You'll need to study a great deal of information in preparation for the MCAT, the standard admission test for medical schools.
Medical colleges and schools use the same standardized entrance test, and it's not an easy one. The Medical College Admission Test, better known as the MCAT, has been offered since 1928 and as of July 2010, was undergoing its fifth revision. To be successful on this test and be accepted into medical college you'll need to study extensively.
Test Basics
Almost all medical colleges require prospective students to take the MCAT prior to entrance into the school. The test is offered at various times from January through September each year by the Association of American Medical Colleges. It tests your knowledge of biological sciences, chemistry, physical sciences and communication techniques such as reading and writing. It is a combination of multiple-choice questions and essay questions. During the test taking process you are allowed three breaks, which much be completed in less than 5 hours and 30 minutes.
Studying
If you're interested in applying to a medical college, you should take the MCAT in your junior year of college, using the end of your sophomore year and the summer before junior year to study. It's recommended that you take this entrance test in the spring, which allows time to retake it prior to entering medical school if you are dissatisfied with your score. It is possible to set a self-study schedule, but other options exist. Some schools offer undergraduate courses for MCAT preparation, and several third-party study guide books and courses can be found.
Test Scores
The MCAT has four basic sections: physical science, verbal reasoning, biological sciences and writing. Of the former three sections, each are scored on a scale from one to 15, with one being the lowest and 15 being the highest. These scores are then added together. The average score is 24, and because competitive schools are looking for a combined score of 30 or above, high test scores are critical to gaining admission. Also required is a passing score on the writing element of the MCAT, which is graded by a person and a computer.
Retaking the MCAT
It is possible to retake the MCAT. It can be taken three times per year, although you cannot be enrolled for two different test dates at the same time. Even though this entrance test can be taken more than once, it's not always advisable to do so, says Cornell University's Career Services Department. Because medical schools have access to your scores from each time the test is taken, you'll have to do well each time. It is also possible to void the test on the day of the exam so it will not be scored. If you do decide to void the test, you'll have to take it again before being accepted into most schools.
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