The MCAT is a lengthy, challenging standardized exam for medical school applicants, covering sciences and reasoning skills, requiring extensive content knowledge and strategic test-taking. It consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. administered by the AAMC, test-takers need to build mental stamina for the exam’s duration, often around 7.5 hours including breaks.
Here are 7 key things to know about the MCAT:
1. It’s a Comprehensive Exam: The MCAT covers a broad range of scientific concepts taught in pre-med programs, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, biology, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology.
2. Four Distinct Sections: The test is divided into four sections, with the first three focusing on scientific content and the last, CARS, on reading comprehension and critical thinking without requiring specific subject knowledge.
3. Requires Scientific Inquiry Skills: Beyond memorizing facts, the scientific sections demand that you combine your knowledge with scientific inquiry and reasoning skills.
4. Focus on CARS: The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section tests your ability to understand and analyze passages from various disciplines, a skill distinct from pure scientific knowledge.
5. Demands Stamina: The exam is very long, with over six hours of testing time. Building mental and physical stamina to focus for such an extended period is crucial.
6. Strategic Preparation is Key: Success on the MCAT involves more than just content review; you must also practice test-taking strategies, take full-length practice tests under real conditions, and focus on accuracy.
7. Managed by the AAMC: The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) develops and administers the MCAT. You will interact with the AAMC throughout the testing process.
