MCAT – The Medical College Admission Test

Introduction

The MCAT is a national standardized  multiple choice test for applicants to medical school. The exam is designed to test basic science concepts, problem-solving skills, critical thinking ability, and writing skills.

Test Structure

The Test consists of 144 multiple choice and two 30-minute essay questions.  The total time to complete the test is over 4 hours and 20 minutes - with 3 hour, 20 minutes for multiple choice questions and another 1 hr exclusively devoted to essay writing. Fundamental concepts of physics, general chemistry, biology, and organic chemistry is required for MCAT.

Test Dates, Registration & Fees

MCAT exams are offered twice a year. It costs $210 to register for the MCAT. Registration deadlines are typically 5 weeks before the test date; late registration deadlines are typically 3 weeks before the test. For a registration packet, contact the MCAT Program Office at:

MCAT Program Office
P.O. Box 4056
Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4056
Tel: 319-337-1357
You can register electronically for the MCAT on the AAMC website at www.aamc.org.

Scoring

Each section on MCAT is scored individually on a scale ranging from 1 to 15, with 15 as the highest. Writing Sample essays is scored alphabetically on a scale ranging from J to T, with T as the highest. The average scaled score for each Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, and Biological Sciences section is approximately 8. The average scaled score for the writing sample is "N."