Study Abroad Expert | Updated On - Jul 16, 2024
Highlights:
Exam Format: MCAT is a computer-based MCQ type test for 7.5 hours
Fees: The cost of registration for MCAT exam is USD 335
Availability: MCAT is not available to be taken in India for Indian students
Conducted by: Countries like the USA, Canada, Australia, France, Singapore, Thailand, and a few others host the test.
Applicants: Approximately 15 lakh students take MCAT every year for MBBS in India
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test), is an entrance exam required for medical school admissions. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam that is necessary for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) created and administers MCAT examination to offer med schools with common benchmarks for comparing applicants' qualifications and preparedness for med school. MCAT Registration is available throughout the year. Admissions committees for medical schools consider a candidate's MCAT score, as well as the academic record and supporting papers, to assess a candidate's foundation for a successful medical career. Official MCAT scores are available 30-35 days following the exam date.
Note: In India, MCAT examination is not conducted. If you want to take the exam must go to a neighboring nation or the United States.
MCAT Eligibility
Candidates must intend to apply to a health professions school to meet the only necessary eligibility requirement for taking MCAT test. Furthermore, to be admitted as an overseas student, one must be enrolled in or hold an MBBS degree. MCAT examination for Indian students must obtain ‘special permission' if they do not intend to apply to a health professions school or are already enrolled in medical courses other than MBBS. To obtain special permission, email mcat@aamc.org, explicitly stating the purpose for taking the exam. Following that, MCAT examination office will analyze and review the request and respond within five working days. Prospective candidates should keep in mind the applicable MCAT registration deadlines.
MCAT Registration 2024
MCAT exam is given several times a year, from January through March and again in September, at hundreds of test centers in the United States, Canada, and worldwide. Check the availability of test dates and locations, then fill out the form on the official website and apply for the exam.
MCAT Registration Process
MCAT is given in international test centers and can be registered on the official website students-residents.aamc.org. To register for this exam, follow the instructions outlined below.
- By creating an account, candidates can create a candidate's AAMC ID and password.
- Enter contact, background, and education information as needed.
- Choose a test date and location.
- Sign the Examinee contract.
- Schedule MCAT examination according to the candidate's availability.
MCAT Registration Fees
Take a glance at the table below to see MCAT Fees 2024. Taxes and other charges may be applied at the relevant rates.
| Registration Process | Registration Fees |
|---|---|
| Standard Registration | $335 |
| Fee Assistance Program Registration | $140 |
Fee Assistance Program Fees
Candidates to get fee assistance must register for the Medical College Admission Test at the following Rescheduling and Cancellations (in USD) charges:
| Standard Change Fees | Date or Test Center Reschedule Fee | Cancellation Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 60 or more days before exam | $50 | $165 |
| 30-59 days before exam | $100 | $165 |
| 10-29 days before exam | $200 | $0 |
| Fee Assistance Program Change Fees | Date or Test Center Reschedule Fees | Cancellation Refund |
|---|---|---|
| 60 or more days before exam | $20 | $70 |
| 30-59 days before exam | $40 | $70 |
| 10-29 days before exam | $80 | $0 |
MCAT Exam with Accommodations
Medical College Admission Test Exam with Accommodations is a unique opportunity provided by AAMC to those with disabilities. If a student has a handicap or medical condition that necessitates a change in the regular test method, they can apply for MCAT examination with accommodations. However, because the complete procedure takes at least 60 days, candidates must submit the candidate's application as soon as possible for the candidate's selected date.
Scheduling MCAT Test
MCAT examination is available in the United States and Canada, as well as in a few major cities across the world. Unfortunately, it is not available in India, and students must fly to their nearest venue to take the exam. Here is a selection of international destinations to consider, including Thailand and Singapore, which are both nearby.
| Australia | France | China |
| Germany | Israel | Lebanon |
| Japan | Singapore | Taiwan |
| United Kingdom | Thailand | South Africa |
| Qatar | – | Hong Kong |
MCAT Exam Dates 2024
There are 3 to 4 MCAT exam dates available every month. Here is the 2024 Testing Calendar for candidates looking to book their slot:
| Test Date | 60 Day Deadline | 30 Day Deadline | 10 Day Deadline | Score Release Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
MCAT Exam Pattern
MCAT test format comprises 230 multiple-choice questions that must be answered in 7.5 hours. It assesses the applicant's general grasp of not only fundamental biology and chemistry, as well as behavior-related ideas, but also their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. In addition to the testing elements of MCAT exam pattern, a typical exam day might include other responsibilities. The following paragraphs provide more information on the topics covered in each question.
| Section | Questions [MCQ] | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Test-day Certification | – | 4 minutes |
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 44 [passage-related]15 [non-passage-related] | 95 minutes |
| Break [optional] | – | 10 minutes |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | 53 [passage-related] | 90 minutes |
| Mid-Exam Break [optional] | 30 minutes | |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 44 [passage-related]15 [non-passage-related] | 95 minutes |
| Break [optional] | 10 minutes | |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 44 [passage-related]15 [non-passage-related | 95 minutes |
| Void Question | – | 3 minutes |
| Satisfaction Survey [optional] | – | 5 minutes |
| Total-Content Time | – | 6 hours and 15 minutes |
| Total “Seated” Time* | – | Approx. 7 hours & 30 minutes |
MCAT Syllabus
The current MCAT test pattern covers a wide range of topics that assess one's intellectual grasp of medicine. A more detailed description, as described on the official MCAT website, is provided below.
| Section | Topics/Skills Tested |
|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | A preliminary level biology, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry fundamentals; Biochemistry concepts at the level taught in the first semester of biochemistry courses at most universities; Topics of cellular and molecular biology at the level studied in many colleges and universities in introductory biology sequences and 1st-semester of biochemistry courses; Foundational research methods and statistics concepts as described by many baccalaureate faculty to be important for success in introductory science courses; Individual scientific inquiry and reasoning, research methods, and data-based and statistics skills as applied to the natural sciences |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | Analysis, critical reasoning and comprehension skills through critical thinking tasks in passages; Topics of philosophy, ethics, population health, studies of diverse cultures along with diverse social sciences and humanities disciplines |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | A preliminary level biology, inorganic chemistry and organic chemistry fundamentals; Biochemistry concepts at the level taught in the first semester of biochemistry courses at most universities; Topics of cellular and molecular biology at the level studied in many colleges and universities in introductory biology sequences and 1st-semester of biochemistry courses; Foundational research methods and statistics concepts as described by many baccalaureate faculty to be important for success in introductory science courses; Individual scientific inquiry and reasoning, research methods, and data-based and statistics skills as applied to the natural sciences |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | Fundamental topics of psychology, sociology and biology that form a base for to study of behavioral and sociocultural components of health in medical school; |
MCAT Scores
MCAT examination has a scoring structure that includes individual section grading as well as total rating. Here are a few examples of points that shed light on MCAT scoring pattern.
- The raw score is calculated by adding all right answers to the four multiple-choice questions.
- There will be no negative marking.
- The section scores are combined to yield a total score ranging from 472 to 528.
- A percentile rank is also supplied based on overall scores, indicating the percentage of applicants scoring higher or lower than the concerned candidate.
MCAT vs. NEET
MCAT and NEET are both competitive exams for medical school admission. However, if candidates intend to take any of these examinations, candidates must first comprehend the distinction between the two competitive exams:
| Comparison | NEET | MCAT |
|---|---|---|
| No. of Applicants | Approx 15 lakh students | Approx 85,000 |
| Required for | MBBS in India | MD in US/ Canada/ Australia |
| Eligibility | Class 12th | Bachelor’s degree |
| Difficulty Level | Tough | Moderate |
MCAT Preparation
Preparing for MCAT examination is a difficult task. Students from all around the country take the exam, and getting good grades is something that everyone strives for. So, here are some pointers to help candidates study for MCAT test:
- First and foremost, acquire all exam-related information, from the curriculum to the exam date.
- Take a full-length practice exam to assess a candidate's present understanding. The AAMC provides students with FREE MCAT sample papers that include comments and correct answers in each subject.
- Candidates can also prepare by purchasing practice papers from AAMC.
- MCAT test flash cards help candidates to memorize the difficult sections.
- Gather all the exam resources candidates will need from the official website.
- Begin by preparing the candidate's weak points, but allow time to develop the candidate's already powerful notions.
- Use flashcards, group study, or other methods to help candidates prepare successfully.
- Every week, practice sample papers to measure a candidate's readiness.
- Take a full-length practice test a few days before the exam to identify the candidate's strengths and shortcomings.
- Only work on the weak spots that are not too long and do not put too much strain on the candidate's thinking.
MCAT Preparation Resources
AAMC provides various resources to help students prepare for MCAT. Some of MCAT prep books 2024-2025 are free, while others are quite affordable:
- Free Sample Test by AAMC
- Sample Question Guide
- Free Khan Academy MCAT prep videos
- Free tips for preparation by MCAT
- Roadmap to MCAT Examination Content
MCAT Exam-Day Essentials
candidates must remember to carry the following items to candidate's Medical College Admission Test exam.
- Eyeglasses-subject to visual and physical inspection by test administrators
- MCAT Accepted ID
- Earplugs provided at the test center [personal earplugs are not permitted]
- Storage Key [provided at the test center]
- Noteboard Booklet [provided at the test center]
- Fine-point marker [provided at the test center]
MCAT Practice Test
MCAT sample papers are essential since they simulate the actual exam, allowing candidates to become comfortable with the format and content. They aid in the identification of strengths and shortcomings, allowing for more concentrated study. Furthermore, practice exams increase time management skills while also increasing confidence and readiness for MCAT, a critical step in medical school admissions.
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized exam used for medical school admissions in the United States and Canada. It evaluates applicants' understanding of natural, behavioral, and social sciences. The exam assesses critical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and knowledge of medical ideas. MCAT scores are important in medical school applications.
FAQs
Ques: What is the MCAT exam?
Ans: MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized test used in the United States and Canada to assess applicants' readiness for medical school. It evaluates problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles.
Ques: When should I take the MCAT exam?
Ans: It is recommended to take MCAT exam when candidates have completed the relevant coursework, usually after candidate's sophomore or junior year of college. This allows candidates to have a strong foundation in the subjects tested on the MCAT.
Ques: Who is eligible for the MCAT exam?
Ans: Candidates who completed or are pursuing an MBBS degree and want to attend a health professional school can take MCAT. Allopathic, Osteopathic, Podiatric, and Veterinary Medicine are some of the best programs you can apply through MCAT.
Ques: Is MCAT for MBBS or MD?
Ans: Aspirants who have pursued and completed an MBBS degree, and want to attend healthcare professional schools can take MCAT.
Ques: How is the MCAT exam scored?
Ans: Each of the four MCAT sections is scored from a low of 118 to a high of 132, with a midpoint of 125. The total MCAT score ranges from 472 to 528, which is the sum of the scores from the four sections.
Ques: How long are MCAT scores valid?
Ans: MCAT scores are valid for three years. For example, if candidates take the exam in 2021, the scores will be valid for medical school applications until 2024.
Ques: Is the MCAT the hardest?
Ans: The difficulty level of MCAT depends on your academic background and preparation time. MCAT exam format consists of 230 multiple-choice questions, and you will be allocated 7.5 hours.
Ques: Can I give MCAT after 12 in India?
Ans: You cannot take MCAT after class 12. MCAT exam is designed for medical professionals who wish to pursue higher education in their respective fields. Check the eligibility criteria in detail from the official website before applying.
Ques: What is a perfect MCAT score?
Ans: MCAT total score ranges on a scale between 472 to 528, and the perfect score depends on the organizations you are applying for. On average, achieving 500+ in MCAT is considered a perfect score.
Ques: What is MCAT Syllabus?
Ans: MCAT syllabus is designed for healthcare professionals and consists of 4 sections: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis and Reasoning, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior.
*The article might have information for the previous academic years, which will be updated soon subject to the notification issued by the University/College.
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