The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is required for admission to most medical schools. The MCAT is computer–based and tests physical and biological sciences, verbal reasoning, and writing skills. In 2015, the AAMC added a new section called Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior. This section tests your ability to understand sociocultural, biological and psychological influences on behavior and social interactions as well as how people process emotion and stress. You'll only want to take this seven–and–a–half hour test once, so prepare as thoroughly as possible.
Admissions officers use the MCAT as a predictor of your success in medical school. The exam is designed to test the skills you'll use when you get there, including basic science, verbal reasoning, and writing ability. The MCAT is a 7½ hour, computer–based test that has the reputation of being one of the most challenging standardized tests.
In Canada, most schools weigh your MCAT scores very heavily. Some schools set minimum cut–off MCAT scores that applicants must meet in order to be considered.