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The Mcat Is Changing For Premed Students
By B Ferdinand, MD, Sat Dec 10th
The MCAT changed in 1991 then started some minor changes in2003; in 2007, the MCAT will be somewhat shorter and will changeto a Computer Based Test (CBT). Students preparing for the 2006MCAT will not be affected. The following article reviews theMCAT and what is currently known about the impending changes. The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a prerequisite foradmission to nearly all the medical schools in North America.Each year, over 50,000 applicants to American and Canadianmedical schools submit MCAT test results. While the actualweight given to MCAT scores in the admissions process variesfrom school to school, often they are regarded in a similarmanner to one's college/university CGPA (i.e. academicstanding). In applying for medicine at some medical schools, for example,the MCAT score is as important as the four years ofundergraduate study! On the other hand, some universities willset a minimum level of performance on the MCAT and then analyzeschool grades to decide who will be invited to the interviews.Either way, doing well is imperative for most applicants.
The MCAT is administered on a Saturday biannually, at thebeginning of the academic year (usu. August) and at the end ofthe academic year (usu. April). In 2006, the MCAT will beadmistered on April 22 and August 20. The MCAT not only tests scientific knowledge in biology,physics, inorganic and organic chemistry, but also measuresproblem-solving, critical thinking and writing skills. The examis divided into four sections: Physical Sciences, VerbalReasoning, the Writing Sample and Biological Sciences. The Physical Sciences section contains physics and generalchemistry. The Biological Sciences section contains biology andorganic chemistry. All questions, save the Writing Sample, aremultiple
choice with four choices per question. 2006 will be remembered as the last year of the paper MCAT and2007 is the introduction of the Computer Based MCAT Test (MCATCBT). The content is the same but the MCAT CBT is a shorter test. Here is a summary of the 2007 MCAT changes: (1) the MCAT will beshorter (approximately 5 hours vs. the current testing time of 8hours); (2) students will receive their MCAT scores morequickly; (3) the MCAT will be offered more frequently throughoutthe year (up to 20 testing dates); and (4) the MCAT will begiven in smaller, climate-controlled rooms. The official website for the MCAT (aamc.org) has links topractice CBT MCATs and updates regarding the changing test. TheStudent Doctor Network has a discussion board where premeds candiscuss the 2007 MCAT changes. About the author:Dr. Ferdinand is a surgeon who as an undergraduate student, tookand excelled at the Medical College Admissions Test. Since thattime he has been a member of admissionscommittees, written several books on the MCAT and admissions (MCAT Bookstore), andcontinues to teach premed students online (MCAT Online Courses). |
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