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.
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.
posted by Dr Brett Ferdinand at 4:27 PM
7 Comments:
keep it up, doctor, I want to be a surgeon when I get older, so your site is an inspiration!
Dr. Ferdinand, I seriously can't thank you enough for your MCAT review materials. The DVDs and text were so helpful. I hated my college physics classes and didn't understand a lot of the information. You helped clear up all of the confusion, and the connections across the various subjects were really fascinating! I especially liked how neurons are like capacitors, I'd never even considered that!
I've gone from averaging a 6-7 on practice tests to an 11-12, and I still have more to review! Thanks you again for all the help, it's assisted me in preparing for the MCAT more than I could have imagined. Now I just wish I had gotten the materials to review for my finals too!
The online practice test are excellent, and I highly encourage other pre-meds to look at them! Best of luck!
great article. I would love to follow you on twitter.
i without a doubt enjoy your own writing way, very helpful,
don't give up and keep penning due to the fact it just well worth to look through it,
looking forward to browse more and more of your current posts, have a good day :)
I think the old MCAT wasn't especially effective at evaluating students problem solving or knowledge of the subjects imo. I'm fine with this.
Logical reasoning and reading comprehension are the most important part in the MCAT Preparation. The older MCAT material is very helpful for the students preparing for MCAT Exam. Also take writing section very seriously as most of the students fails in this section..
Mcat Montreal
Post a Comment
<< Home