The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is a multiple choice, computer-based examination conducted for admission to the undergraduate program in the United States. It is designed to assess a student's knowledge of basic sciences, critical thinking, writing and problem solving ability.
The subjects covered in the examination and verbal reasoning, physical sciences, writing sample, and biological sciences. Candidates who wish to appear for the test have to register online via the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website. Detailed information can be had from the official Medical School Admission Requirements (MASR) from AAMC.
Admission test for MCAT are being conducted from January till September for 26 days. In order to get your choicest date and time you have to register early.
When should the MCAT exam to be taken?
It would be better if you take the test in the previous year prior to the year in which you plan to take admission. If you are planning admission in the year 2011 summer, better you take the admission test in 2010 spring itself. However, those who feel that their score is not up to the mark, they can take a spring test, so that if need arise, they can take a retest in the summer or early fall. This will allow you to submit the latest scores to the medical schools.
The MCAT test consists of three subjects viz. Physical Science, Verbal Reasoning and Biological Sciences. Each paper consists of about 52 questions with test time of approximately 70 minutes.
Physical Sciences
The physical sciences test consists of chemistry, physics, analytical reasoning and data interpretation. Questions are mixed in order to test the students ability to analyze things in the proper perspective. Physics concepts include Newtonian mechanics, thermodynamics, magnetism, light and optics, nuclear physics, and atomic phenomena. Chemistry concepts include quantum numbers, the Periodic Table, reaction types, bonding, phases of matter, and acids and bases. Normally the questions are presented in disguise, as journal and textbook articles, experimental research, data analysis or scientific style editorials. This is done to analyze the students' ability to comprehend things quickly.
Verbal Reasoning
Verbal Reasoning is designed to test your ability to read critically, comprehend written material, understand the main idea and take decisions based on it. The questions require a lot of thinking; apply the information to a hypothetical situation, or split an argument into smaller units. This is an good opportunity for students to score high.
Biological Sciences
This test consists of biology, organic chemistry, data interpretation and analytical reasoning. Questions in this section cover biology and organic chemistry with more stress on biology. The concepts include cell division, muscular and skeletal systems, lymphatic system, respiratory and circulatory systems, enzymatic activity, viruses, and the nervous system. Organic chemistry concepts include nomenclature, stereo-chemistry, spectroscopy, hydrocarbons, amino acids and proteins, laboratory techniques, and hydrolysis and dehydration.
The MCAT Score
The average numerical score at each MCAT administration is a 24, or an 8 on each of the multiple choice sections. The average alphabetical is an "N". To be considered for admission to a medical school, your score should be 10's and 11's on the physical sciences, verbal reasoning, biological sciences sections and 12's or higher for getting a top 10 medical school.
For How Long the Scores are Valid?
Medical schools usually accept scores of about two or three years. For correct information, you must check with the medical schools to which you intend to apply.
Recommended Study Material
A number of excellent training institutions are there in US and many other countries. Similarly there are excellent study materials available from top publishers, which can be purchased from the book shop near to you or online from Amazon etc. A few names are suggested here: Cracking the MCAT 2010-2011 by Princeton Review, Kaplan MCAT 2010-2011 Premier or Kaplan MCAT Complete 5 Subject Review.
Raveendran Kandathil. A multi-talented personality with experience in education, sales and marketing, article writing and online business. I've good knowledge about the medical college admission procedure, study material needed and would like to share these information with those who are interested to know more about it.
For more details and further guidance please click this link: http://www.squidoo.com/MCAT-Preparation
Post a Comment