 | |
| Acronym | MCAT |
|---|---|
| Type | Computer-based standardized test |
| Administrator | Association of American Medical Colleges |
| Skills tested | Physical sciences, biological sciences, verbal reasoning |
| Purpose | Admissions to medical colleges |
| Year started | 1928 |
| Score range | 118–132 for each of four sections, totaling 472–528[1] |
| Score validity | Usually 2 to 3 years[2] |
| Offered | 25 times from January 2017 through September 2017[3] |
| Restrictions on attempts | Maximum of three times in a one year period; four times in a two year period; and seven times for life[4] |
| Regions | Mainly United States and Canada, in addition to 19 other countries[5] |
| Languages | English |
| Prerequisites | Preparing to apply to a health professional school (fluency in English is assumed)[6] |
| Fee | US$310–US$460[7] ("Fee Assistance Program" available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or refugees, demonstrating financial need.[8]) |
| Used by | Medical colleges (mostly in United States and Canada) |
| Website | students-residents |
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT; /ˈɛmkæt/ EM-kat) is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students (both Allopathic M.D. and Osteopathic D.O.) in the United States, Australia,[9] Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. It is designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, written analysis and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles. Before 2007, the exam was a paper-and-pencil test; since 2007, all administrations of the exam have been computer-based.
The most recent version of the exam was introduced in April 2015 and takes 7+1⁄2 hours to complete. The test is scored in a range from 472 to 528. The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).[10]
- ^ "The New Score Scales for the 2015 MCAT Exam: An Overview of What Admissions Officers Need to Know" (PDF). Association of American Medical Colleges. Retrieved 29 April 2015.
- ^ "MCAT FAQ". aamc.org.
- ^ "MCAT Calendar" (PDF). Association of American Medical Colleges.
- ^ "MCAT FAQ". aamc.org.
- ^ "MCAT Testing Center Locations". services.aamc.org. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ^ "MCAT FAQs". aamc.org.
- ^ "Register for the MCAT Exam". www.aamc.org.
- ^ "Fee Assistance Program". www.aamc.org.
- ^ "Melbourne Medical School International Applicants". University of Melbourne. Retrieved 23 October 2015.
- ^ "Taking the MCAT® Exam". Association of American Medical Colleges. Retrieved 2019-07-23.