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MCAT Exam Testing Experience FAQ
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Preparing for the MCAT
Includes detailed information about the test sections.
2008 MCAT Essentials
(PDF, 24 pages)
Required reading for all MCAT exam registrants. Provides information about registration, preparation, and administration.
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- Will the computerized MCAT be an adaptive test (CAT)?
- How long is the test?
- How many questions are there? How long is the test day?
- Will the content change?
- Why does the computerized MCAT shorten the test day?
- Can I go back and change answers?
- Can I use scratch paper at the test site?
- Can I make notations on the screen as I am taking the
test?
- During the Writing Sample portion of the exam will I
be able to edit on screen? Is spell-check provided?
- Is the MCAT available in multiple languages?
- When will my scores be ready?
- Will the computerized MCAT be scored differently than
the paper-based MCAT?
- Will my test be compared to other tests taken using
paper and pencil?
- How will I get my scores?
- When should I plan to arrive at the testing center?
- What do I need to bring to the testing center?
- What are acceptable forms of identification?
- Will I be allowed to bring anything into the testing
lab?
- What do I do with personal items not allowed in the
testing lab?
- Will I be able to choose my testing computer?
- How many people are in the testing rooms at one time?
Is it difficult to concentrate?
- Will the computerized MCAT be an adaptive test
(CAT)?
Not in the immediate future. The computerized MCAT will use "fixed
forms," constructed in advance, enabling examinees to review and change
answers to questions within the current test section, just as with the
current paper test.
- How long is the test?
Beginning in 2007, the computerized MCAT will be nearly one-third
shorter than the 2006 paper MCAT. Total content time will be about four
and a half hours. Though the transition to the computerized MCAT is
not directly related to the shortened MCAT, it was a convenient time
to make several changes to the test.
- How many questions are there? How long
is the test day?
Test Section
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Questions
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Time
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Tutorial (optional)
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10 minutes
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Physical Sciences
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52
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70 minutes
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Break (optional)
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10 minutes
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Verbal Reasoning
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40
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60 minutes
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Break (optional )
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10 minutes
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Writing Sample
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2
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60 minutes
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Break (optional)
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10 minutes
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Biological Sciences
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52
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70 minutes
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Survey
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10 minutes
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Total Content Time
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4 hours, 20 minutes
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Total Test Time
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4 hours, 45 minutes
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Total Appointment Time
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5 hours, 20 minutes
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- Will the content change?
The reduction in test length is proportional across all content
sections. Test content will be identical to that in the current paper
MCAT.
- Why does the computerized administration shorten
the test?
You work through the exam at your own pace (within the maximum time
limit per section). Breaks are optional. In addition, the time required
to count and verify test booklets is no longer needed, eliminating a
large block of time spent between sections.
- Can I go back and change answers?
You will be able to review and make changes to answers to earlier
questions until you reach the time limit for that individual section.
However, once you have completed a section and begun another (e.g.,
to VR from PS) you will not be able to view or change the previous section.
- Can I use scratch paper at the test site?
Scratch paper will be provided on site and will be collected at
the completion of the test so that it can be discarded. You will not
be allowed to remove the scratch paper from the room.
- Can I make notations on the screen as I am taking
the test?
You will be able to highlight passage sections and to strike out
answer choices. Making notations on the screen is a functionality currently
being explored.
- During the Writing Sample portion of the exam,
will I be able to edit on screen? Is spell-check provided?
Responses to the Writing Sample section are typed. You will be able
to edit, cut, paste, and copy sections within the Writing Sample response
field. No ability to spell-check the text will be included for the 2007
computerized MCAT administrations.
- Will the computerized MCAT be available in multiple
languages?
No. The MCAT will be offered only in English.
- When will my scores be ready?
Starting in 2007, scores will be released approximately 30 days
after completion of the exam. In the future, it is anticipated that
the score release process will be even shorter.
- Will the computerized MCAT be scored differently
than the paper-based MCAT?
The computerized MCAT will be scored in the same manner as the traditional
paper-based MCAT.
- Will my test be compared to other tests taken
using paper and pencil?
There will be a comparison of paper and pencil and computer results.
We do not expect that there will be meaningful differences in reported
scores between the two exam formats.
- How will I get my scores?
Scores will be available to you for distribution through the THx
system.
- When should I plan to arrive at the testing center?
You should report to the test center 30 minutes prior to your appointment
time to check in and get acclimated to your surroundings.
- What do I need to bring to the testing center?
One current and valid form of government-issued identification containing
your photo, signature, and an expiration date. A valid and current driver's
license or passport is acceptable. Please note: Any expired form of
identification will not considered valid and therefore will not be accepted.
- What are acceptable forms of identification?
Any form of a current, valid government-issued identification containing
your photo, signature, and an expiration date. Typically, examinees
bring their driver's license or passport. We regret we cannot accept
employee ID's, library cards, school ID's, or other similar forms of
identification, even if issued by a government-sponsored institution.
- Will I be allowed to bring anything into the testing
lab?
You are not allowed to bring anything into the testing lab other
than clothes. If the test proctor permits you to wear a sweater or jacket
into the testing room, it may not be removed in the testing room. If
you remove an item of clothing (for example, a sweater) during the exam,
you will be instructed to place it in the secure area. The exam clock
will not stop during this time.
- What should I do with personal items not allowed
in the testing lab?
You will be provided with a secure area (locks and lockers at most
sites) to store your personal items, including electronic devices such
as cell phones and pager (which must be turned off even when in storage).
- Will I be able to choose my testing computer?
No. Testing computers will be assigned to you in advance.
- How many people will be in the testing lab at
one time? Will it be difficult to concentrate?
Many of the testing labs are able to accommodate up to 16 workstations,
although the number of examinees may vary on a daily basis. Test Center
Administrators (TCAs) will be available to ensure a quiet and comfortable
environment for all test takers. Noise reducing headsets will be available.
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