Why is taking an MCAT test recommended before applying to med school?
Did you know that more than 85,000 students, each year, sit for the MCAT exam?
The Medical College Admission Test, commonly known as MCAT, is a standardized, computer-based, multiple-choice examination that is an important criterion for taking admissions into medical school.
Several medical schools in Canada and almost all in the United States prefer candidates applying have good MCAT scores.
Read this blog to find out why many graduate medical programs and health profession schools now consider MCAT scores as one of the most vital med school requirements.
What does the MCAT exam include?
Examinees of the MCAT exam are basically tested on the knowledge and skills that physicians, medical students, medical educators, and residents have determined as key prerequisites for success in practicing medicine and medical school.
The questions from the paper can be classified into four sections:
- Biochemical and biological foundations of living systems
- Biological, social, and psychological foundations of behavior
- Physical and chemical foundations of biological systems
- Reasoning and critical analysis skills
With hundreds of test centers throughout select locations of the world and across the United States and Canada, The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) administers the MCAT exam and upgrades its structure several times each year, from September through late January.
How important is the MCAT examination?
Although taking the MCAT exam is just a single part of your overall medical school application, it is no doubt an important step.
The test scores allow the respective admissions committees to analyze several interpersonal elements, including your
- Exposure to medical research and health care environments;
- Potential to contribute to the community and campus;
- Academic strengths;
- Personal interests and experiences;
- Mindful attributes such as the drive to help others and maturity.
How can you prepare for the test?
The abilities and understanding tested on the exam revolve around introductory level physics, psychology, biology, and sociology, organic and general chemistry, and basic biochemistry.
There are several online tools that can help you compare the course content differing between medical schools, helping you plan which is best for you!
When should I appear for the MCAT exam?
Ensure you are mentally ready to understand the skills and introductory-level science information tested on the exam.
Choosing an exam date according to the year you plan to enter medical school.
This will give you enough time to study for the exam, thereby allowing you to better understand the content of the MCAT syllabus.
Have you appeared for the MCAT exam a couple of times now and aren’t satisfied with the test score?
Then it’s time to make a change!
Log on to our website and get in touch with our program advisor to help guide you to retake the MCAT exam confidently.
Browse through our range of medical program and grab the opportunity to start learning even before you have qualified the MCAT!
