What is the MCAT and what score do I need?
T he MCAT, or Medical College Admissions Test, is given in April and August of each year. The MCAT is a 7 to 8 hour test that consists of four sections: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences (physics and general chemistry), Biological Sciences (biology and organic chemistry), and two essays. It is possible to score a 15 in each section, for a total of 45. The essay section is graded with a letter (J – T). The average MCAT scores for students admitted into medical school are approximately 28-32, depending on the school. A minimum score of 22 is required by the IU school of Medicine to be considered for an interview. Just as with the GPA, you would need an even more competitive MCAT score to have a chance for out of state schools. The MCAT is required for nearly all medical schools and is generally taken at least by the spring of the year that you apply. To learn more and to sign up online for the test online, go to http://www.aamc.org The cost for the 2001 MCAT was $175.
