Do I need to take the MCAT to apply to medical schools in the USA?
Yes, most US medical schools require an MCAT score to be considered for admission. It is offered multiple times a year in various US cities and some locations outside the US. If you hold or are studying for an MBBS, you can register without separate AAMC authorization.
Yes, most medical schools in the USA require an MCAT score to be considered for admission. The test is held several times a year, and if you hold or are studying for an MBBS, you can register without separate authorization from the AAMC.
MCAT at a glance
| Point | Details |
|---|---|
| Requirement | Most US medical schools require an MCAT score to be considered for admission |
| Test dates | Offered multiple times a year in various US cities and some areas outside the US |
| Registration for MBBS holders | If you hold or are studying for an MBBS, no separate AAMC authorization is needed |
| Subjects tested | Biological and biochemical foundations, chemical and physical foundations, psychological, social and biological foundations of behaviour, and critical analysis and reasoning |
What this means for your application
- A high MCAT score improves your chances of getting into top medical colleges in the USA.
- Each medical school has its own admission and registration policy, so check the policy of every school you target.
My Advice
Plan your MCAT preparation well before you apply, and revise the undergraduate subjects the test covers. Then go through each school's admission policy page, because rules differ between institutions.
Low percentage, study gap or no work experience?
Find out which US universities you still qualify for.
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