The MCAT is a standardized test that consists of multiple choice questions and two writing samples.
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a testing program run by the Association of American Medical Colleges. It is used by most U.S. medical schools to help evaluate candidates for admissions. The MCAT tests prospective medical student in the areas of biological sciences, physical sciences, verbal reasoning and writing. Many students find it helpful to write sample essays on sample topics to prepare for the exam. While you can never find out the exact topics you will be given, all MCAT topics follow a similar pattern and therefore good sample topics will include all the elements of this pattern: opposing views, controversial statements and a synthesis of ideas.
Instructions for the Writing Sample
The writing sample section of the exam consists of two essays. Test takes have 60 minutes to complete the entire section. For each essay a statement will appear at the top of the page. The first instruction is a prompt to explain what that statement means. This will be followed by two instructions more specific to the statement. The first will be an instruction to illustrate an opposing view and the second will be to provide a discussion on when one or the other of the opposing viewpoints is valid. You must complete all three parts of the essay to achieve a good score.
Opposing Views
Each writing sample provides a statement that explains a particular view. After defining this view you will be asked to provide a specific example of when an opposing view might be true. For example, your essay may contain the statement, "The object of education should be to teach skills not values." This will be followed by a request for you to describe a situation in which the object of eduction might be to teach values rather than skills. This view is directly opposing to the one in the statement.
Controversial Statements
Many statements used as essay prompts contain controversial ideas or ethical dilemmas. For example, a statement provided on the official MCAT website for essay practice says, "The introduction of modern technologies is harmful to underdeveloped areas of the world." Another says, "A person's first priority in life should be financial security." Many people would disagree vehemently with these statements. You cannot let your feelings throw you off track. The essay should contain a well thought-out discussion of both sides of the issue. Only then can you reach a conclusion.
Synthesis of Ideas
The last portion of the essay requires you to reconcile the discussion you have had about both sides of the argument into a cohesive thesis. This requires bringing some larger insight about the topic and meaning of the statement into the essay. The most successful essays manage to bring together the contradictory ideas expressed in the essay prompt statement and the opposing view example.
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