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MCAT FAQ

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1. 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.
2. 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.
3. How many questions are there? How long is the test day?
   

   Test Section	Questions	Time
   Tutorial (optional)		10 minutes
   Physical Sciences	52	70 minutes
   Break (optional)		10 minutes
   Verbal Reasoning	40	60 minutes
   Break (optional )		10 minutes
   Writing Sample	2	60 minutes
   Break (optional)		10 minutes
   Biological Sciences	52	70 minutes
   Survey		10 minutes
   Total Content Time		4 hours, 20 minutes
   Total Test Time		4 hours, 45 minutes
   Total Appointment Time		5 hours, 20 minutes

4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. Will the computerized MCAT be available in multiple languages?
    No. The MCAT will be offered only in English.
11. 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.
12. 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.
13. 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.
14. How will I get my scores?
    Scores will be available to you for distribution through the THx system.
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. 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.
18. 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.
19. 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).
20. Will I be able to choose my testing computer?
    No. Testing computers will be assigned to you in advance.
21. 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.
22. What if something goes wrong during my test session?
    The computerized MCAT has been designed with a recovery feature as we recognize that, inevitably, technical issues sometimes occur, even the best systems. If you experience technical difficulties, immediately notify your Test Center Administrator (TCA). typically the TCA will be able to resolve the problem, with no loss of time or information from your testing session. 

    In the vast majority of cases, the examinee’s system will either be restarted or the examinee will move to a different system, and resume his/her test exactly where he/she left off. No time will be lost or deducted. In extremely rare cases where resumption is not possible, the exam will be rescheduled at no cost to the examinee.

23. What if I’m unable to make it to my testing appointment?
    You will be able to cancel the scheduled session, and receive a 50 percent refund on your registration fee by canceling your registration through the web registration system up to fourteen (14) days before the exam. If you discover that you cannot attend your test session fewer than 14 days prior to the scheduled exam date, a refund will not be available.
24. Can I still void my test?
    Yes. That option is available at the end of the exam, but not after your testing session has been completed.
25. Will earplugs be available to block out noise?
    Noise reduction headsets will be available.
26. Can I bring my own earplugs?
    No.
27. Are there any online preparation materials available that simulate the actual test?
    MCAT practice tests are available at www.e-mcat.com and provide a similar, though not precisely identical, format as the computerized MCAT. One complete test is provided for free. In addition, a tutorial on computer testing demonstrating the navigational features of the MCAT exam is available at the beginning of the practice tests.
28. Will special computer skills be needed to take the computerized MCAT?
    Only basic computer operating skills will be required. Examinees will be expected to be familiar with the use of a keyboard and a mouse in a typical computing environment.
29. Can I get my MCAT rescored?
    The AAMC and the MCAT CBT Program Office maintain a variety of quality control procedures to ensure the accuracy of scores and score reporting. Multiple-choice answers are scored by computer, and the results of this process are extremely accurate. Each of the Writing Sample essays is read and graded by two different sets of readers, and any differences beyond one raw score point are resolved by a supervisory reader. 

    However, if you think a scoring error has occurred, you may request that your multiple choice answers be rescored by hand. The result of the rescoring the multiple-choice answers will be reported to you in writing. The response letter will either confirm that your original scores were correct as reported to you or you will be informed of the corrected scaled scores for each test section. Raw scores will not be disclosed.The fee to rescore the answers for the multiple-choice sections of the CBT MCAT exam is $50. This fee applies whether you want one, two, or all three multiple-choice sections rescored.

    You may also request that your Writing Sample essays be reevaluated. Essays will be read and graded by an experienced reader external to the original scoring process. Copies of essays will not be released or provided to examinees. The fee for rescoring your MCAT exam essays is $50.

    If you wish to use this service, you must write to the MCAT Examinee Services Manager, Association of American Medical Colleges, 2450 N St., NW, Washington, DC 20037-1127, noting on the envelope “Attention: MCAT Rescoring Service.” In your letter, identify yourself by your full name, AAMC ID, mailing address, telephone number, and e-mail address. Specify the date of the test and the sections of the test you wish rescored, either the three multiple-choice sections, the Writing Sample, or both. Also, explain why you feel rescoring is necessary. Enclose a check, money order, or credit card information (MasterCard or VISA 16-digit card number, expiration date, amount, and signature of cardholder) for the full fee: $50 to rescore the multiple-choice answers, $50 to reevaluate the Writing Sample essays, or $100 to rescore both the multiple-choice sections and the essays. Requests for rescoring must be received at AAMC by the MCAT Examinee Services Manager within thirty days after score release.

    Important Notes

    We will not process rescoring requests until all scoring and data analyses following the test date have been completed and your scores have been reported to you. The results of rescoring multiple-choice answers will be reported to you roughly four weeks after we receive and begin to process your request. Due to the time involved in imaging the essays and the nature of the essay scoring process, essay rescoring will require additional time to accomplish (up to 4 months after the request is received). However, you will be notified of the outcome as soon as possible.

    If rescoring results in scores that are higher or lower, revised score reports will be sent to you and AMCAS, but you are responsible for sending the new scores to other score recipients via the MCAT THx System.

30. How can I send my MCAT scores to other people, schools, or institutions?
    

    From 1991-2004:

    MCAT Testing History (THx) Report System

    Before 1991:

    For MCAT scores before 1991, please complete the MCAT Additional Score Report Form (PDF, 4 pages)

31. I didn’t release my MCAT scores to AMCAS at the time of the test. How can I release them now?
    MCAT scores earned in 2003 and later will be automatically released to AMCAS. MCAT Scores earned prior to 2003 that were not released to AMCAS on the day of the test may be released at any time thereafter. You may release your scores via the MCAT Testing History (THx) System.
32. How long are MCAT scores valid?
    In general, MCAT scores are valid for 3 years. However, this time frame varies from school to school. So you may wish to contact the school(s) of your choice to find out their policies concerning MCAT scores.
33. How does the MCAT get test questions?
    A large pool of content experts writes the items. New items are included in each administration of the MCAT as “field test” questions. Field test questions are not scored, but they are assessed for their performance and, if they are approved, are used on a future MCAT.