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The New MCAT The MCAT will be changing as of 2007. The paper and pencil test has been retired; the MCAT is now a computer-based test. The material you need to know for the test, however, will remain precisely the same. For extensive information about the new test, including information on how and when you can schedule a test, test site locations, and a long FAQ, see: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/ See especially “MCAT Essentials,” required reading for those registering for the test: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/mcatessentials.pdf Our view is that the change is good news for a number of reasons. The main one is that the test is now offered 22 times each year, rather than twice. In addition to more dates in April and August, there will now be opportunities to take the test in January, and in every month from May through September. The test is also going to be somewhat shorter—they decided, as they prepared this change, that they did not need to include so many questions, so the test will now be about 5.5 instead of 8 hours long. Again, the extent of material tested will remain the same. Scores will now be reported more quickly—instead of 60 days, you will now need to wait a maximum of only 30 days for your scores; in fact, the AAMC is aiming to reduce the wait to 14 days if they can. When should I take the MCAT? Until now, we have recommended that applicants take the test by April of the year they are applying (so more than a year in advance of hopefully matriculating at medical school). It would now be perfectly fine, also, to schedule the test on any of the dates offered in May—so you can take the test after you’ve completed finals in the spring, if you like. Indeed, even if you scheduled the one date available in June, your scores would still be back in time for you to make sure they are satisfactory, and then go ahead and submit your primary (AMCAS) application in reasonably good time if they are. (You should aim to submit your AMCAS sometime in June or in the first half of July, unless you have a really powerful reason to wait.) If you were to schedule the test later, through August in the year you were applying, your scores would not be as late as August scores have been until now. All the same, the disadvantage would remain that in order to apply in a timely fashion, you would then need to apply before you had a chance to see your scores—which could be something of a gamble. So we would recommend scheduling the test in mid-June in the year you apply, or any earlier test (provided you’re ready; see below). For dates of the tests—and the first dates on which you can register for the test—see “MCAT Essentials” or: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/mcatdates.pdf Registration for the January 2007 test opened November 15th, 2006; for the tests in April and May, December 27th. Generally, you will be able to register up to six months in advance. Try to schedule as early as possible. If you don’t schedule more than 60 days in advance of the test, there’s no guarantee of a seat anywhere near your desired location. You can’t hold more than one date at a time (though you still will be able to retake the test in the same year if that proves necessary). You should still aim to take the test only once you have completed your required courses. The MCAT is a knowledge-based exam, designed to test your understanding of the required pre-medical courses (biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics). Therefore, you should not take the test until you have completed these courses. Students preparing for an April test generally are taking Organic Chemistry II that spring, and will complete Orgo as they take the exam. A few students will have the requisite coursework completed by the end of their sophomore year, and for that reason, they can take the MCAT before junior year, if they wish. Obviously, you need to study for the test, and it is a good idea to start well (months) in advance in order to get a sense of what progress you need to make. Practice computer-based tests are available at the AAMC web site, and the test prep companies, naturally, are or will be selling manuals and CDs addressing the new computer-based test (and the Career Services Library is getting copies; of course you may also want to buy your own). All medical schools require the Medical College Admissions Test. The test is comprised of four sections: three multiple choice sections that test Verbal Reasoning, Physical Reasoning (general chemistry and physics), and Biological Reasoning (introductory biology and organic chemistry), as well as a Writing Sample. The multiple choice sections are each graded on a numerical scale from 1-15, while the writing section is graded on an alphabetic scale from J-T.
For how long are MCAT scores valid? Most medical schools will accept scores that are up to three years old. However, some schools require that scores be no more than 2 years old. You should consult the Medical School Admission Requirements book, published annually by the Association of American Medical Colleges, if you have questions about specific schools and their policies regarding the MCAT. If you are planning on taking several years off after graduating (to enter the Peace Corps, for example), be sure to take the MCAT so that the scores will not expire before you apply.
How do I register for the MCAT? You must register on-line, via the AAMC web site.
What if I can’t afford the registration fee for the MCAT? The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) for students in extreme financial need—i.e. for students whose inability to pay the registration fee would prevent them from taking the test and applying to medical school. Students who are approved for the FAP can register for the MCAT at a reduced rate (less than half of the standard fee). More information can be obtained from the AAMC Web site.
If I have a learning disability, can I get extra time to take the MCAT? It is possible to get extra time, but the MCAT Program Office does not automatically allow it, even if you have a well-documented and long-standing learning disability. If you are seeking an accommodation, you will have to make a formal request, and provide documentation from a doctor or a qualified learning specialist who can explain how your disability specifically relates to taking the MCAT. A full description of the required documentation can be found in the registration information provided by the MCAT Program Office.
Should I take a prep course for the MCAT? Many students find the structure of an MCAT prep course to be very helpful. The course gives a study regimen and makes it less likely that you will fall behind in reviewing for the test. However, you certainly are not required to take a prep course.
Ideally, you should take the MCAT once. Do not take the MCAT on a lark. Take it only when you feel prepared to do your best. If, when you receive your scores, you feel that you have not performed to your potential, you may consider taking the test again. Medical schools typically will look at the most recent set of scores when considering an application. If you take the MCAT for a second time, and again are disappointed with your score, you should consult with a pre-med advisor before registering for a third attempt.
Should I retake the MCAT if my overall score is strong, but the score on one of the individual sections is weak? Medical schools value consistency across MCAT sections. Sometimes, however, students will falter on one section—typically the Verbal Reasoning section. Talk to a pre-med advisor about whether to take the test again. In many instances, it is better to take the test again and show consistency across sections, than to allow a low score to stick out as a “red flag.”
If I do poorly in my science courses at Penn, but do well on the MCAT, will the medical schools discount my Penn grades? A strong, or even stellar, MCAT score will not compensate for a consistently weak academic record. However, if you struggled with one science in particular (such as general chemistry), doing well on the corresponding section of the MCAT can help erase questions about your preparedness for medical school.
© Career Services, University of Pennsylvania. Not to be copied or distributed without permission.
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