The MCAT - April or August?

The MCAT is only offered in April or August of each year. It is comprised of four sections. It is a full eight-hour-day test. The sections are listed below in the order of administration on test day, as well as the time length of each section and number of questions to expect.

1. Verbal Reasoning	85 minutes	9-10 passages - 65 questions
2. Physical Sciences	100 minutes	10-11 passages - 77 questions
(Lunch)	60 minutes
3. Writing Samples	60 minutes	2 essays (30 minutes each)
4. Biological Sciences	100 minutes	10-11 passages - 77 questions

Preparing for the MCAT
There are courses, software, and books available to you as you prepare to take the MCAT. You need to prepare by learning the structure of the test, by practicing taking very long exams so that you'll be comfortable when the real thing happens, and by learning how to cope with stress.

When to take the MCAT?
Before you take the MCAT, be sure to have at least one year's background in all of: general chemistry, physics, biology, and organic chemistry. You may get MCAT registration forms from:

MCAT Program Office
PO Box 4056
Iowa City, IA 52243
(310) 337-1357
www.aamc.org/students/mcat/

Advantages to an April MCAT
Early decision plan, scores can be seen faster
Disadvantages to an April MCAT
You may not have finished all your prerequisites
Advantages to an August MCAT
You can use the summer for preparation
Disadvantages to an August MCAT
Your scores will be much later; you will not be able to repeat the MCAT this year; no Early Decision Plan

MCAT success stories
Learn the test structure
Learn how to take a long test
Take many practice exams

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