MCATS

The MCAT is known as the ‘ Great Equalizer.’ Ideally, it levels the playing field for applicants from various institutional backgrounds, testing the basic scientific knowledge of an applicant and claims to predict performance on Step 1 of the USMLE. It’s not a perfect test, but it has been known as a fair and valid predictor of future performance. Having said that, many students with lower test scores (<70%) have been admitted to medical school, passed all boards and gone on to become amazing doctors. MCATs provide one more data point in a very comprehensive application process. The AAMC recently (July 2020) published a letter to 2021 applicants addressing the various challenges it has faced during the pandemic. In it, they discuss the MCAT at length, but I thought this paragraph in particular summarized the test in general:

The MCAT Exam as a Predictor of Success in Medical School 

“Data show that there is a strong relationship between MCAT scores and students’ preclerkship, Step 1, and clerkship performance. MCAT scores predict how well students do in preclerkship courses like biochemistry, cellular and molecular biology, cardiovascular and pulmonary systems, and behavioral health. Data also show that MCAT scores predict how well students do in their clerkship courses, both on clinical science exams and in clerkship grades. Additionally, higher MCAT scores are correlated with higher scores and pass rates on the Step 1 exam. Also, preliminary analysis shows that MCAT scores are strongly correlated with Step 2-CK scores.  

“MCAT scores provide an important signal of students’ readiness for the heavy volume of knowledge they must acquire in the first two years of medical school and apply in their clinical years. MCAT scores consistently predict students’ performance better than undergraduate GPAs in medical school, although both MCAT scores and undergraduate GPAs show strong relationships with students’ performance. Using MCAT total scores and undergraduate GPAs together provides better prediction of medical student performance than using either one alone. These data are available on our website. 

“Medical schools use MCAT scores in different ways, and scores do much more than provide admissions officers with information about their students’ likely performance in coursework and on the Step 1 exam. Admissions officers use MCAT scores to evaluate students with more modest GPAs, identify which students may need academic support in medical school, and gain important context for students’ transcripts and GPAs.”

This 7.5 hour test is a very important part of your application but with enough advanced preparation, you can score very well. The goal would be to take the test between March - May of the application year, although the test is offered 30 times a year from January - September (except February). This is a test you MUST study for and prepare for.  Make sure you dedicate several (4-6+) months to study for the test, 15-20 hours a week. Treat it like taking a class or having a part time job. Make sure you take at least 3 full length practice test before taking the actual test. I would dedicate 300-500 hours, spread over several months (not cramming in a power session over spring break or 6 weeks over the summer) to study for the MCATs. Don’t go into this test blind. The AAMC offers full length practice tests so you should know a ballpark score before you take the test. The test is more about critical thinking skills and applying your knowledge of basic scientific principals to new questions. If your practice score is not where you want it to be, please don’t take the test. Go back and prepare more.

Please don’t take the test if you have not had all of the course content. I know this sounds simple, but some people think it’s ok to take the MCAT without a full year of Physics. It’s a long and very difficult test, 7.5 hrs. long. During COVID, the test was temporarily shortened to 5 hrs. 45min. Don’t take a chance that you could score low in one section. Your scores are good for 3-5 years. Please also take Biochemistry BEFORE taking the MCATS. It is constitutes 25% of the questions in the Bio section and 25% of the questions in the Chem/Phys section.

What’s on the MCAT? The test consists of 4 sections scored 118–132 (highest). Your total score will range from 472–528. Aim for a 127/128 or higher on each section and a 508-510 or above total score. (A 510 represents the 80th percentile.) You need healthy scores in all sections. Lower than a 125 in one section is not a strong position even if the overall number is strong. For example, a 124 in CARS means you are in the 48%. Even if you scored in the 95% in all science sections, a 124 will raise a red flag. The CARS section can be particularly hard to ‘move’ the score.

4 Sections:

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (59 questions, 95min.)

    • 65% of questions are from Intro. Biology, 25% from first semester Biochem., 5% from Gen. Chem and 5% from Orgo

  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (59 questions, 95min.)

    • 30% of the questions are from Gen. Chem, 25% from first semester Biochem, 25% from Physics, 15% Orgo, 5% from Biology.

  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (59 questions, 95min.)

    • 65% of the questions are from Intro. to Psychology, 30% from Intro. to Sociology, 5% from Intro. Biology

  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (53 questions, 90min.)

There are many test prep companies (Kaplan, Princeton, Blueprint) with a variety of testing formats both in person and online so find a plan that fits you. At first glance, these course can look very expensive. Many have various options to fit your budget and several offer scholarships so always ask. Having a structured study format is extremely helpful for many students to not only cover the material tested but also review the format of the test to gain strategies for success. From my experience, taking a class improves your score. Many test prep companies offer sophisticated tools to analyze your strengths and weakness and this really helps to target the areas where you need the most work. Many also sell books that can help you target certain content areas. Khan Academy is an AMAZING resource with over 1,100 videos and 3,000 questions to review. Newport suggests that even if you purchase a class from one company, you might want to consider buying books or resources from another company as well to supplement your knowledge base. There is a great article reviewing all the test preparation programs published in May 2020 so check it out. Newport does not endorse any particular test prep program but we strongly encourage you to embrace at least one of them! See the list below. The AAMC also provides past tests questions for you to practice on so take full advantage of this benefit.

Make sure you read and understand the mechanics of the MCATs and the dates to sign up for a testing location as they open kin waves and by region. Many dates fill quickly so make sure you are on top of the dates when they release seats at the testing centers. Visit the AAMC page Taking the MCAT Exam for specifics. 

NOTE ON WHEN TO TAKE THE MCAT: Aim to take the test between March - May if your plan is to apply in June. It is not a good idea to apply in June/July and take the MCATS, for the first time, in August.  It is ok to RETAKE them in August, however.  It is always a good idea to discuss your timing and all retake ideas with your advisor or consultant. They can help you identify the possible advantages and disadvantages of your plan.  

For information on financial assistance to pay for the MCAT and AMCAS application, please visit the Fee Assistance Program page on the AAMC website.  

For information on requesting test accommodations for the MCATs, please visit the MCAT Exam with Accommodation page on the AAMC website.

Tips and Links

  • Subscribe to the AAMC Premed Navigator which features important topics, resources, tips, and key dates for aspiring physicians.

  • Prepare for the MCAT: Resources from the AAMC on the MCAT

  • Khan Academy has over 1,100 videos and 3,000 questions all for free.

  • Take lots of Practice Tests (full length towards the end)

  • Take tests from different companies

  • Study M-F. On Saturday take full length tests then on Sunday review what you got wrong and make a study plan for the next week.

  • Pay for one program but at least buy the books for one more program to get a broader perspective. 


Test Prep Programs *

*Newport does not endorse any particular test prep program. You need to do your own research to find the best program to fit your needs.