Taking the MCAT: FAQ
1. Can I cancel my scores?
2. How do I know if I am ready for the MCAT?
3. When can I take the MCAT, and how do I register for it? (2007 Testing Dates & Opening Registration Dates)
4. Where do I take the MCAT?
5. How do I decide when to take the MCAT?
6. What fees are associated with the MCAT?
7. What's the difference between the old paper & pencil MCAT and the new computer-based MCAT?
8. My friend took a computer test and said it was strange. Should I be concerned?
9. How do I write my essays on the computer-based MCAT?
10. If the human grader's essay score and the computer grader's essay score are significantly different, who wins?
11. If I choose not to take one of my 10-minute break times during the MCAT, will that time be added to my other break times?
12. Will I get scratch paper to use when I take the MCAT?
13. There are very few Thompson Prometric sites listed in my area, how will they accommodate the number of students who traditionally take the MCAT?
14. On the MCAT, you are able to highlight, strike out, and take notes in the actual exam. How do I practice this?
15. Where can I get more information about the MCAT?
16. How can I make sure I'm prepared for the MCAT?
Can I cancel my scores?
The only way you can keep your MCAT scores hidden is to VOID the test at the end of the exam. You must complete the testing session before you have the opportunity to void your scores. If you void your test, it will not be scored at all, and your participation in that administration of the MCAT will not be reported to AMCAS or to non-AMCAS schools. For more information, read The MCAT Score Release Option. (need link)
How do I know if I am ready for the MCAT?
Try our free MCAT practice test. When you finish the test, you'll get a complete score report detailing your strengths and weaknesses. If you are satisfied with your results, then you may be ready. If you feel that you still need help, check out The Princeton Review's many MCAT test preparation options or give us a call at 800-2Review.
When can I take the MCAT, and how do I register for it?
The MCAT is offered 22 times a year. See upcoming MCAT registration and MCAT test dates. Students register for the MCAT online through AAMC's website.
Where do I take the MCAT?
The computer-based MCAT will be given at Thomson Prometric testing sites around the world and throughout North America. You should be comfortable taking the MCAT at these sites, as they are built specifically for computer-based testing. Each center is equipped with:
*climate- and sound-controlled systems
*ergonomic chairs
*guest lockers
*state-of-the-art equipment
*noise reduction headphones
*standardized proctoring
How do I decide when to take the MCAT?
First, find out the application deadlines for the medical schools to which you are applying. Then work backwards from your earliest deadline. Build some extra time into your planning process for unexpected delays.
What fees are associated with the MCAT?
It costs $210 to register for the MCAT. For no additional fee, your scores will be reported to you, and, if you authorize it, released to schools that participate in the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS), and up to 6 institutions that do not participate in AMCAS. Registration fee waiver information is available on the AAMC website at www.aamc.org.
What's the difference between the old paper-and-pencil MCAT and the computer-based MCAT?
The content on the computer-based MCAT is the same as the paper-and-pencil test, but the computer-based test will have fewer questions. The main difference is that the computer-based test is administered on a computer, so proctored timing is more precise in a way that wasn’t possible with a human proctor. And, just like the paper test, testers can jump around within a section and answer items in any order they wish. Plus, the computerized test has electronic tools that allow testers to cross out wrong answer choices, highlight text, and search for a word or phrase.
My friend took a computer test and said it was strange. Should I be concerned?
No. There are two types of computer tests: computer-adaptive tests (CATs), which serve questions based on previous answers, and computer-based tests (CBTs) which is a linear test. The MCAT is a CBT, which is similar to a paper exam - you can jump around within a section and answer items in any order you wish.
How do I write my essays on the computer-based MCAT?
You will write and edit your essays on the computer using some basic word processing software. When you sign up for a Princeton Review Hyperlearning MCAT prep course, you'll have access to LiveGrader SM, an online tool that allows you to practice writing MCAT essays and get realistic feedback from experts who use the same guidelines as actual MCAT graders.
If the human grader's essay score and the computer grader's essay score are significantly different, who wins?
On the MCAT, your essay is graded by one human grader and one computer grader. If their scores are significantly different, a second human grader is called in to resolve the issue, and that person will decide your final score.
If I choose not to take one of my 10-minute break times during the MCAT, will that time be added to my other break times?
No. If you choose to skip a break, you lose those 10 minutes.
Will I get scratch paper to use when I take the MCAT?
AAMC says that you will have a choice: you can ask for either scratch paper or a small whiteboard and an erasable marker.
There are very few Thompson Prometric sites listed in my area, how will they accommodate the number of students who traditionally take the MCAT?
AAMC and Thompson Prometric are working together to be able to accommodate all students who register to take the MCAT. They are adding more facilities and working with colleges to use their space.
On the MCAT, you are able to highlight, strike out, and take notes in the actual exam. How do I practice this?
The Princeton Review diagnostic exams very similar to the real MCAT not only in content but in usability: all of the diagnostic exams you’ll take in your MCAT class and our free, online practice test allow you to highlight, strike out, and take notes. Take our the free MCAT practice test.
Where can I get more information about the MCAT?
You can contact The Princeton Review by calling 800-2Review. Or you can contact the MCAT Program Office at: 319-337-1357 or www.aamc.org.
How can I make sure I’m prepared for the MCAT?
If you take a Princeton Review MCAT course or work with a Princeton Review tutor either one-on-one or in a small group, we guarantee that you will be satisfied with your final score. Learn more about our MCAT test prep options.