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Rebecca M. Sparrow, Execu2ve Director
Cornell Career Services February 28, 2014
All About the MCAT®
Agenda • Overview • Essen2al Resources • MCAT Facts and Figures • MCAT 2014 and January 2015 • Timing, Prepara2on, Test Day • MCAT Changes in 2015 • Contac2ng MCAT • Ques2ons
MCAT Overview
• The MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) is a tool used by medical schools as an important component of the admission decision.
• Tests for mastery of basic biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics concepts; plus problem-‐solving and cri2cal thinking ability.
• MCAT score and GPAs (overall and BCMP) are weighed in an algorithm to determine whom to invite for an interview.
Common Misconcep;ons
• The MCAT is just a content test, summing up the courses taken during your undergraduate educa2on. – Rather, cri2cal thinking, ability to reason and integrate informa2on, and
crea2ve problem-‐solving are tested. • The MCAT is not par2cularly predic2ve of my success in
medical school. – Studies have shown that the MCAT is highly predic2ve of 1st and 2nd year grades in medical school, as well as performance on the U.S. Medical Licensing Exam.
Essen;al Resource
Essen;al Resource
MCAT Facts and Figures
• >85,000 tests administered each year. • Cost: $275 ($100 if qualify for fee assistance); surcharge for late
registra2on, change of tes2ng site, etc. • Dura2on: 5 hours, 10 minutes (“seated” 2me). • Offered: late January through early September, at designated
test centers in all 50 states and in Canada. • Closest test centers to Ithaca: Prometric Tes2ng Centers in
Vestal (near Binghamton) and East Syracuse. • Adempts allowed: maximum of 3 between January 2014
through January 2015 (cancella2ons and voids included).
MCAT Facts and Figures
• Maximum Score: 45 (15 points per scored sec2on). • Score Choices:
– I wish to have my MCAT exam SCORED. – I wish to VOID my MCAT exam.
• Scores Available: view in Tes2ng History (THx) Score Repor2ng System 30-‐35 days ager test date.
• Scores Honored: “oldest MCAT considered” varies by individual schools (check MSAR).
• Score Repor2ng: automa2cally to AMCAS and inserted into your applica2on; you release from THx System to other recipients (e.g., AACOMAS, CASPA, SOPHAS, etc.).
MCAT Facts and Figures
Source: AAMC, Data extracted from Table 17: MCAT Scores and GPAs for Applicants, and Matriculants to U.S. Medical Schools, 2000-‐2011. hdps://www.aamc.org/data/facts/applicantmatriculant/
Mean MCAT Scores, Applicants and Matriculants 2000 -‐ 2011
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
31
32 M
ean
Tota
l MC
AT S
core
Year
Total MCAT Applicants
Total MCAT Matriculants
When to Take the MCAT
• Take test as soon ager comple2ng covered material in your coursework as prac2cable.
• Allow 2me for self-‐directed learning on topics you have not yet studied.
• Take test with lead 2me on the applica2on cycle. If at all possible, know your score before you choose where you want to apply.
• AAMC recommends taking in year of applica2on; may not always be prac2cable.
When Not to Take the MCAT
• Before You’re Ready. • Late in the Applica2on Season. • During Periods of High Demand:
– Prelims, final exams, etc.
MCAT 2014 and January 2015
• Test Sec2ons – Physical Sciences: 52 ques2ons. – Verbal Reasoning: 40 ques2ons. – Biological Sciences: 52 ques2ons. – Trial Sec2on (voluntary; 32 ques2ons; 45 minutes).
• Wri2ng Sample dropped in 2013.
MCAT 2014: What’s Covered
• Physical Sciences – Assesses the applica2on of introductory-‐level knowledge of general chemistry and physics
to solve scien2fic problems. – Topics are commonly taught in introductory general chemistry and physics courses.
• Verbal Reasoning – Assesses examinees’ ability to understand, evaluate, and apply informa2on and arguments
presented in text.
• Biological Sciences – Assesses the applica2on of introductory-‐level knowledge of biology and organic chemistry
to solve scien2fic problems. – Topics are commonly taught in introductory biology and organic chemistry courses.
• Trial Sec2on – Biochemistry, psychology, and sociology; biologically-‐based chemistry and physics.
How to Prepare
• See covered topics/skills in AAMC Content Outlines. • Use The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam. • Take the free e-‐MCAT Prac2ce Test 3 to get a baseline score.
www.aamc.org/freemcatprac2ce. • Review The Official MCAT Self-‐Assessment Package. • Study by targe2ng your weaknesses and reinforcing your
strengths. • Take addi2onal e-‐MCAT Prac2ce Tests (fee based) to
determine your progress. • Consider a prep course.
Test Day
• Rules Apply, So Know Them! – Arrival 2me. – Allowed personal items. – Iden2fica2on requirements. – Etc.
Concerns ANer the Exam
• Inform Test Center Administrator on day of test. • Wriden concern must arrive by fax or mail within five business days:
Aden2on: Test Center Concerns Associa2on of American Medical Colleges 2450 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20037-‐1127 Fax: 202/828-‐4799
The New MCAT®
“…the health system of tomorrow will require a different kind of physician. And that is why, in 2015, there will be a new Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®).” -‐ Darrell G. Kirch, M.D., AAMC President and CEO
hdps://www.aamc.org/newsroom/reporter/march2012/276772/word.html
MCAT® 2015 Subject Areas No. of items / minutes
Points
Biological and biochemical founda2ons of living systems
67 / 95 min 1-‐15
Chemical and physical founda2ons of living systems 67 / 95 min 1-‐15
Psychological, social, and biological founda;ons of behavior
67 / 95 min 1-‐15
Cri;cal analysis and reasoning skills based on readings in humani2es and social sciences (includes ethics, philosophy, cross-‐cultural studies, and popula2on health)
60 / 90 min 1-‐15
MCAT® 2015 Subject Areas and Format
Which Exam Should You Take?
Contac;ng MCAT
• Associa2on of American Medical Colleges Medical College Admission Test 2450 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20037
• Phone: 202/828-‐0690 • E-‐mail: [email protected] (No Adachments) • Hours of Opera2on
– Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday: 9:00 am-‐5:00 pm ET
– Wednesday: 9:00 am-‐3:00 pm ET
Ques;ons?
