MCAT

2.1: What is the MCAT ?

You’ve probably heard of it before, perhaps along with some terrifying stories. Developed and administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized, six-hour long exam that covers the topics of biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, verbal reasoning, psychology, and sociology. The MCAT is comprised of four multiple-choice test sections: mcmaster.ca/md-program-admissions/who-should-apply/additional-notes-on-academic-requirements

2.2: How do I register for the MCAT ?

Toregister,goto: https://students-residents aamc org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/

And sign up for an AAMC ID (you cannot sign up for more than one ID)

Make sure that you sign up as soon as the registration window opens for your desired test date, as spots are limited. The AAMC offers Gold, Silver and Bronze registration “Zones,” which designate how early you can sign up, the costs of taking the MCAT and cancellation flexibility. For example, Gold Zone members may register 29 days prior to the date of the exam at a fee of $315 USD, while Bronze Zone members may register 8 days beforehand at $370 USD.

For all 2023 MCAT Test Dates in Canada, see: https://students-residents aamc org/register-mcat-exam/canadian-mcatcalendar-scheduling-deadlines-and-score-release-dates

2.3: How is the MCAT scored?

Each section of the MCAT is given a number score based on the number of questions you answer correctly. Your number score is then converted to a scaled score, minimizing the variability in test scores and providing a more stable and accurate assessment of the examinee’s abilities. Each section on the MCAT will be scored from a low of 118 to a high of 132, with a midpoint of 125. The sum of the four individual section scores is taken to determine the total score, which will range from 472 to 528 The midpoint total score will be 500 When exam scores are released, you will be able to see your score for each section and the total score, as well as the percentile rank, accompanying each score to indicate the percentages of test takers who received the same or lower scores than you did

Ensure you read and understand the specific MCAT cut-offs for each school found in this Journal to aim for an appropriate score For the 2018-19 cycle, the overall mean MCAT score for all applicants to U S medical schools was 505 6 The 2018-19 average scores for each section were:

Association of American Medical Colleges. MCAT Scores and GPAs for Applicants and Matriculants to U.S. Medical Schools, 2017-2018 through 2021-2022 [Internet]. Washington DC, USA. Available from: https://www.aamc.org/media/6056/download

2.4 What material is tested on the MCAT?

Each section of the MCAT is based on multiple Fundamental Concepts and/or various skills that would be needed for a physician. There are three Fundamental Concepts underlying the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Section, two Foundational Concepts underlying the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section, and ten Fundamental Concepts underlying the Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behaviours section. These three sections also contain five skills related to Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills: Knowledge of Scientific Principles, Scientific Reasoning and Problem Solving, Reasoning about the Design and Execution of Research, Data-based Statistical Reasoning, and General Mathematical Concepts and Techniques Finally, the CARS section includes material that tests the following skills: Foundations of Comprehension, Reasoning within the Text, and Reasoning beyond the Text. The CARS section also includes Passage types from a variety of humanities and social sciences disciplines. Please take the time to review the information provided by the AAMC at the following link for a better understanding of what you will be tested on: https://studentsresidents.aamc.org/ prepare-mcat-exam/whats-mcat-exam#bb

The table below provides an overview of the specific format and content tested in each of the four sections.

2.5 How should I study for the MCAT ?

There are many different choices regarding MCAT preparation; the two most common are self-study or an MCAT prep course The Princeton Review and Kaplan are examples of some companies that offer comprehensive preparation courses that will help you become familiar with the exam, as well as offer many resources to help you attain the highest score possible. Visit the websites of these courses for more information.

If you do choose to self-study, there are a variety of preparatory books available from many companies, including the Princeton Review. For many, Critical Analysis and Reasoning tends to be the section that students score lowest on. Unlike the other sections, CARS requires lots of practice to see improvement. So, postponing your practice for this section may cost you greatly when it comes to feeling prepared for the MCAT. Overall, make sure you stick to a study schedule that allows you to cover all the topics and practice, practice, practice!

2.6 Does taking Organic Chemistry help with the MCAT ?

This depends on whether chemistry is your forte. If it is, you can write the MCAT with or without taking a course for organic chemistry. For many others, organic chemistry may be tough, and extra practice from a class would help improve their understanding. Before considering taking a course, look at the comprehensively written review books by The Princeton Review, Kaplan, etc and see if you can grasp some of the concepts These books are designed to cover all topics tested on the MCAT However, if you plan on taking a course, consider whether it would affect your GPA You may want to consider taking this course in the summer unless you are confident you can perform well in it during the year