Medical College Admission Test: MCAT

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is an exam best summarized by a physician who also sits on a medical school admissions committee as, "you want to take once and only once, so be completely prepared before taking this test" and I fully agree with his statement.

This is a grueling exam, but it has gotten better since 2007 by being shorter. With the computer version you can expect a total seat time of approximately?5 hours, 20 minutes?(does not include check-in time), beating the previous paper version which lasted about 7 hours. There are several advantages to the computer version and they include more testing dates, quicker score reporting, and increased security

Exam Registration

Take the test only after you have completed your premed requirements, since this makes up a majority of the exam. Aim to take the exam by June of the year before medical school classes begin. For instance, if you are applying to the entering class of 2011 (beginning August/September), you will want to sit for the exam by June 2010.

Medical College Admissions Test scores are usually valid for two or three years, but check with the individual schools for the oldest MCAT exam they will accept. On a side note, when I was looking at my preferred medical schools I found out that Tufts University School of Medicine accepts scores dating back five years.

Register for the exam as early as possible. Registration is done online through a program hosted by AAMC. The earliest you will be able to access the system is 12 weeks prior to the test date and the latest is 14 calendar days before the test date. You never want to be in this situation (14 days before test), but if you miss the regular deadline you may still register during the late period (a late fee will apply).

Scoring

MCAT Scoring

Average MCAT Score, Good & Low Scores

Voiding Your Exam

At the conclusion of your exam you will have the option to void your test if you are uneasy with your performance and do not want your exam scored. You will have to select one of two options:

• "I wish to have my MCAT exam scored."
• "I wish to VOID my MCAT exam."

When voiding a score on test day, you will not have the opportunity to unvoid your score at a later date. The AAMC does not give refunds for voided exams, regardless of the reason. Lastly, the AAMC will not report your participation in the test to AMCAS or to non-AMCAS schools if you void your scores. Just remember they will infer that you have attended the exam and this will go against your count of being allowed to attempt three exams in a calendar year.

Thoughts to consider before retaking the test.