MCAT Exam: Registration, Exam Dates, Pattern, Syllabus, Preparation Tips & Scores.

MCAT Exam: The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice test required for admission to medical schools in various countries. It assesses candidates' problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural sciences, behavioral sciences, and reasoning skills.

It is conducted by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and is required for those who wish to pursue an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or equivalent medical degree at institutions that accept MCAT scores.

What is the MCAT test?

It is a computer-based, multiple-choice test that is required for admission to medical schools in the United States, Canada, and some other countries. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) created and administers the MCAT test to provide medical schools with a common benchmark for comparing applicants' qualifications and preparedness for medical school.

MCAT registration is available throughout the year. Admissions committees for medical schools consider a candidate's MCAT scores as well as academic records and supporting papers to assess the candidate's foundation for a successful medical career. Official MCAT scores are available 30-35 days after the test date.

MCAT Examination Highlights:

Countries that accept MCAT scores:

MCAT scores are primarily used for admission to medical schools in the following countries:

1. United States

+ Almost all medical schools in the US require MCAT scores for admission to MD (Doctor of Medicine) programs.

2. Canada

+ Most Canadian medical schools accept MCAT scores, but some French-speaking universities (e.g., in Quebec) do not require the MCAT.

+ Some universities consider only specific sections of the MCAT (e.g., CARS - Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills).

3. Australia

+ Some graduate-entry medical schools in Australia accept MCAT scores instead of the GAMSAT (Graduate Medical School Admissions Test).

+ Examples include the University of Melbourne, the University of Sydney, and Monash University.

4. United Kingdom

+ Some medical schools in the UK accept the MCAT for international students applying to graduate-entry medical programs. However, the UCAT or BMAT are more commonly required.

5. Caribbean Medical Schools

+ Several Caribbean medical schools accept MCAT scores for admission to their MD programs, including:

+ St. George's University (SGU)

+ American University of the Caribbean (AUC)

+ Ross University School of Medicine

6. Singapore

+ The Duke-NUS Medical School in Singapore accepts MCAT scores for admission to its MD program.

7. Israel

+ Some American-style medical schools in Israel, such as Tel Aviv University's Sackler School of Medicine, accept MCAT scores for admission.

8. Ireland

+ Some Irish universities, such as the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI), may consider MCAT scores for medical admission.

MCAT Exam Pattern, Duration and Score:

The duration of the MCAT exam is 6 hours and 15 minutes and the total seated time in examination is 7 hours and 30 minutes. The MCAT exam syllabus is divided into four sections, which cover a total of 472 to 528 score.

MCAT Eligibility:

Candidates must intend to apply to the Health Professions School to take the MCAT exam and must meet the eligibility requirement. Also, to be admitted as a foreign student, one must be enrolled in an MBBS degree or have an MBBS degree. Indian students must obtain 'special permission' to take the MCAT exam if they do not intend to apply to the Health Professions School or are already enrolled in medical courses other than MBBS. To obtain special permission, email at official email mcat@aamc.org clearly stating the purpose for taking the test.

The MCAT Test Office will then analyze and review the request and respond within five working days. Prospective candidates must take note of the applicable MCAT registration deadlines.

MCAT Syllabus:

The MCAT is a standardized computer-based test that assesses a candidate's ability to solve complex problems, critical thinking, and knowledge required for the study of medicine. The MCAT syllabus for Indian students has four main test sections. Here is the syllabus of MCAT:

+ Biological and Biochemical Basis of Living Systems

+ Chemical and Physical Basis of Biological Systems

+ Psychological, Social, and Biological Basis of Behavior

+ Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Note: The MCAT exam syllabus is the same for all backgrounds

MCAT vs NEET:

Both MCAT and NEET Exam are competitive exams for admission into medical school. However, if candidates wish to take any of these exams, candidates must first understand the difference between both competitive exams: