The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a national standardized test for applicants to medical schools. The test is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The MCAT is designed to test your knowledge of basic science concepts, as well as your problem-solving skills, critical thinking ability, and writing skills. The information that follows reflects changes that will take effect for the April 2003 MCAT.

The MCAT is composed of four scored sections that always appear in the same order:
Physical Sciences (physics and general chemistry)
Verbal Reasoning
Writing Sample
Biological Sciences (biology and organic chemistry)

How is the MCAT scored?

All sections except the Writing Sample are in multiple-choice format and are graded on a scale of 1 to 15. You will also receive a total score for the three multiple choice sections. Raw scores on the Writing Sample are converted to a letter grade ranging from a low of J to a high of T.

How important are my MCAT scores?

At most U.S. medical schools, your MCAT scores are given as much weight as your GPA. Moreover, if there is a discrepancy between your MCAT scores and your GPA, the tendency is to give the MCAT scores more weight.

In Canada, most schools do not weight your MCAT scores very heavily. However, some schools set minimum cut-off scores that applicants must meet in order to be considered.

Can I cancel my scores?

The only way a student can keep their MCAT scores hidden is to VOID the test before the end of the MCAT testing day. This means their test will not be scored at all, and their participation in that administration of the MCAT will not be reported to AMCAS or to non-AMCAS schools. (However, the AAMC still counts this as having attended the test and it counts toward the total of 3 times a student can take the MCAT without receiving special permission from the AAMC.) For more information, read "The MCAT Score Release Option."

How do I know if I am ready for the MCAT?

Try our free online 5-hour practice MCAT. When you finish the test, you'll get a complete score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses. If you are satisfied with your results, then you may be ready. If you feel that you still need help, check out The Princeton Review's many test preparation options or call 800-2Review.

When can I take the MCAT?

April 26, 2003
August 16, 2003
April 17, 2004
August 14, 2004
April 16, 2005
August 20, 2005

How do I pick a test date?

First, find out the application deadlines for the medical schools to which you are applying, then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build in some extra time to your planning process for unexpected delays. Registration deadlines are typically five weeks before the test date; late registration deadlines are typically three weeks before the test. For a registration packet, contact the MCAT Program Office at:

MCAT Program Office
P.O. Box 4056
Iowa City, Iowa 52243-4056
(319) 337-1357

You can also register electronically for the MCAT on the AAMC website at www.aamc.org.

What fees are associated with the MCAT?

It costs $175 to register for the MCAT. For no additional fee, your scores will be reported to you, and, if you authorize it, released to schools that participate in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), and up to six institutions that do not participate in AMCAS. The late registration fee is $50. Registration fee waiver information is available on the AAMC website at www.aamc.org.

Where can I get more information about the MCAT?

You can contact us here at The Princeton Review by calling 800-2Review. Or you can contact the MCAT Program Office at: (319) 337-1357

©2002 The Princeton Review, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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