The New MCAT and What It Means for You Right Now
In November 2011, the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and its 21-member advisory committee announced substantial changes to the MCAT beginning 2015. Marketed by the AAMC as “a Better Test for Tomorrow’s Doctors”, the revised exam will include a section on the social and behavioral sciences: Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior, three areas not included on the current version. Also new is the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section that tests for analytical reasoning aptitude in the social sciences and humanities. Included will be passages covering ethics, philosophy and cross-cultural studies.
With all modifications considered, the new MCAT will place almost twice the emphasis on psychology and sociology than on organic chemistry and physics. It will also require approximately 7 hours to complete, an increase in duration of more than 60%. Students currently finishing their first year of university will be amongst the first to experience this new exam, and will need to modify the traditional regimen of preparation courses.
The preview guide for the new exam slated to debut in the year 2015 may be downloaded here. Please keep yourself properly informed so you can custom tailor your curriculum to be prepared for the changing medical school entrance requirements.
10 June 2012
*** Students Take Caution *** Some unscrupulous Test Prep agencies (names omitted) are encouraging undergraduates just beginning their study of Organic Chemistry to “get ahead before they fall behind.” When you hear this, RUN! This is a “cash in on you” tactic with one intent – to get your money. You are not ready for MCAT preparation until you are finished with your college courses. Bottom line. Diligent preparation takes dedication, hard work and time. Please don’t fall into the “cash in on you” scam that can ruin your hard-earned GPA. If you have any doubt, talk to the experts… successful doctors. They have no vested interest in your money.
MCAT Resources for Students
MCAT Preparation (Verbal)
Additional PreMed Resources
MCAT is All About Critical Thinking, Logic and Deductive Reasoning
6 Reasons Why Applicants Fail to Get Into Medical School
Joseph Lennox, Ph.D.
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