Medical College Admission Test
Acronym | MCAT
Type | Computer-based standardized test
Developer / administrator | Association of American Medical Colleges
Knowledge / skills tested | Physical sciences, biological sciences, verbal reasoning.
Purpose | Admissions to medical colleges (principally in the United States and Canada; 15 other countries).
Year started | 1928 (1928)
Score / grade range | 118 to 132 (in 1-point increments) for each of the 4 sections (Chemistry and Physics, Biology/Biochemistry, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, and Psychology and Social Sciences). So total score on scale of 472 to 528.
Score / grade validity | Usually 2 to 3 years (depends on medical college being applied to).
Offered | 25 times from January 2017 through September 2017.
Restrictions on attempts | Can be taken a maximum of 3 times in a one year period; 4 times in a two year period; and 7 times for life.
Countries / regions | United States, Canada and 19 other countries.
Languages | English
Prerequisites / eligibility criteria | Candidate must be preparing to apply to a health professional school (otherwise, "special permission" is required). Fluency in English assumed.
Fee | Gold zone (registration about 1 month or more prior to test date): US $310 Reschedule fee: US $75Cancellation refund: US $155 Silver zone (registration about 3 to 4 weeks prior to test date): US $310 Reschedule fee: US $135Cancellation refund: n/a Bronze zone (registration about 1 to 2 weeks prior to test date): US $360 Reschedule fee: n/aCancellation refund: n/aInternational testing: US $100 in addition to above. ("Fee Assistance Program" available to U.S. citizens, permanent residents or refugees, demonstrating financial need.)
Scores / grades used by | Medical colleges (mostly in United States and Canada).
Website | students-residents.aamc.org/applying-medical-school/taking-mcat-exam/