The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is the required exam for admission into most medical schools. The MCAT, administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) refers to a computer-based test that will test your ability to understand physical and biological sciences, verbal reasoning, and writing skills.
In theory, the MCAT helps admission officers determine if students will thrive in medical school. So the higher your score, the better your chances of earning that coveted sport in your first-choice medical school.
What Content Appears on the MCAT?
The MCAT is a 7.5-hour exam that has four components:
The first part of the MCAT consists of Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems. This section includes 59 multiple-choice questions in a 95-minute time frame. This section will test your ability to understand biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistry.
The second part of the MCAT tests your knowledge of Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems. There are 59 multiple-choice questions in a 95- minute time frame for this section. The second section of the exam will test your knowledge of biochemistry, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics.
In the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior third section, you will find 59 multiple-choice questions in a 95-minute time frame. This section will test your ability to understand psychology, sociology, and biology.
The final section of the MCAT is the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. There are 53 multiple-choice questions in a 90-minute time frame, which will test your comprehension, analysis, and reading skills.
How is the MCAT Scored?
Each section will test your ability to answer basic introductory questions about each section. The scoring for each MCAT section ranges from 118 to 132 with a median score of 125. This means the total score will range from 472 to 528. Scoring a 500 on your MCAT will put you in a great position to get admitted to medical schools as long as the rest of your application looks good.
How to Register for the MCAT?
You can register to take the MCAT through the official Association of American Medical Colleges website. It will cost you $315 to take the MCAT and an additional fee for distribution to medical schools. Students can take the MCAT up to three times in a single year but no more than seven times in a lifetime. Basically, you want to reach your score goal in the first three times you take the MCAT to look good to potential medical schools.
How to Prepare for the MCAT?
There are plenty of resources that will help you to prepare for the MCAT including practice exams, tutoring, or guides. TestPrepScore can help find the best tutor or studying program for you a few months before your scheduled exam date. In total, you should study for at least 200 to 300 hours for the MCAT, over four to six months.
This will allow you 10 to 15 hours a week to study to give you the best chance at scoring high on the MCAT. The AAMC website also provides students with helpful tips to achieve the best possible MCAT score.
Jumpstart Your MCAT Prep Today!
Beating the MCAT relies on strategic planning, dedication, and even some help from professional tutors. Take time today to figure out a strategy that will work best for you and start planning when you want to take the MCAT. TestPrepScore can help you discover the best tutors in your area, thereby securing a spot in your first-choice medical school. Don’t wait, start today on your road to medical school.