| The Medical College Admissions Test, or MCAT, is a | | | | was an M. The Association also provided averages |
| computerized exam that plays an important role in | | | | for each individual subject: physical sciences - 8.3, |
| medical school admissions decisions. The exam tests | | | | biological sciences - 8.7, and verbal reasoning - 8.1. |
| knowledge in three substantive areas: the physical | | | | Noteworthy medical colleges have released the |
| sciences, the biological sciences, and verbal reasoning. | | | | following average scores: Boston University - 10.7Q; |
| The exam includes multiple-choice sections testing | | | | Georgetown University - 10.3Q; Stanford University - |
| those subjects, along with two writing sections. This | | | | 11.7Q; UCLA - 11Q; UC San Francisco - 11.7Q; |
| article explains MCAT scoring, including the average | | | | University of Illinois - 10.3P; University of Michigan - |
| MCAT score for leading medical schools. | | | | 11.7Q; and Yale University - 11.7Q. (The numerical |
| The multiple-choice sections have reported scores on | | | | portion averages the three multiple-choice section |
| a 15-point scale. The higher the actual score of the | | | | scores.) |
| section, the closer the reported score will be to 15 | | | | Potential medical students must take a number of |
| points. Only correct answers are scored; there is no | | | | courses as undergraduates to have the required |
| scoring penalty for incorrect or blank answers. | | | | foundational knowledge for the MCAT. The relevant |
| The exam's writing sections are each read twice. One | | | | subjects are reading and writing, general and organic |
| human reader and a computerized scoring program | | | | chemistry, biology, physics, and calculus. Intensely |
| reads each writing sample. Therefore, the writing | | | | studying these subjects will help MCAT examinees |
| portion of each exam receives four scores - the | | | | achieve their best score. |
| scores are combined into the ultimate written grade | | | | For most pre-medical students, just taking the above |
| that is reported. The highest grade is a T and the | | | | courses isn't sufficient to prepare for the MCAT. |
| lowest grade is a J. | | | | Many students seek out professional MCAT |
| The MCAT score that is reported to the examinee | | | | preparation courses. These courses help students |
| and to the various medical schools is a combination of | | | | review the relevant undergraduate coursework, while |
| those multiple-choice scores and the score from | | | | learning the important strategic approaches to |
| writing samples. A score would look something like | | | | succeed on the MCAT. |
| 30P. | | | | It's important to note that the MCAT isn't the only |
| The Association of American Medical Colleges | | | | consideration for admissions officers at medical |
| releases scoring statistics annually. The most recent | | | | colleges. Comparing your score to the average MCAT |
| statistics, released for 2009, report an average score | | | | score isn't the only admissions consideration. GPAs |
| of 25.1. The Association reports writing sample | | | | are also considered. They also look the applicant's |
| percentages. For 2009, the 75th percentile was a Q, | | | | faculty recommendations, personal statements, and |
| the 50th percentile was an O, and the 25th percentile | | | | their work in student activities and civic engagement. |