About the MCAT
From MyMCAT
Background
Almost all Canadian and U.S. medical schools require applicants to successfully complete and submit MCAT scores as part of the application process. This five hour tests covers the major topics found in introductory biology, chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry as well as reading comprehension and writing skills.
Written and administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), the MCAT is held approximately 14 times per year at testing centers across North America. Registration must be done well in advance to ensure availability and a testing location close to you.
How long is the MCAT?
The MCAT is 5 1/2 hours with three 10-minute optional breaks spread out between the different sections.
When is the MCAT offered
Originally offered just twice a year, it is now offered 23 times throughout the year.
How do I register to take the MCAT?
Registration is done through the [AAMC] website. While there are 23 dates to write the exam, please be aware that registration does not occur as frequently and you may not register for more than one exam at a time.
What is the format of the MCAT?
| Section | Questions | Minutes |
|---|---|---|
| Physical Sciences | 52 | 70 |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 60 |
| Writing Sample | 2 | 60 |
| Biological Sciences | 52 | 70 |
The MCAT was originally a paper based test, however it has now switched to computer. The science and verbal reasoning sections are all four-answer multiple choice. The following is a break down of the sections and timing:
Physical Sciences (Chemistry and Physics)
52 questions, 70 minutes
Verbal Reasoning
40 questions, 60 minutes
Writing Sample
2 essays, 30 minutes each
Biological Sciences (Biology and Organic Chemistry)
52 questions, 70 minutes
What does "Passage Based" mean?
The science and verbal reasoning sections of the MCAT come in the form of passages with groups of questions. Each passage is written about various topics and associated questions are presented along with them. The passages often include equations, values, and other specific details that are required to answer the problems successfully.
What about the "Discrete Questions"?
While the majority of the MCAT questions are found with passages and thus often share a similar topic or subject, there are also a few discrete questions presented. These questions are independent and no additional information beyond your knowledge is required.
What courses should I take at university to do well on the MCAT?
A common misconception in performance on the MCAT is the essentialness of a science background. With two sections in science, and two sections in writing and reasoning skills, a strict scientific background is not advantageous. That being said, the science sections cover introductory biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics and most medical schools also have these courses as prerequisites.
What resources should I use to prepare?
AAMC Practice Tests
Your best bet is to use the online practice tests from the AAMC. These can be found at the following URL: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/practicetests.htm Many companies offer textbooks and courses with their own passages and practice problems, but these have one important flaw: The test questions from commercial test prep companies are written in house. They do this because it is illegal to copy and sell real MCAT questions (these belong to the Association of American Medical Colleges). AAMC practice tests are the only materials available with questions from real MCAT exams. Questions from old administrations of the MCAT are released individually, and assembled into practice tests for student use.
