The MCAT has been part of the medical school admissions process for the past 60 years, and currently, all US medical schools, and most Canadian medical schools require MCAT scores.  Every year approximately 70,000 students take the MCAT.  In 2007 the MCAT changed from being a paper exam, to a computer based exam, and the testing experience designed to be nearly 1/3rd shorter.  The switch was performed to allow more testing dates, faster scoring, more security, and a shorter overall test date.  The exam is offered multiple times between January and early September, and you can take the exam up to 3 times in a single calendar year.  The exam is not an adaptive exam, and much of the time savings come from the elimination of the need to count and verify test booklets.  The test is designed to measure your general knowledge, and specific knowledge in biology, physics, chemistry, and critical thinking and communication skills.  The exam is broken up into four sections; Biological sciences, physical sciences, verbal reasoning, and writing sections.  You can typically register for the MCAT up to 120 days prior to the test date, with a deadline typically 14 days prior to the exam date (you can register late for an additional $50 is available).  The fee for 2008 will be $210. 

For additional information & to register for the MCAT click here

Test Format

• Tutorial                                                           10 Minutes
• Physical Sciences (52 Questions)           70 Minutes
• Break (Optional)                                           10 Minutes
• Verbal Reasoning (40 Questions)           60 Minutes
• Break (Optional)                                           10 Minutes
• Writing Sample (2 Questions)                   60 Minutes
• Break (Optional)                                           10 Minutes
• Biological Sciences (52 Questions)         70 Minutes
• Survey                                                            10 Minutes
• Total Content Time                                      4 Hours, 20 Minutes
• Total Test Time                                            4 Hours, 45 Minutes
• Total Appointment Time                             5 Hours, 10 Minutes

Physical Sciences Section (52 Questions; 70 Minutes)

The goal of this section is to measure basic knowledge in general chemistry and physics, not your ability to memorize scientific facts.  There 13 independent questions, and 7 passage-based sets of questions.  The passage based question contains four to seven questions per passage. For more detail on physical sciences section topics, click here.

Verbal Reasoning Section (40 Questions; 60 Minutes)

The goal of this section is the measure your ability to comprehend presented passages in humanities, social sciences and natural sciences, and apply information and arguments to answer related questions.  In this section there are seven passages, each approximately 600 words long and linked to five to seven questions.
Writing Sample Section (2 Questions; 60 Minutes)
Through two 30 minute essays, this sections aims to assess your ability and skill in the following areas:

• Creating ideas
• Presenting this ideas (cohesively and logically)
• Writing clearly, using standard grammar, syntax, and punctuation for a first-draft composition.

This section is not designed to assess knowledge in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, the medical school application process or reasons for going into medical school.  Nor is this section aimed at assessing knowledge in social or cultural topics not typically encountered by the average college learner.

For more detail on the verbal reasoning section topics, click here.

Biological Sciences Section (52 Questions; 70 Minutes)

The goal of this section is to measure basic knowledge in the biological sciences, not your ability to memorize scientific facts.  There 13 independent questions, and 7 passage-based sets of questions.  The passage based question contains four to seven questions per passage. For more information on biological sciences section topics, click here.

Score Reporting Options

Upon registering for the MCAT you automatically authorize the release of your scores to the AAMC for research purposes; however, no personally identifiable information is included in this report.  In addition, if you are applying to medical school, AMCAS, and you will receive your scores automatically.  Afterwards, you essentially have three options to select that cannot be changed after you submit your registration:

Health Professions Advisors: They will release you score and demographic information in a web based report, to counselors who can use the data to counsel future applicants.  Your undergraduate institution must have a designated health professions advisor in order to receive these scores.

Med-MAR: This release is useful for disadvantaged students who are members of a racial or ethnic group currently underrepresented in medicine.  Also included are students who are economically disadvantaged.  Releasing scores here allow the AAMC to include your biographical information in addition to scores to the Medical Minority Application Registry (Med-MAR).  This service is free to students and medical schools, and is used by AAMC member medical schools seeking to increase opportunities for students in under-represented areas.

MCAT Recruiting Service: This release allows the AAMC to release your MCAT score and contact information to accredited schools of podiatry, veterinary medicine, and osteopathic medical schools in addition to scholarship programs of the US government.  They may then use this information to send the student material as part of their recruiting efforts.
Studying for the MCAT.