MCAT Info Sheet
MCAT Quick info
The MCAT is a standardized test required by many Canadian Medical schools. It consists of 4 sections, Physical Sciences (PS), Verbal Reasoning (VR), Essay Writing (EW), and Biological Sciences (BS) and takes about 4.5 hours to write and cost $235USD to write. For PS, VR, and EW, a score between 1-‐15points can be earned for a total maximum of 45. Legend has it 45 has yet to be broken. Based on your performance relative to other test takers, you will receive a score. The average writer will receive 8 out of 15. The essay writing is given a score of J-‐T based on the number of points your essay scores which vary from 2=J – 12=T.
Here’s a quick breakdown of each section and scores suggested to be competitive applicant.
Most students take this test in the summer following there 2nd or 3rd year of studies but there is no best time take it. It is suggested that one studies for 15h+/week for the three months preceding the test date. Some student opt to study the material on their own, but many opt to take prep courses such as those offered by Kaplan (http://www.kaptest.com/MCAT/Home/index.html) and other companies such as the Princeton Review, Oxford Review, and Prep101. Bio-X members enjoy a special $200 Kaplan discount. Please email us for the discount code.
Note, as of 2015 the MCAT will be changing format-‐ losing the essay section and adding an extra 1.5 hours of testing time. (https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/)
