MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a multiple choice, computer-based standardized examination meant for prospective Medical students in the United States and Canada. The examination is framed to assess problem solving skills, critical thinking, written analysis, writing skills, knowledge of scientific concepts and principles essential for pursuing the study of medicine. The current format of MCAT exam was brought into existence after 19^th August, 2006. Prior to August 19, 2006, the exam was paper-and-pencil based. MCAT is organized by Association of American Medical Colleges, also known as AAMC.

The exam has evolved over a period of more than 60 years, and today all Medical schools in the United States and most in Canada ask for a submission of recent MCAT exam scores. Apart from this, many other health professions and graduate programs in medicine accept MCAT exam scores in lieu of other standardized tests. The widespread acceptance shows in the number of students (~ 70,000) taking the examination.

AAMC works along with some other Medical institutes to lay down all the rules for conduction, designing and assessment of MCAT exams. Score of MCAT exam can be individually received by candidates and can be used for reporting to Medical schools and universities. There is no provision for refund of MCAT exam fees due to non-compliance to policies. Thus, all candidates are strongly advised to go through all the relevant policies' details.

MCAT Exam and Assessment Pattern

The test contains assessment across 4 different sections:

• Verbal reasoning
• Physical sciences
• Writing sample
• Biological sciences

3 out of these 4 sections (the verbal reasoning, physical sciences and biological sciences sections) are in multiple-choice format. Writing sample section encompasses two short essays. There is a consistent level of difficulty in the writing sample section, and the passages and questions are predetermined.

Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences

The physical sciences section is designed to assess problem-solving ability in two subjects:

• General chemistry
• Physics

Biological sciences section evaluates problem solving skills in the following areas:

• Biology
• Organic chemistry

Each section contains:

• 7 passage-based sets of questions
  • Each passage-based set consists of four to seven questions.
• 13 independent questions

Verbal Section

Prose-style information and argument comprehension and application are assessed in the verbal reasoning section. The test consists of seven passages, each of which is about 600 words long, taken from different fields such as humanities, social sciences and natural sciences. Each passage has a set of five to seven questions assessing one's ability in comprehending and providing a logical extrapolation of the text in the passages.

Writing Section

The writing section consists of two essays and 30 minutes are allotted for each essay. Cohesive and logical expression of ideas, punctuation, grammar and syntax are the prime factors that are looked for in the process of assessment.

Test Registration

The MCAT exam is conducted a number of times during a single academic year from late January to early September. The test can be taken at over a hundred of test sites in the United States, Canada and other parts of the world. There is no walk-in process for registration and the entire process can be done Online.

MCAT exam can be taken in the year in which one applies for Medical school.

MCAT is necessary for applying to a health professions school. These include schools of:

• Allopathic
• Osteopathic
• Podiatric
• Veterinary Medicine

MCAT exam can be taken up to three times in one calendar year, although one can register for only one test date at a time.

At the time of registration, one needs to verify that the MCAT exam is being taken for the sole purpose of applying to health professional universities. However, if one is already enrolled into a Medical program, one can rake MCAT exam with special permission.

Exam date can be chosen keeping into consideration the deadlines for application to most of the Medical schools. The deadline for registration is usually 14 days before the date of MCAT exam. In case of a late registration, an extra amount has to be paid as late registration fees. Change of exam centre also seeks an additional amount. There is no provision for fees assistance, ADA accommodations and special permissions when late registration is made.

For list of test sites, click here.

Fees

AAMC reduces the regular registration fees to $85 for students with acute financial limitations. For the details of the eligibility for fees assistance program, click here.

Simultaneous application for change of test date and test center seeks payment of $55 only. However, if the same are sought after at different times, two different payments of $55 each have to be made.

Cancellation of registration before registration deadline ensures refund of $115. In case of fees assistance, $85 is refunded. To cancel you registration, click here.

AAMC lays down provisions for accommodations available for examinees with disabilities. For details about registering for these accommodations, click here.

Recruitment of MCAT candidates is made in Medical schools offering courses in Veterinary Science, Osteopathic medicines, podiatry etc. Scholarships are offered to students who perform well in the MCAT exam.

Scores and Score Reports

The four sections of the MCAT exam each result in a separate score. The Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, and Biological Sciences sections, each comprises of multiple-choice questions, are scored between a low 1 and a high of 15; the Writing Sample section, consisting of two essays. Each essay is scored twice on a scale of 1-6 (and ultimately converted to an alphabetic scale).

Preparation

TransWebTutors.com provides Online tutoring facility for candidates Preparing for MCAT exam. The faculty panels at TransWebTutors.com undergo rigorous training and are experts in delivering quality essentials and concepts with regard to MCAT exams. Apart from Online Tutoring, TransWebTutors.com also provides free practice tests, study guidelines and the best ingredients to succeed in the MCAT exams. We offer two Preparation modes for MCAT exams:

• Fast Track Course
• Exhaustive Course

To learn more about the details of the program, contact us.