How to Take the MCAT

Medical schools require the MCAT as a part of the application process. If you're concerned about the process, read on to learn how to take the MCAT.

• The Medical School Admission Test, or MCAT, is administered by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC). It is required as part of the application process by most medical schools in the United States. In order to take the MCAT, you'll need to register for the test, prepare to do well, and sit for the exam.

• MCAT registration is done online. You'll need an AAMC login ID to register. If you do not have one, you can set it up here.

(Creative Commons photo by a.drian)

• The AAMC website includes detailed information about the test that will be helpful when preparing for the exam. You can also take a formal MCAT prep class and/or purchase books and software to help you study for the test.

You can access practice tests and sample questions at the AAMC site.

• The MCAT is a computer administered test, but it is not a computer-adaptive test. The sections contain fixed forms, and students can go back and change and review their answers within a section, just as they could do if it was a paper test.

1. Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the test.
2. Bring a current valid government issued ID to the test. The ID needs to have a photo, signature and an expiration date. Either a driver's license or a passport will satisfy the ID requirement.
3. Cell phones and pagers may not be brought into the testing lab.
4. Computers are assigned randomly to students;you may not select your seat.
5. Use your time efficiently while taking the test.

• Although a few medical schools do not require the MCAT, the vast majority do. As a result, medical school applicants need to register for, prepare for, and take the MCAT as part of their application process.

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