2006: Out with the Old MCAT, In with the New MCAT CBT

Today is the first day of the 2006 which will be remembered as the year the paper MCAT died. Specifically, in August of this year, students will bring pencils and pens to the exam room for the last time.

The new MCAT CBT is the latest in a long history of MCAT changes. It is important to emphasize that the new MCAT CBT is a Computer Based Test (CBT) and not a Computer Adaptive Test (CAT).

The content of the new MCAT (2007 - ? ) remains unchanged from the 2003-2006 MCAT which in turn is more than 95% the same as the 1991-2002 version.

The following is a summary of the main changes:

- the new test will be shorter (approximately 5 hours vs. the current testing time of 8 hours).
- students will receive their MCAT scores more quickly.
- the new test will be offered more frequently throughout the year (up to 22 testing dates).
- the MCAT will be given in smaller, climate-controlled rooms.

Preparation for the new test should include using online practice MCAT tests. The AAMC has practice tests that you can purchase (test 3R is currently available for free). MCAT-prep.com offers 3 free online practice MCATs which I helped to design, and there is one free test available online from kaplan and princeton review.