Pre-Health
Willamette University
900 State Street
Salem, Oregon 97301
503-370-6926 voice
The Medical College Admission Test
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) was completely redesigned in 1991. The new examination is divided into four sections:
- Section: Scoring:
- Verbal Reasoning Scale 1-15
- Physical Sciences Scale 1-15
- Biological Sciences Scale 1-15
- Writing Sample (2 essays) Scale J-T
The current version of the MCAT is designed to test the ability of its examinees to read closely, synthesize information, evaluate its importance, and draw conclusions.
In the Verbal Reasoning section, students read passages of diverse content which may include subject matter regarding the humanities, social sciences, and areas of natural sciences not tested on the MCAT Physical and Biological Sciences sections and evaluate arguments presented in prose.
The sections on Physical Sciences (covering general chemistry and physics) and Biological Sciences (covering biology and organic chemistry) also require students to read passages and extrapolate information.
Approximately three-fourths of each subtest presents scientific subject matter in textual form, requiring students to apply their reading comprehension skills, scientific knowledge base, and quantitative abilities to synthesizing information and solving problems. The remaining one-fourth of each test presents multiple choice questions independent of any passage and of each other.
The Writing Sample consists of two 30-minute essays designed to assess skill in developing a central idea; synthesizing concepts and ideas; presenting ideas cohesively and logically; and writing clearly, following accepted practices of grammar, syntax, and punctuation consistent with a timed, first-draft composition.
Overall the examination has been redesigned to focus the student's learning and preparation on the ability to read, write, and solve problems, and goes beyond previous examinations which simply require students to recognize (or guess) correct answers. This new emphasis underscores the type of undergraduate preparation required for future successful applicants to medical school.