What is the MCAT and why is it important?

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.

How is the MCAT scored?

Each individual section on the exam is scored using a 118 to 132 range, with a median score of 125. You'll receive a score for each section, plus an overall score. Total scores will be centered at 500, with ranges from 472 to 528.