If you plan to get into any medical school then you need to be fully prepared to pass the MCAT test. What is this test? This is basically an SAT type of test specifically designed to see if you have what it takes to become a medical professional, go through the rigorous schooling, and if your prepared to learn what is needed. With MCAT scoring your essentially categorized based on how you do in several areas of the test both individually and as a collective of all tests (average). In a sense, the schools look at the MCAT scores a lot like schools judge a grade point average, however the MCAT is very specific and in many schools more important. If your score doesn't reach a minimal, based on each schools particular requirement, your application will be denied. This doesn't mean you can't retake the test and reapply, but it won't look good if you have to take the test several times to qualify. This is also looked into when considering you for the school so it would be best to study hard and get a good score the first time.
Many schools, although they have a minimal score for acceptance, due to the extreme competitiveness of the applicants, will not even consider you if your score is borderline or too low. They want the best of the best students and since there are MANY students that will do very well on the MCAT scoring, this alone would push you below the line unless you reach an equally high score. You can actually start studying for your MCAT at any time, so it would be a very good idea to start finding resources for doing this, years before you actually have to take the test. Although the test may change and things will be added as medical practices evolve, many of the basics will remain the same.
Procrastination in studying for the MCAT will result in failure. It's hard enough to go against other students MCAT scores alone, and realistically you will want to both surpass them as well as show initiative by getting an amazing score. Many students will get a near perfect score, which is a tremendous and unique thing to accomplish but they just might push you out of the running if your score is too mediocre. There are many online resources that can prepare you for the test and the schools themselves often will offer advice on what you need to study. They are pretty good about pointing out exactly what you need to know and where you can get resources to study for the test.
Hwang Keum-OK writes about getting into medical school at: http://www.gettingintomedicalschool.net
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