MCAT Testing Goes High Tech

Posted on December 15, 2006
Filed Under MCAT, Premedical Students

MCAT Testing CenterTechnology strikes again—beginning in January 2007, the computerized MCAT became the only way to take the test. Although some may think the new test requires technological knowledge known only to IT specialists, it really only requires basic computer operating skills, such as familiarity with using a keyboard and a mouse.

Now, opportunities to take the test have increase from twice a year to 22 times, and the test day takes about half as long as the paper-test days of old. This is partly because the new test is shorter (with the amount of questions reduced proportionately in all sections of the test).

Because the number of questions has been reduced by about one-third, the amount of time allowed to take the test has been reduced by about 30 percent, to four and a half hours. Test results are speedier as well; they will be available in 30 days instead of 60, with plans to eventually reduce reporting to 14 days.

The new test lets you work through the exam at your own pace (within the maximum time limit per section), as well as take optional breaks. A typical test day will break down something like this: optional tutorial, 10 minutes; Physical Sciences (52 questions), 70 minutes; Verbal Reasoning (40 questions), 60 minutes; Writing Sample (2 questions), 60 minutes; Biological Sciences (52 questions), 70 minutes; and a final survey, 10 minutes.

Just as with the paper test, you’re allowed to review and make changes to your answers until you reach the time limit for whatever section you’re in. You’re also given scratch paper on site, which, as usual, is collected at the completion of the test.

The computerized test lets you highlight passage sections and strike out answer choices on your computer screen. You can also edit, cut, paste and copy sections within your Writing Sample, although there is no spell-check ability.

Both morning and afternoon sessions are available on weekdays and Saturdays. The schedule of 2007 morning testing sessions includes Jan. 27, April 7, May 16, May 25, June 15, July 13, Aug. 6, Aug. 9, Aug. 16, and Sept. 8. The afternoon sessions are Jan. 29, April 12, April 16, May 11, May 31, June 15, July 13, July 14, Aug. 9, Aug. 14, Aug. 20, and Sept. 7.

Thomson Prometric, the company that delivers the computerized MCAT, provides the testing centers, which are climate- and sound-controlled, and feature ergonomic chairs, lockers and noise reduction headphones for examinees. Most testing labs are equipped to accommodate up to 16 workstations (but that doesn’t mean all the workstations will be in use on your test day).

Because technology can fail, the computerized MCAT is designed with a recovery feature. If you experience technical difficulties, simply notify your Test Center Administrator, who will most likely resolve the problem by restarting your system or by having you move to a different system and resume your test exactly where you left off (with no time lost or deducted). If the test can’t be resumed, you exam will be rescheduled at no cost to you.

Registration is available online at http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/registration.htm and opens roughly six months before each testing date. Registration opened Nov. 15 for Jan. test dates, and Dec. 13 for April and May dates. June and July tests are open for registration Feb. 14, and Aug. and Sept. test dates are open April 11. Procrastinators take note—you’re still able to register for the MCATs up until two weeks before a chosen testing date, space permitting.

When you register, you get to choose a general location where you’d like to take the test among the hundreds of testing sites in North America and select sites in Europe, Asia, Australia, Africa and the Middle East (there’s supposed to be at least one testing site within 100 miles of every candidate). Then choose your desired test center, date and time (specific time-place options will be closed as they are filled).

For those who have trouble adapting to change, never fear. The fee for the computerized MCAT is $210, which is the same as it was last year. It’s good to know some things don’t change.

Comments

2 Responses to “MCAT Testing Goes High Tech”

  1. kenson belizaire on July 18th, 2007 9:47 am

    i would like to know the clases that are required for the MCAT.

  2. Anonymous on December 16th, 2007 6:51 pm

    The classes that are required for the MCAT are one year of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Organic Chemistry. Also one year of English and I think one semester of math.

    I hope this helps. Best of luck!

Leave a Reply




© 1999-2007 Coastal Research Group. Some rights reserved.
The SDN Logo and "Student Doctor Network" are registered trademarks of CRG.

TRUSTe Trust Mark   Creative Commons License   We subscribe to the HONcode principles of the HON Foundation. Click to verify.   HACKER SAFE certified sites prevent over 99.9% of hacker crime.