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The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to prospective medical students as a means to standardise comparison between them for purposes of admission to medical school. The exam is currently taken entirely on paper. However, a computer-based version was offered at select testing sites in the fall of 2005, and all future administrations of the exam starting January 27, 2007 are expected to be computer-based.
Overview
The test is currently administered twice a year, once in April and once in August. When the transition to computer-based testing (CBT) is complete in 2007, the exam will be offered 22 times per year *.
The test consists of four sections, listed in the order in which they are administered on the day of the exam:
- physical sciences (PS),
- verbal reasoning (VR),
- writing sample (WS), and
- biological sciences (BS).
The verbal, physical science, and biological science sections are in multiple-choice format. Interestingly, there is no penalty for wrong multiple choice answers, and thus even random guessing is preferable to leaving an answer choice blank (unlike, for example, the SAT). The writing sample is evaluated using two short essays that are written during the exam. Scores for the three multiple-choice sections range from 1 to 15. The average score for all sections (except the writing section) is set to 8. Scores for the writing section range from J to T. According to MSAR the standard deviation is 2.0-2.3 depending on the year and form of the exam. For example, if a student got a 10 and the standard deviation was 2, then that student tested better than 84% of the students on that section.
The science sections (PS and BS) test analytical and logical cognitive abilities and can be handled by those who are adept in these disciplines. In order to make the test more "fair" for those without abilities in the sciences, the verbal reasoning section (VR) was implemented. (needs citation) This section is designed to enhance the scores of those who have greater inclination in fields such as humanities, linguistics, philosophy, and the performing and visual arts. The legitimacy of this section has naturally been subject to scrutinizing inquiry by many.
The numerical scores from each section are added together to give a composite score. For example, if one's score on the physical, verbal, and biological sections is 12, 13, and 11, respectively, then the composite score would be 36. The score from the writing sample may also be appended to the composite score (e.g. 36S). The maximum composite score is 45T but any score over 30P is considered fairly competitive, as this is the average for matriculants to medical school.*
Exam administration
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical sciences | 77 | 100 |
| Verbal reasoning | 60 | 85 |
| Writing sample | 2 | 60 |
| Biological sciences | 77 | 100 |
The verbal reasoning section follows the physical sciences section and a 10 minute break. Exam takers have 85 minutes to answer 60 multiple-choice questions evaluating their comprehension, evaluation, and application of information gathered from written passages. Unlike the physical and biological sciences sections, the verbal reasoning section does not require specific content knowledge in order to perform well.
After the verbal reasoning section is a 60-minute lunch break followed by the writing sample. Examinees are given 60 minutes (30 minutes for each prompt) to compose responses to two prompts. Each essay is graded from 1 to 6 points by each of two readers, yielding a total score of 4-24; this score is then converted to a letter scale (4 = J, 24 = T).
After the writing samples, there is a 10 minute break followed by the biological sciences section. Examinees have 100 minutes to answer 77 multiple-choice questions related to organic chemistry and biology.
According to the AAMC, when the exam switches to computer-based testing, each multiple-choice section will be reduced in length (both in terms of time allowed and number of questions) by approximately one-third, and students will only be required to complete one essay instead of two.
Policies
Like some other professional exams (e.g. the LSAT) the MCAT may be voided on the day of the exam if the exam taker is not satisfied with his or her performance.
While wristwatches are allowed, the AAMC prohibits the use of calculators, timers, or other electronic devices during the exam *. Wristwatches must have the alarm disabled. Cellular phones are also strictly prohibited from testing rooms and individuals found to possess them are noted by name in a security report submitted to the AAMC.
Only a #2 pencil may be used to bubble in the answer grid, and only black pens are allowed for the 2 writing samples.
Furthermore, writing in the margins of the writing sections is not allowed. Additions can only be made by writing in between the lines. (needs citation)
Finally, students must receive permission from the AAMC if they wish to take the MCAT more than three times total.
Preparation
Like most standardized tests, there are a variety of preparatory materials available. The AAMC itself offers both paper and computerized practice tests (composed of administered test questions and diagnostics) available for purchase at its website. Many test preparation companies such as Kaplan and Princeton Review offer classroom based courses. Approximately half of the students taking the MCAT use a test prep company.
Many books have been published by various test prep companies like Kaplan, Princeton Review, Barron's, Peterson's, Arco, Columbia Review, Examkrackers, and REA. These can all be purchased at brick-and-mortar or online bookstores.
See also
Further reading
External links and references
"Medical College Admission Test"