Taking the MCAT

Whether you are interested in an M.D., a D.O., or a degree that combines one of these with another professional degree, you will need to take the MCAT. In addition, some other health professional schools require the MCAT for admissions. Check the admissions requirements and application procedures for each of your potential schools carefully.

The AAMC administers the MCAT and is your primary source for information, registration, practice tests, and other resources. Download and read – from cover to cover – the “MCAT Essentials” and “MCAT Student Manual” publications. The Student Manual (and its web page) contains links to outlines of all the topics that might appear as questions on any given exam. If you are studying on your own, these outlines will be essential to your preparation.

Please note that the MCAT schedule is subject to change. For the most current information, please visit the AAMC website.  In addition, MCAT examinee relations specialists are available to assist you: by phone (202) 828-0690, or by email at mcat@aamc.org.

All registration is done on-line.  There are test dates available throughout the year.  Students often take the test in April of their junior year to apply to medical schools for admission in the fall after graduation. The centralized application service, AMCAS, begins accepting applications in May/June and you will want to get yours in as soon as possible. Waiting for August scores to come back will delay your application and put you at a disadvantage – for some schools a severe disadvantage – to students who apply earlier. 

MCAT PREPARATIONIf you need the structure of a test preparation class to study successfully, UAS offers a MCAT Preparatory Course that begins in the fall and runs until the April exam. Private test preparation companies offer courses in Madison as well.

In general, you will maximize your MCAT scores if you apply yourself to the following:

  • STUDY: Simply having done your coursework will not ensure success. Go back and review using the AAMC’s outlines.
  • PRACTICE: AAMC offers one practice test for free and several others that you can purchase. You need to experience real questions, formats, progression of topics, and timing.
  • SIMULATE: The content of the test is not its only challenge. The test day is long and draining no matter how well you know the material.