About the MCAT Exam
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine.
In April 2015, we launched the current version of the MCAT exam. Scores are reported in four sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Almost all U.S. medical schools and many Canadian schools require you to submit MCAT exam scores. Many schools do not accept MCAT exam scores that are more than three years old.
Changing the MCAT Exam
The new MCAT exam includes the concepts and skills that medical educators, medical students, and residents rated as the most important for pre-meds to know so they are prepared on day one of medical school.
we launched the current MCAT exam in April 2015. Last revised in 1991, the exam has been updated to reflect the changes in medicine and science and to test examinees on not only what they know but how well they use what they know.
Here is why the exam is a better test for tomorrow’s doctors and what the changes mean for you as an aspiring medical student.
A new world for health care
Today’s medical students are entering a health care system that has undergone enormous change since the MCAT exam was last revised. There has been an explosion of medical research and scientific knowledge, an increase in the diversity and life span of patients, and ongoing delivery system reforms.
Redefining what makes a good doctor
Medical education is continually being updated to keep better pace with these changes. Medical school curricula includes earlier exposure to clinical settings, more competency-based learning, and coursework that focuses on important knowledge and skills, such as inter-professional training, communication, and the social determinants of health.
