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Medical Colleges Admissions Test (MCAT)

Jump to a topic:

  • MCAT Overview
  • Timing of MCAT
  • Preparation
  • Registration
  • Financial Assistance

MCAT Overview

The MCAT is a computer-based exam and consists of 4 sections:

  • Biological Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Verbal Reasoning
  • Writing Samples

The exam is offered 22 times a year. 

The AAMC MCAT site provides comprehensive information about the MCAT.

Timing of MCAT

NU premed students should take their MCAT after completion of their premed required courses, usually in the spring / early summer of their junior year or the summer after their sophomore year.

We're happy to meet with students to discuss the best time for them to take the MCAT

Preparation

The MCAT web site provides the following preparation materials:

  • Content outlines for each test section
  • Preparing for the MCAT FAQ answers:
    • When should I take the MCAT?
    • Am I ready to take the MCAT?
    • Do I need to take a commercial reveiw course?
  • Multiple Practice Tests

Registration

  • Plan to register several months in advance of your chosen MCAT test date because there are a limited number of seats per testing site
  • Prior to registering for the exam, you must read the following information:
    • 2011 MCAT Essentials (PDF)
    • 2011 Registration Deadlines & Score Release Schedule

Financial Assistance

The AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP) assists MCAT® examinees and AMCAS applicants who, without financial assistance, would be unable to take the MCAT or apply to medical schools that use the AMCAS application.

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