Medical schools use MCAT scores to assess whether you possess the foundation upon which to build a successful medical career. Though you certainly need to know the content to do well, the stress is on thought process, because the MCAT is above all else a critical thinking test. That’s why it emphasizes reasoning, analytical thinking, reading comprehension, data analysis, writing, and problem-solving skills.
Though the MCAT places more weight on your thought process, you must have a strong grasp of the required core knowledge. The MCAT may not be a perfect gauge of your abilities, but it is a relatively objective way to compare you with students from different backgrounds and undergraduate institutions.
The MCAT’s power comes from its use as an indicator of your abilities. Good scores can open doors. Your power comes from preparation and mindset because the key to MCAT success is knowing what you’re up against. That’s where this section of this book comes in. We’ll explain the philosophy behind the test, review the sections one by one, show you sample questions, share some of Kaplan’s proven methods, and clue you in to what the test makers are really after. You’ll get a handle on the process, find a confident new perspective, and achieve your highest possible scores.
ABOUT THE MCAT
Information about the MCAT CBT is included below. For the latest information about the MCAT, visit www.kaptest.com/mcat.
MCAT CBT
Format U.S.—All administrations on computerInternational—Most on computer with limited paper and pencil in a few isolated areasEssay Grading One human and one computer graderBreaks Optional break between each sectionLength of MCAT Day Approximately 5.5 hoursTest Dates Multiple dates in January, April, May, June, July, August, and SeptemberTotal of 24 administrations each year.Delivery of Results Within 30 days. If scores are delayed notification will be posted online at www.aamc.org/mcat Electronic and paperSecurity Government-issued IDElectronic thumbprintElectronic signature verificationTesting Centers Small computer testing sites
Go online and sign up for a local Kaplan Pre-Med Edge event to get the latest information on the test.
PLANNING FOR THE TEST
As you look toward your preparation for the MCAT consider the following advice:
Complete your core course requirements as soon as possible. Take a strategic eye to your schedule and get core requirements out of the way now.
Take the MCAT once. The MCAT is a notoriously grueling standardized exam that requires extensive preparation. It is longer than the graduate admissions exams for business school (GMAT, 3½ hours), law school (LSAT, 3¼ hours) and graduate school (GRE, 2½ hours). You do not want to take it twice. Plan and prepare accordingly.
THE ROLE OF THE MCAT IN ADMISSIONS
More and more people are applying to medical school and more and more people are taking the MCAT. It’s important for you to recognize that while a high MCAT score is a critical component in getting admitted to top med schools, it’s not the only factor. Medical school admissions officers weigh grades, interviews, MCAT scores, level of involvement in extracurricular activities, as well as personal essays.
In a Kaplan survey of 130 pre-med advisors, 84 percent called the interview a “very important” part of the admissions process, followed closely by college grades (83%) and MCAT scores (76%). Kaplan’s college admissions consulting practice works with students on all these issues so they can position themselves as strongly as possible. In addition, the AAMC has made it clear that scores will continue to be valid for three years, and that the scoring of the computer-based MCAT will not differ from that of the paper and pencil version.
REGISTRATION
The only way to register for the MCAT is online. The registration site is: www.aamc.org/mcat.
You will be able to access the site approximately six months before your test date. Payment must be made by MasterCard or Visa.
Go to www.aamc.org/mcat/registration.htm and download MCAT Essentials for information about registration, fees, test administration, and preparation. For other questions, contact:
MCAT Care Team
Association of American Medical Colleges
Section for Applicant Assessment Services
2450 N. St., NW
Washington, DC 20037
www.aamc.org/mcat
Emaiclass="underline" mcat@aamc.org
Keep in mind that you will want to take the MCAT in the year prior to your planned med school start date. Don’t drag your feet gathering information. You’ll need time not only to prepare and practice for the test, but also to get all your registration work done.
The MCAT should be viewed just like any other part of your application: as an opportunity to show the medical schools who you are and what you can do. Take control of your MCAT experience.
ANATOMY OF THE MCAT
Before mastering strategies, you need to know exactly what you’re dealing with on the MCAT. Let’s start with the basics: The MCAT is, among other things, an endurance test.
If you can’t approach it with confidence and stamina, you’ll quickly lose your composure. That’s why it’s so important that you take control of the test.
The MCAT consists of four timed sections: Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Later in this section we’ll take an in-depth look at each MCAT section, including sample question types and specific test-smart hints, but here’s a general overview, reflecting the order of the test sections and number of questions in each.
Physical Sciences
Time 70 minutesFormat • 52 multiple-choice questions: approximately 7–9 passages with 4–8 questions each•approximately 10 stand-alone questions (not passage-based)What it tests basic general chemistry concepts, basic physics concepts, analytical reasoning, data interpretation
Verbal Reasoning
Time 60 minutesFormat • 40 multiple-choice questions: approximately 7 passages with 5–7 questions eachWhat it tests critical reading
Writing Sample
Time 60 minutesFormat • 2 essay questions (30 minutes per essay)What it tests critical thinking, intellectual organization, written communication skills
Biological Sciences
Time 70 minutesFormat • 52 multiple-choice questions: approximately 7–9 passages with 4–8 questions each• approximately 10 stand-alone questions (not passage-based)What it tests basic biology concepts, basic organic chemistry concepts, analytical reasoning, data interpretation
The sections of the test always appear in the same order:
Physical Sciences
[optional 10-minute break]
Verbal Reasoning
[optional 10-minute break]