Most medical schools in the United States and selected schools in Canada, require that candidates complete the MCAT in order to potentially receive admission.
You will be given approximately 7.5 hours to complete 230 multiple-choice questions.
If you require special testing accommodations for conditions that are covered under the Americans with Disabilities Act, you may make this request in writing.
Special accommodations that must be made in writing include extended test time, additional breaks, or extended breaks, separate testing room, reader, and recorder.
Some accommodations that do not require a pre-approval include bandages, neck, back, or wrist brace, cough drops, cast, eye patch, hearing aid, inhaler, medical face mask, nasal drops, pillow/cushion, oxygen tank, cane, crutches, walker, and wheelchair.
What subtests and topics are covered on this exam?
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
There are 59 questions for each of the first three subtests, and 53 questions for the final subtest.
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
The topics that will be addressed in this subtest include the concepts of introductory-level biology, organic chemistry, & inorganic chemistry, college level biochemistry concepts, college level cellular and molecular biology, research methods and statistics, and scientific inquiry and reasoning.
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
The topics that will be addressed in this subtest include the concepts of introductory-level biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, & physics, college level biochemistry concepts, college level molecular biology, research methods and statistics, and scientific inquiry and reasoning.
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
The topics that will be addressed in this subtest include the concepts of psychology, sociology, & biology related to medical school and various determinants of health, college level psychology and sociology concepts, college level biology concepts of mental processes, research methods and statistics, and scientific inquiry and reasoning.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
The topics that will be addressed in this subtest include comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills in the areas of ethics, philosophy, diverse cultures, community health, social sciences, and humanities.
How do I register for the exam?
Online.
What is the cost of taking this exam?
The cost of this exam is $315-$370. Payment can only be made via VISA or MasterCard. The exam cost also includes sending your scores to the medical schools you designate at registration.
What should I do the day of the exam?
Arrive on time, preferably 30 minutes early, as being late could prevent you from being able to take the exam. Bring a form of identification that is not temporary or expired, and contains your name, signature, and photo.
During the check-in process, as part of security, your photo will be taken and palms digitally scanned.
Many items are prohibited from the testing area. Some of these include a calculator, cell phone, purse, briefcase, bookbag, study materials, and food/drink.
Can I take a break during the exam?
You will be allowed to take two 10-minute breaks, and one 30-minute break halfway through the exam.
What happens after I take the exam?
You will receive your official score report around 30 days after taking the exam.
The report will give you a score for each subtest or section of the test (118 – 132). In addition, you will receive a total score for the test (472 – 528).
What happens if I don’t pass the exam?
You have the opportunity to take the MCAT up to three times in one year. Within two years, you can take it up to four times. You have a maximum of seven attempts.
How Can I Prepare for the MCAT Test?
We believe that different learning styles require different tools for success. We have compiled a list of the best study guides, flashcards, and practice tests that we’ve found on the market. Some of these guides have review videos, for you visual learners out there. Others have practice tests, which have been proven to increase student scores by a whole letter grade (in some cases more than that)!
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