Medical College Admission Test

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT; /ˈɛmkæt/ EM-kat) is a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students (both Allopathic M.D. and Osteopathic D.O.) in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean Islands. It is designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, written analysis and knowledge of scientific concepts and principles. Before 2007, the exam was a paper-and-pencil test; since 2007, all administrations of the exam have been computer-based.

Medical College Admission Test
AcronymMCAT
TypeComputer-based standardized test
Developer / administratorAssociation of American Medical Colleges
Knowledge / skills testedPhysical sciences, biological sciences, verbal reasoning
PurposeAdmissions to medical colleges
Year started1928 (1928)
Score / grade range118–132 for each of four sections, totaling 472–528
Score / grade validityUsually 2 to 3 years
Offered25 times from January 2017 through September 2017
Restrictions on attemptsMaximum of three times in a one year period; four times in a two year period; and seven times for life
Countries / regionsMainly United States and Canada, in addition to 19 other countries
LanguagesEnglish
Prerequisites / eligibility criteriaPreparing to apply to a health professional school (fluency in English is assumed)
FeeUS$310–US$460
("Fee Assistance Program" available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or refugees, demonstrating financial need.)
Scores / grades used byMedical colleges (mostly in United States and Canada)
Websitestudents-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/

The most recent version of the exam was introduced in April 2015 and takes 7+12 hours to complete. The test is scored in a range from 472 to 528. The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

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