About the MCAT Exam
The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee’s problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, and Biological Sciences.
Almost all U.S. medical schools and many Canadian schools require applicants to submit MCAT exam scores. Many schools do not accept MCAT exam scores that are more than three years old.
When should I take the MCAT exam?
In most cases, you should take the exam in the calendar year prior to the year in which you plan to enter medical school (so that, for example, if you are applying in 2013 for entrance to medical school in 2014, you should take the exam in 2013).
If you are trying to determine whether you should take the exam early in the year or later, you should ask yourself a couple of questions:
- Will I take the exam just once or is there a possibility I may want to take it again?
- Have I mastered the material or do I need additional coursework or study?