Information about the MCAT

    The MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) is a standardized test that many schools use as a selection factor.  The test is required all across the U.S.A, and at most Canadian schools.  The importance placed on the exam varies from school to school, but it is important to score well on this exam.

    The exam is written over a one day period, beginning at about 8:00 am and running till 5:00 pm.  During the test day you are given 2 coffee breaks and one hour for lunch.  The test is administered in 4 sections:

1. Verbal Reasoning - you read difficult passages and answer questions on their meaning. The passages are not science related.  Students always underestimate the difficulty of this section.

2.  Biological Sciences - you will be tested on biology and biochemistry.  Topics will include human physiology, applied biochem, organic chem, and situational problem solving.

3.  Writing Sample - You are given two essays to write, and about 30 mins for each one. My worst score ( by a lot ) was on this section.

4.  Physical Sciences - Chemistry and physics are emphasized here, study hard for this section.

    The question of when to write the MCAT depends solely on when it is you plan to apply.  If you wish to apply to medicine after second year university, you will need to write the exam in the summer between first and second year.  The exam sits in April and August every year, and results will be posted by the time the scores are due at the schools that fall or winter.
     I recommend writing the summer between 2 and 3 year, or in April between 3 and fourth year. That way if you blow it ( many do ), you can rewrite in August between 3 and 4 and still make a good showing to apply for your first year out of undergraduate study.

    The best preparation for the exam is to have taken courses covering all the material involved.  There are also many study manuals that are very good, they contain sample tests, questions and answers, plus actual lessons on what you need to know.  These study aids can be purchased at medical school bookstores.  There are also MCAT preparation courses available, I did not use these, so cannot comment on their usefulness.  From what I hear they are quite expensive, check the bulletin boards around your campus.  One thing that is definitely useful, is to take one of the sample tests, and do it with all of the proper time restraints and structure, this will help a great deal.

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