MedChatter's Guide to MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a US-based computer-based test (CBT) which is required for nearly all Canadian and American medical schools. It consists of 4 sections (Physical Sciences - PS, Verbal Reasoning - VR, Writing Sample - WS and Biological Sciences - BS) and tests 1st/2nd year-level sciences (specifically: physics, biology, organic chemistry and inorganic chemistry) as well as general English language ability. It is typically used in Canadian schools on a cut-off basis (score X or above to make the cut), whereas in the US it is treated more like an equivalency to the GPA. Most people will take 2-4 months to study for it.
The test is not adaptive, which means that it does not get harder as you score more questions correctly. The typical format in the PS, VR and BS sections is a lengthy passage followed by 5-7 questions which refer to it (though some of those questions will test on prior knowledge). In PS & BS, there are also 'passage-less' questions which only test prior knowledge. These 3 sections are scored from 1-15 each for a total of 3-45, where the 50%ile is typically between 8 and 9 for each section and 25-26 overall. The WS consists of two essay prompts where you must argue for the prompt, against the prompt and then synthesize the two arguments in a third paragraph. These essays are marked from J-T where the average is an O.
For most Canadian schools, you should aim for 10+ on each of PS, VR and BS and P+ on the WS. For certain schools, MCAT is including in academic calculations (e.g. Calgary, Manitoba) or has higher strict cut-offs (e.g. UWO, Queen's). In nearly all U.S. medical schools, MCAT plays a major role in the admissions process.
Test Day Overview
- Physical Sciences (Physics & Inorganic Chemistry)
- 52 Questions - 70 minutes
- Verbal Reasoning
- 40 Questions - 60 minutes
- Writing Sample
- Biological Sciences (Biology & Organic Chemistry)
- 52 Questions - 70 minutes
Popular Prep Companies/Books
- Kaplan
- The Princeton Review
- Prep101
- Oxford Seminars
- Examkrackers
Should you take an MCAT course?
This is a personal choice, but we believe the answer is
YES IF:
- you have not taken the relevant courses in a long time (good refresher)
- you need lecture/course format to keep you focused/on track
- you are not keen on learning about the MCAT on your own time
NO IF:
- you are an independent learner motivated enough to study by yourself
- you have a strong grounding in the material
Finally, the AAMC takes surveys from students after the MCAT. Based on those surveys they have determined that the difference in score between those who took a prep course and those who didn't is neglible and this is a simple statistical fact.
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