The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess problem solving, critical thinking, and writing skills in addition to the examinee's knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in each of the following areas: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Medical college admission committees consider MCAT scores as part of their admission decision process. For more information, please see the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) website.

Timeline for Juniors intending to take the MCAT and apply to medical school

September
Enroll in GE 351: Vocational Preparation Seminar for Graduate-Level health Professions. This course will provide strategies for taking the MCAT and will integrate course content from biology, chemistry and physics. Begin studying for the MCAT offered in April. Plan on taking several practice tests between now and the actual test in April.

October - January
Review course notes from biology, chemistry, and physics. Continue work/internship experience in the medical field. Read the Journal of the American Medical Association.

February
Registration packets for the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) are available online. Students should also begin looking at medical schools by making an appointment with your pre-med advisor and using book or online resources.

March
MCAT registration deadline toward the end of the month.

April
MCAT testing. American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) is available online. The application can be submitted in June. Approach faculty members regarding recommendations. Be sure to check what kinds of recommendations medical schools require.

May
Request official transcripts from the schools you have attended for use in the AMCAS application. Continue working on AMCAS application and begin drafting the personal statement. Work with your premed advisor on the personal statement; it may require two or three revisions. Request applications from non-AMCAS medical schools.

June
Mail completed application to AMCAS.

July
Complete applications for non-AMCAS medical schools.

August
MCAT testing. Those taking the MCAT in August must send in AMCAS application as soon as possible.

Fall, Winter
Interview upon request from medical schools.

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