The Medical Admission Test is one of the most intimidating exams in the life of a premed student. With so much riding on the score of a single exam, it is common for candidates to get overwhelmed and apprehensive about it as it draws near. However, this crippling anxiety that restricts students from performing their best on the exam can be significantly lessened by addressing common questions and concerns about the test.
To help you combat the agitation that is so common among premeds who are about to take their MCAT, we have compiled answers to the most frequently asked questions about the medical admission test 2023.
What is the MCAT?
Before we begin talking about this year’s MCAT in particular, it is important to briefly discuss what exactly this test is and why you need to take it.
For close to a century, medical schools in the US have been using the Medical College Admission Test proposed by the Association of American Medical Colleges to determine which candidates should be accepted into their institutes. In fact, in addition to being applied in America, many Canadian and Caribbean medical schools also use its scores to streamline their admission process.
The Ausoma Caribbean Medical School also requires MCAT scores for offering admission to deserving applicants.
Exam Pattern for the Medical Admission Test 2023
The Medical Admission Test assesses your knowledge in four key areas:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems – 59 questions
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems – 59 questions
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior – 59 questions
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills – 53 questions
Each of the four sections carries marks in the range of 118 and 132, bringing the total score range between 472 and 528. With the exception of Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (which consists of 53 questions), every other section comprises 59 questions each. In total, this makes 230 questions that you are expected to attempt in approximately 7.5 hours with 40 minutes of break time allotted.
Accommodations are allowed for those who need them
For candidates with disabilities or handicaps, the AAMC allows certain accommodations to ensure that they are given a fair chance at this exam. These adjustments have to be requested by the candidate within 60 days of registering for the MCAT. If you think you are eligible for these accommodations, you can apply for them through the MCAT Accommodation Online System on their website.
When should you take the MCAT?
Different resources suggest different times in a pre-med student’s life to take the MCAT exam. However, most experts agree that it is best to take the test at least one year before you are to start med school. This gives you ample time to retake the exam if your scores do not meet your expectations the first time around.
Kaplan – the most widely used resource to study for the Medical Admission Test – suggests that you should put in 300 to 350 hours of preparation and studying before you sit for the exam.
How much does the MCAT 2023 cost?
Registering for the Medical Admission Test 2023 before the deadline passes will cost you about $310. If you are late to sign up for a seat or wish to move your test date ahead, you might have to pay extra charges.
Test dates and score release dates for the MCAT 2023
This year’s MCAT test and score release dates are as follows:
| Test Date | Score Release |
| January 13, 2023 | February 14, 2023 |
| January 14, 2023 | February 14, 2023 |
| January 19, 2023 | February 21, 2023 |
| January 27, 2023 | March 3, 2023 |
| March 11, 2023 | April 11, 2023 |
| March 24, 2023 | April 25, 2023 |
| April 14, 2023 | May 16, 2023 |
| April 15, 2023 | May 16, 2023 |
| April 28, 2023 | May 31, 2023 |
| April 29, 2023 | May 31, 2023 |
| May 12, 2023 | June 13, 2023 |
| May 13, 2023 | June 13, 2023 |
| May 18, 2023 | June 21, 2023 |
| May 26, 2023 | June 27, 2023 |
| June 3, 2023 | July 6, 2023 |
| June 16, 2023 | July 18, 2023 |
| June 17, 2023 | July 18, 2023 |
| June 23, 2023 | July 25, 2023 |
| June 24, 2023 | July 25, 2023 |
| June 29, 2023 | July 31, 2023 |
| July 15, 2023 | August 15, 2023 |
| July 28, 2023 | August 29, 2023 |
| August 4, 2023 | September 6, 2023 |
| August 19, 2023 | September 19, 2023 |
| August 25, 2023 | September 26, 2023 |
| August 26, 2023 | September 26, 2023 |
| August 31, 2023 | October 3, 2023 |
| September 1, 2023 | October 3, 2023 |
| September 8, 2023 | October 13, 2023 |
| September 9, 2023 | October 13, 2023 |