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MCAT  April 16th, 2012

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles that are prerequisite to medical school. Scores are reported in Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Almost all U.S. medical schools require applicants to submit MCAT exam scores. Many schools do not accept MCAT exam scores that are more than three years old. You should only take the MCAT when you are ready. Don’t take it just to see what it’s like, medical schools will see all of your scores. It also costs $240, so save your money and do it once. Work with your pre-med advisor to find the best timing for you to take the MCAT.

2013 Changes
The Writing Sample section will be removed from the current MCAT in 2013. If you plan to take the MCAT in 2013 or 2014, the current exam will be modified and the Writing Sample section will no longer be part of the exam. In its place, a voluntary, unscored trial section will be added starting in January 2013.

2015 Changes
A Natural sciences section will reflect recent changes in medical education. Sections will be added to address social and behavioral sciences, psychological, social and biological foundations of behavior. This recognizes the importance of socio-cultural and behavioral determinants of health and health outcomes. The new Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section reflects the fact that medical schools want well-rounded applicants from a variety of backgrounds.

Work with your pre-med advisor for course ideas and check out the medical humanities cerfificate.

For more information go to

https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/

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