The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a standardized exam designed to evaluate students’ critical thinking, problem-solving, and understanding of natural and social science ideas and principles that are necessary for studying medicine. It is one of the most significant criteria that admissions committees for medical schools take into account.
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Who Needs To Take The MCAT?
The MCAT is required for regular admission to all medical schools in the United States and several in Canada. Many schools do not accept MCAT scores that are more than three years old.
What is the MCAT format?
The MCAT is a computer-based test that takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete. The test consists of four sections:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (90 minutes): Covers topics such as general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry.
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (90 minutes): Covers topics such as molecular biology, genetics, cell biology, and physiology.
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (90 minutes): Covers topics such as psychology, sociology, anthropology, and bioethics.
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (90 minutes): Covers topics such as reading comprehension, analytical writing, and quantitative reasoning.
How Is The MCAT Scored?
The MCAT is scored on a range of 118 to 132 for each section, yielding a total score between 472 and 528. In 2022, 509 was the median MCAT score for students enrolled in medical schools in the United States.
2023/2024 MCAT Test Dates
Unless otherwise specified below, 8:00 a.m. is the regular start time every day. On the designated score release date, scores are made public by 5:00 p.m. ET. All scheduling deadlines are set for the day of the deadline at 11:59 p.m. local test center time.
| Test Date | 60 Day Deadline | 30 Day Deadline | 10 Day Deadline | Score Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January 12 | Nov. 13, 2023 | Dec. 13, 2023 | Jan. 2 | Feb. 13 |
| January 13 | Nov. 14, 2023 | Dec. 14, 2023 | Jan. 3 | Feb. 13 |
| January 18 | Nov. 19, 2023 | Dec. 19, 2023 | Jan. 8 | Feb. 20 |
| January 26 | Nov. 27, 2023 | Dec. 27, 2023 | Jan. 16 | March 1 |
| March 9 | Jan. 9 | Feb. 8 | Feb. 28 | April 9 |
| March 22 | Jan. 22 | Feb. 21 | March 12 | April 23 |
| April 12 | Feb. 12 | March 13 | April 2 | May 14 |
| April 13 | Feb. 13 | March 14 | April 3 | May 14 |
| April 26 | Feb. 26 | March 27 | April 16 | May 29 |
| April 27 | Feb. 27 | March 28 | April 17 | May 29 |
| May 4 | March 5 | April 4 | April 24 | June 4 |
| May 10 | March 11 | April 10 | April 30 | June 11 |
| May 11 | March 12 | April 11 | May 1 | June 11 |
| May 16 | March 17 | April 16 | May 6 | June 18 |
| May 24 | March 25 | April 24 | May 14 | June 25 |
| June 1 | April 2 | May 2 | May 22 | July 2 |
| June 14 | April 15 | May 15 | June 4 | July 16 |
| June 15 | April 16 | May 16 | June 5 | July 16 |
| June 22 | April 23 | May 23 | June 12 | July 23 |
| June 27 | April 28 | May 28 | June 17 | July 30 |
| July 13 | May 14 | June 13 | July 3 | Aug. 13 |
| July 26 | May 27 | June 26 | July 16 | Aug. 27 |
| August 2 | June 3 | July 3 | July 23 | Sept. 4 |
| August 17 | June 18 | July 18 | Aug. 7 | Sept. 17 |
| August 23 | June 24 | July 24 | Aug. 13 | Sept. 24 |
| August 24 | June 25 | July 25 | Aug. 14 | Sept. 24 |
| September 5 | July 7 | Aug. 6 | Aug. 26 | Oct. 8 |
| September 6 | July 8 | Aug. 7 | Aug. 27 | Oct. 8 |
| September 13 | July 15 | Aug. 14 | Sept. 3 | Oct. 15 |
| September 14 | July 16 | Aug. 15 | Sept. 4 | Oct. 15 |
How To Prepare For The MCAT
There are numerous approaches to MCAT preparation. You have three options for studying: take an MCAT prep course, work with a private MCAT teacher, or study independently. Whichever approach you choose, it’s crucial to get a head start and develop a study routine that works for you.
The following tips can help you get ready for the MCAT:
- Learn the format and subject matter of the test. With practice exams and sample questions, the AAMC website offers a plethora of information regarding the MCAT.
- Establish a study timetable. Make sure you allot adequate time every week to prepare for the MCAT. Remember to incorporate regular breaks and rewards into your schedule to maintain motivation.
- Make use of top-notch MCAT study resources.MCAT preparation books and internet resources come in a wide variety. Choose materials that are in line with the current MCAT test format and content.
- Practice often. You will be more prepared for the test the more you practice. Get a feel for the real thing by taking timed practice tests.
How To Register For The MCAT
You can register over the phone or online for the MCAT. The MCAT is offered year-round at test centers around the world.
When Should You Take The MCAT?
You should take the MCAT at least 3 months before you plan to apply to medical school. This will give you enough time to retake the test if necessary.
Latest News
A leading provider of professional training and test preparation, Blueprint Prep is pleased to announce the release of its new AI-powered chatbot, which is intended to assist premed students in getting ready for the notoriously challenging Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section of the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT).
With this unique new technology, students can now receive personalized guidance as well as assistance as they tackle one of the most difficult sections of the MCAT. Blue, the AI chatbot, is the first of its kind in the market for MCAT test preparation. Through true one-on-one talks, it can offer students individualized feedback on how to approach CARS questions while adjusting in real time to meet their unique learning needs.
Blue was carefully trained by Blueprint’s MCAT experts using OpenAI’s GPT-4 LLM (large language model). It was then put through a rigorous testing process by Blueprint instructors, tutors, and additional content experts before being made available to a set of student beta testers.
“This revolutionary AI tutor is a prime example of how technology can be used to enhance the learning experience and provide students with the tools they need to succeed,” Blueprint CEO and Co-Founder Matt Riley stated. “With Blue, we are bringing cutting-edge technology to the MCAT prep industry, enabling students to prepare smarter, learn faster, and achieve greater results.”
The MCAT is an important part of the medical school application process. By preparing effectively and taking the MCAT early, you can increase your chances of getting accepted into your top-choice medical school.
