The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, computer-based examination for students who wish to make a career in the field of medicine. The test evaluates student academic skills, as well as their analytical, critical thinking and problem solving abilities. The exam, considered to be one of the most challenging of its kind, lasts between four-and-a-half to five-and-a-half hours.
Students taking the MCAT are usually undergraduates who are in the senior or junior years of their studies.
The MCAT exam is held around 25 times per year at various Prometric centers around the country. The test is divided into four sections: physical sciences, verbal reasoning, writing, and biological sciences. The physical sciences section tests a student knowledge of physics and general chemistry, while the biological sciences section measures their aptitudes in the fields of organic chemistry and biology. The verbal reasoning section tests the students comprehensive and analytical abilities. Lastly, the writing section involves two short essays which students must complete within one hour.
Students who plan to take the MCAT exam may enroll in one of many offered MCAT prep courses. After reviewing the MCAT coursework, students may take the free, full-length online practice tests in order to assess their preparations. A number of highly experienced professionals offer various MCAT prep courses that are designed to help students prepare for and then ace the exam. If you want find out more about these various prep courses, check out our online Comparison Tool on our website. The Comparison Tool can give you the information you need concerning various MCAT prep courses and their advantages, helping you make an informed decision that suits your particular needs and future goals.