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MCAT

The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) assesses the applicant’s understanding of basic concepts in general biology, biochemistry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, non-calculus based physics, statistics, psychology, and sociology. The test consists of four multiple-choice sections:

  • 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

For the most up-to-date information about the test, please visit the official Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) website. Some highlights include:

If you are using the old MCAT to apply for 2019 matriculation, check the school-by-school list of the oldest and latest MCAT test dates accepted for the 2019 application cycle in the Medical School Admissions Requirements which can be purchased at aamc.org, check individual school websites, or review this document.

 

  • The AAMC Fee Assistance Program  (FAP) provides benefits for MCAT registration, access to the Medical School Admissions Requirements (MSAR), and AMCAS benefits. Benefits are not retroactive, so be sure to apply early enough to receive full benefits of the program.

 

Retaking the MCAT

If your MCAT score was lower than you had hoped for, the following list of questions may help you to decide whether to retake the MCAT:

Should I retake the MCAT?

  • What is your score? On the MCAT website, you can view data tables on other applicants who re-took the test with similar initial scores.
  • Which medical schools would you like to apply to?
  • Are you truly motivated to retake the test? How thoroughly would you prepare? Do you have enough time and energy to do the preparation and practice necessary to improve your scores?
  • Do you feel you were adequately prepared for the test the first time around?
  • What opportunities would you miss out on by re-taking the test? Would your time, effort, and money be better spent strengthening other aspects of your candidacy, or do you really need an improved score to be competitive? How competitive are the other aspects of your candidacy, such as grades, activities, recommendations, etc.?
  • Were you ill, tired, anxious, or distracted during the test, such that you "blanked" at a number of points and couldn't focus on the test?
  • Did you run out of time on certain sections of the MCAT? Was this in part due to not taking multiple practice tests in preparation?