of the fact that time limits are upheld. Discretionary 10-minute breaks are advertised after each area, and test-takers are given the alternative to waiting areas early in the event that they are prepared to proceed. In common, the MCAT keeps going for roughly 4 hours. How do I register for the MCAT?
Registration for the MCAT test must be taken via the official website of the AAMC (which stands for the American Association of Medical Colleges). Since testing locales and dates are restricted, enrollment can fill up exceptionally early. A few states in the US or other nations have testing centers that fill up at least half of a year before the MCAT testing date. It is fundamental for every MCAT candidate to arrange ahead and choose their testing date early. A few understudies travel to other states to require the MCAT in case all the registration applications in their location have been already filled.What should I bring to the MCAT?
The MCAT test centers are firmly controlled. The only thing that you have to bring on the MCAT test day is a government-issued photo identification card. You are not allowed to bring any materials for testing, and anything brought will be set in a locker exterior of the testing region. Pencils and noise-canceling earphones are given to you before the test starts.NOTE: No calculators are allowed on the MCAT exam and no condition sheet is given. All calculations must be done by hand and you need to memorize all the equations. The only asset given amid the MCAT test may be a periodic table, which gives the title, nuclear mass, and the number of each component.Can I stop sending my MCAT to medical schools?
MCAT scores cannot be covered up from restorative colleges once they have been calculated. Any MCAT scores that are in your records will be shared with the applied schools. The only way to halt your test from being shared with these schools is to void your MCAT score on the test day. This is often done by selecting an alternative on one of the ultimate test screens. By voiding your exam, your score will not be calculated and not be sent to your medical schools.How many times can I retake the MCAT?
Candidates are permitted to retake the MCAT in an endeavor to improve their scores. You're able to require the MCAT 7 times in your life expectancy. Registration for the MCAT retake gets to be accessible 2 days after the last time you take your MCAT, and testing is constrained to 3 times/year for each person and 4 times amid a 2-consecutive year period.Can I send certain MCAT scores to medical schools and not others?
You can not choose certain MCAT scores to share with your applied medical schools. When submitting your school application, any and all MCAT scores that you have within the framework will be made accessible to the schools to which you apply. Diverse schools have distinctive arrangements on how different scores are assessed.There is no doubt that the MCAT Test is actually a challenging test for any candidate. However, if you can conquer this exam, you absolutely have the opportunity to get a place in any medical school in the most developed countries. So, don’t forget to save this article to aid your preparation. MCAT Practice Test 2022
On this MCAT practice website, we'll provide you with:
- Free Practice Questions: 700+ MCAT questions with detailed explanations are available for all of the required skills. All you need to pass your recruitment test is available here.
- MCAT Practice Test Based On Real Tests: A same number of questions, same time limits, same structure. The exam simulators let you familiarize yourself with the test format and get totally ready for the real one.
- Download PDF Feature: Download and print all MCAT practice questions and practice tests if you want to take the tests with your pen and paper.
- No Sign-Up Or Login Required: All of your progress is saved without an account, even if you close your browser. However, login can sync your data between web and mobile applications.
- Gamification: The learning process will be divided into small milestones. Let’s make your studying exciting as if you were in some interesting games.
- Personal Study Plan: Just enter your exam date, a specific study plan will be set up for you. A clear schedule can exceed your expectation and give you the best preparation for the reading shot.
- 3 Interesting Test Modes: 3 different test modes with increasing difficulty levels allow you to experience the test in various ways.
- Dark Mode: Experience a dark theme that is more friendly to your eyes, and gets a whole new and marvelous experience.
- No Internet Required: Study on the go conveniently without any Internet connection.
- MCAT Test Bank: 3 features: Weak/ Medium / Strong questions help you clearly determine which area you should pay more attention to.