Student Smarts

MCAT Guide for Students

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee's problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Medical colleges consider MCAT exam scores as part of their admission process.

All American Bar Association (ABA)-approved law schools, most Canadian law schools, and many other law schools require applicants to take the LSAT as part of their admission process. The exam has been part of the medical school admissions process for more than 60 years, and today all medical schools in the United States and most in Canada require applicants to submit recent MCAT exam scores. In addition, many other health professions and graduate programs accept MCAT exam scores in lieu of other standardized tests. Considering its widespread acceptance, it is no surprise that more than 70,000 students sit for the exam each year.

The AAMC, in conjunction with its member U.S. medical schools, develops and administers the MCAT exam and owns all aspects of it. Anyone who is considering writing the MCAT should read the 2010 MCAT Essentials PDF published by the Association of American Medical Colleges. This document provides importan information like registering for the exam, eligibility, registration deadlines, fees, exam locations, test day procedures, etc..

Currently the exam fee is $230US (2010).

Student Smarts

MCAT Guide for Students

Medical College Admission Test Resources