The MCAT tests students on four core subjects: physical sciences, biological sciences, verbal reasoning and writing. The verbal reasoning section requires test takers to read passages and answer multiple choice questions. The biological sciences section covers both organic chemistry and biology. The physical sciences section covers physics and chemistry. Finally, the writing sample consists of two essays, a half-hour each. Although important, the writing section is not as significant as the other three sections in terms of the overall score.
The MCAT score is central to a medical school's review of candidate applications. Although a high MCAT score is not enough to gain admission to most schools, low scores are enough to keep students out. Although schools gauge student qualifications differently, most schools that grant candidate interviews will not ask otherwise qualified applicants to do so if their MCAT scores are not within acceptable range for their program. MCAT scores are as important to final decisions as are individual interviews.
Many medical school applicants wonder when to take the MCAT exam. Many schools have early decision programs that allow applicants to be evaluated earlier for admission. If applying as an early admission candidate, students are committing to attend a specific institution and withdrawing all other applications. Students seeking early admission must take the MCAT exam in April of the application year so that the exams can be scored in time for early interviews. Students not opting for early admission to schools should still take the exam in April so that they can submit applications early in the process.
In reviewing your application for admission, medical schools take into account your score on each subject test. The subject tests earn scores between one and 15. Your application will be strengthened if you have a well balanced score total. For example, earning an "8" in all three subject tests is considered better than receiving a "10" in two subjects and "5" on the third. Traditionally, double-digit scores in each section are considered a "good" MCAT score. Schools will admit you with lower scores, depending on the strength of the rest of your application.