Medical College Admission Test
(MCAT)
Medical College Admission Test
(MCAT)
The MCAT exam viz. the Medical College Admission Test is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The exam is conducted in around 14 countries throughout the year. This standardized, computer-based, multiple-choice exam is used for admissions to medical schools in the United States and some institutions in Canada. The MCAT has been used in the medical school admission process for more than 90 years.
The entrance exam is attempted by over 85,000 students every year. The MCAT evaluates skills and knowledge crucial for success in medical school and practicing medicine, as recognized by medical educators, physicians, students, and residents.
Conducting body |
The Association of American Medical Colleges |
Mode of exam |
Online |
Exam fee |
INR 27,060 |
Number of sections |
4 |
Accepting countries |
USA and Canada |
There are no subtypes of the MCAT exam. The exam is a standard computer-based test that you need to take in order to secure admission to medical schools in Canada and the United States.
Considering the current exchange rate, the MCAT exam fees in India for the year 2024 are INR 27,060 (approximately $326). Candidates need to pay these fees when they register for the exam.
Candidates registering after the deadline are required to pay additional charges. If candidates need to reschedule the exam 60 days before the exam date, they need to pay additional charges of $70. Apart from this, the charges increase to $280 if the rescheduling is done 10-29 days before the exam date.
The MCAT exam is divided into four sections, and each section is scored on a scale of 118 to 132, with a midpoint of 125. The four section scores are combined to provide a total MCAT score ranging from 472 to 528.
The MCAT is a computer-based test. Each of the above-mentioned sections consists of multiple-choice questions, including passage-based and discrete questions. Candidates can take approximately 95 minutes for each section, with breaks in between.
First and foremost, before you start preparing for the exam, you need to understand and analyze the exam pattern meticulously.
The MCAT is a computer-based test accepted by most medical schools in Canada and the US. This entrance exam tests an individual’s aptitude and identifies if they are ready for the impending rigorous curriculum of the medical schools.
Experts recommend that you need to start preparing for the MCAT exam at least three months before the exam date. However, if you start preparing earlier, you will have a lot of time to focus on the challenging concepts and work on the weaker subjects.
A thorough and timely preparation will help you stay calm during the exam time and better your chances of scoring high on the test.
MCAT has four exam sections that you must focus on equally to score high on the overall exam. So, while preparing for the exam, try to have a balanced approach and spare time to study for all four sections.
While preparing for the exam, it is important to practice as many mock tests as possible. Mock tests will make you comfortable with the exam pattern, help you identify the areas that need more practice, and make you adept at attempting the questions in the given time.
Many medical schools use MCAT scores as one of the primary criteria for admissions. A strong MCAT score can enhance your application and increase your chances of being invited for interviews and ultimately gaining admission. Beyond admission to medical school, MCAT scores may impact a candidate’s opportunities for scholarships, fellowships, research positions, and other academic and professional pursuits.
In order to prepare for the MCAT, candidates require comprehensive study materials to cover the various content areas tested on the exam. Some of the popular books for MCAT preparation are Kaplan MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review, Princeton Review MCAT Complete Box Set, Examkrackers MCAT Complete Study Package, AAMC Official MCAT Prep Products, etc.
Currently, there are no MCAT test centers in India. Candidates can sit for the exam in countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, France, Germany, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, etc. However, candidates can always book the test online.
There are no specific eligibility criteria to take the MCAT. However, the MCAT is typically taken by college graduates or students in their final years of undergraduate studies. Candidates who have completed their coursework in pre-medical subjects such as biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry are more likely to be prepared for the exam.
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