The MCAT Exam: Medical College Admission Test

The MCAT exam, or Medical College Admission Test, is a computer-based test that is necessary for medical school admissions. This test examines an admission candidate by testing them in areas such as problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of scientific concepts. Some students describe the test as an accumulation of all the courses that they took in college while studying pre-med.

MCAT Exam Sections:

• Physical sciences: Tests problem-solving ability in chemistry and physics.
• Verbal reasoning: Requires understanding and evaluation of written sections.
• Biological sciences: Tests knowledge in biology and organic chemistry.
• Optional trial section: Includes a set of unscored questions.

Timing and Duration:

Timing is very important when taking the test, and students should pay close attention to their pace. The MCAT consists of four and three-quarter hours of multiple-choice testing, plus one hour devoted to a writing sample. With administrative details and breaks, the entire test day experience can last for more than six hours.

Scoring:

The MCAT test is scored from 1 to 45, with each section receiving a score between 1 and 15. Each medical school has its own score requirements, but a standard minimum acceptable score is typically in the low 30s. Top universities may require scores in the high 30s or 40s to be considered competitive.