MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, computer based multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee's problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts and principles as part of a foundation required to study medicine. It is required by most medical schools to have the MCAT written at or near the time of application. The MCAT score is weighted differently for different medical schools (anywhere from a simple requirement to a major academic component).

The MCAT is broken down into 4 sections:

• Physical Sciences 
  •   Tests basic Physics and General Chemistry
  • 52 questions - 70 minutes
• Verbal Reasoning
  •  Similar to reading comprehension
  • Tests the ability to think critically and to analyze complex arguments
  •  40 questions - 60 minutes
•  Biological Sciences 
  • Tests basic Biology and Organic Chemistry
  • 52 questions - 70 minutes
•  Writing Sample 
  • Two 30 minute essays written in response to two given statements

The majority of the required information on the MCAT is taught in the first two years of a typical Biology program. Most students take the MCAT after their second year because the information is still fresh in their mind. Recommended courses to take before you write the MCAT (although not required): 

• Physics 101 and 105***
• Biology 111, 112, 220, 201, 202, (and 320)
• Chemistry 113, 114, 213, and 214
• Courses in humanities and social sciences are recommended for the Verbal Reasoning and Writing Sample sections.

***We suggest Phys 101, 105 instead of calculus-based phys 111, 112 simply because the MCAT does not allow you to use a calculator during the exam. However, be sure to double check with the medical schools that you intend on applying to (especially those in the Caribbean, U.S., etc.) as some schools may prefer applicants to take Phys 111 and 112 to suffice their prerequiste course requirements.***

There are a variety of ways to prepare for writing the MCAT. There is a Kaplan course directly designed to prepare students for the MCAT which costs around $2000. There are also materials from Kaplan, ExamKrackers, Princeton Review, and several other companies. Each company has different strengths and weaknesses, so students should research into each option and corresponding study materials before investing in them. Above all, the most important way to study for the MCAT is to practice. There are many practice exams available through Kaplan, Princeton, and through the AAMC.

More information on the MCAT can be found on the Association of American Medical Colleges website: http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/