MCAT and AMCAS

What’s the MCAT?

The MCAT is a standardized test that every medical school applicant must take before applying to medical school. It is an exam that tests you on the basic science you learned in your premedical classes. Premeds usually take the test after they have finished their premed course load.

The MCAT has changed from a written test to a computer based test. One of the advantages of this new system is that you can chose from 24 test days rather than the previous two dates. They are offered a few spread out a few months and you receive your results much faster. The exam is now offered at 8 A.M., Noon, or 2 P.M. depeding on which day you register for. The exam is also considerably shorter than the previous written format. It is important to keep the registration deadlines in mind to avoid paying an extra fee or being unable to register.

For more detailed information on registering for the MCAT plus registration deadlines, check out the link below:

http://www.aamc.org/students/mcat/reserving/deadlineandscorerelease.htm

For information on how to excel at the MCAT check out the Finish Strong link.

What is the AMCAS?

The AMCAS is the medical school application for most medical schools in the U.S. It is also called your “primary” application. After you send in your “primary” application you will receive a “secondary” application from the schools that would like to learn more about you (You might not receive one. This means that your application has been denied). After you send in your secondary you start receiving invitations for interviews. For more detailed information on the AMCAS check out the link below.

http://www.aamc.org/students/amcas/start.htm

For information on how to make a great application check out the finish strong link.