MCAT: Registration, Exam Dates, Scores, Pattern, and More

MCAT full form is the Medical College Admission Test. It is an entrance exam required for admission to medical school. The MCAT test is a multiple-choice computer-based exam, and it is essential for students who want to study in Canada and the United States to take it. However, the MCAT exam is not conducted in India; if one wishes to appear, the candidate can go to any other nation to take the exam.

Students are eligible for the MCAT only when planning to attend a health professional school, including osteopathic, veterinary medicine, allopathic, or podiatric. If you already have an MBBS degree, there is no need to take special permission to sit for the exam. Moreover, if you are an overseas student, you should have a degree in MBBS or be enrolled in it.

Indian Students who appear for the MCAT exam need to get ‘special permission’ if they are not determined to apply to a health profession school or have previously enrolled themselves in a medical course other than MBBS. To get special permission, specifically state the purpose for taking the exam on the email mcat@aamc.org

After that, the MCAT examiner officer will review and analyse your request, and the candidate can expect a response within 5 working days.

Also, Read: IELTS Exam

MCAT and NEET are both competitive exams for medical school admission. However, when deciding which one to appear for, they should first compare the difference between the two competitive exams:

AAMC offers unique opportunities to those with disabilities. If a student has a handicap or medical condition that necessitates a change in the regular test method, they can apply for the MCAT exam with accommodations. However, because the complete procedure takes at least 60 days, candidates must submit the candidate's application as soon as possible for the selected date.

MCAT registration is available throughout the year and can be given several times yearly. From January to March and again in September at various test centres worldwide in the United States, Canada and other places. Look at the table below for the registration fees for the MCAT exam 2024. Taxes and other charges may be applied.

Also, Read: MD vs DM: Difference Between MD and DM

Candidates who want to get fee assistance must register for the Medical College Admission Test at the following Rescheduling and Cancellations (in USD) charges:

Always check the availability of locations and test dates, then fill out the form on the official website.

To enrol for the MCAT, here are some tips to remember:-

• First, create an account and a candidate's AAMC ID and password.

• Fill in all the necessary details, such as your background, education and contact information. 

• Select the exam location and date as per your choice.

• Sign the examinee contract.

• You can schedule your MCAT exam based on your availability.

There are 3 to 4 exam dates available every month. Below is the list of candidates looking for slots; please book them accordingly.

Also, Read: CAE Exam (C1 Advanced)

The MCAT exam format consists of 230 multiple-choice questions; to attempt that, the candidate has 7.5 hours. It emphasises the fundamental chemistry, biology, and behaviour-related ideas and their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. Moreover, a typical exam day may include other responsibilities to the testing elements. The following paragraphs provide more information on the topics covered in each question.

The scoring structure of the MCAT includes an individual section grading system and the overall exam total. Here are a few points that will help you understand the scoring pattern.

• The rough score is calculated by adding all the accurate answers to all the multiple-choice questions.

• There is no negative marking.

• The calculated rough scores are scaled and measured from 118 lowest to 132 highest. 

• The section scores are combined to get a total score ranging from 472 to 528.

• Overall scores are based on the percentage of candidates scoring. 

Also, Read: Gmat Exam

It is a difficult task to prepare for the MCAT. Students from around the country take the exam, and getting good grades is something everyone struggles with. So, here are some tips to help candidates study for the MCAT:

• The foremost thing is to acquire all exam-related information, from the curriculum to the exam date.

• You can also prepare by purchasing practice papers from AAMC.

• Only work on the weak spots that are not too long, and do not strain yourself overthinking.

• MCAT flashcards help you to memorise the difficult sections. 

• Gather all the exam resources that you will need from the official website.

• Begin by preparing your weak points, but allow time to develop your already powerful notions.

• Every week, practice sample papers to measure your readiness.

• Take a full-length practice test to know your present understanding. The AAMC provides students FREE sample papers with comments and correct answers for each subject.

• Use flashcards, group study, or other methods to help yourself to prepare successfully.

• Take a full-length practice test a few days before the exam to identify your weaknesses and strengths. 

AAMC provides different resources to help students prepare for the MCAT. Some MCAT preparation books 2024-2025 are free, while others are pretty affordable:

• Free preparation tips by MCAT

• Sample Question Guide

• Free Sample Test by AAMC

• Roadmap to MCAT content

• Free Khan Academy MCAT preparation video

Essentials for MCAT exam:

Candidate should carry the following things while appearing for the exam:

1. MCAT accepted ID.

2. Eyeglasses-subject to physical and visual inspection by test supervisors

3. Storage key (provided at the test centre)

4. Noteboard Booklet (provided at the test centre)

5. Earplugs are provided at the test centre (personal earplugs are not allowed)

6. Fine-point marker (provided at the test centre) 

To sum up, the MCAT is a Medical College Admission Test organised in Canada, the United States, and other parts of the world. It assesses candidates' readiness for medical school, checks students' skills and ability in critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of behavioural, natural, and social science principles and concepts, and is a vital component of the medical school admission process.

To know more about the MCAT or its preparation for studying abroad, we encourage you to speak with our team of expert counsellors at Meridean Overseas Education Consultants (MOEC). Our counsellors will provide you with guidance throughout your study abroad. Get help with the application process, SOPs, and filing for a visa. Visit us and get one-to-one counselling, or avail yourself of free video counselling via our website. We will be happy to help you, so please do not hesitate to contact us at application02@meridean.org or 1800-1230-00011.

1. When am I eligible to appear for the MCAT exam?

It is suggested that when the student has completed the relevant coursework, generally after the student's undergraduate course. As a result, this allows students to build a strong foundation in the subjects needed for the MCAT exam.

2. Till how long MCAT exam scores are valid?

The MCAT exam scores are valid for 3 years.

3. What is the complete duration of the MCAT exam?

The exam lasts approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks. So, the actual time of the exam is 6 hours and 15 minutes.

4. What is the structure of the MCAT exam?

The MCAT exam consists of four sections, which are 

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

5. How many times can I take the MCAT?

The student can take the MCAT exam up to three times in a single year, four times in two years, and seven times in a lifetime.