Standardized Exams

Taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)

The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.

The MCAT® scores are reported in four sections:

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

When should you begin studying for the MCAT?

You ARE studying for the MCAT when you are taking the following courses:

Biology
Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Psychology
Sociology

You can begin formal test prep when these courses are completed. If you did not master the content in these courses, you may struggle with test preparation.

Almost all U.S. medical schools and many Canadian schools require you to submit MCAT® exam scores. Many schools do not accept MCAT® exam scores that are more than three years old.

For detailed information about the MCAT® Exam, go to the AAMC Website.