Starting in January, the MCAT, the standardized test required for all medical school applicants, will undergo radical changes, including a shorter test time, more test dates and fewer test questions, with the most critical change being a move from a pen and paper exam to one given by computer.
Russell Schafer, senior communications manager at Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, said many University students will feel the effects of these changes, since the University has one of the highest numbers of applicants to medical schools in the country.
Amjed Mustafa, MCAT program manager for Kaplan, said students will now have more choices in picking a test date, as the new test features 22, rather than two, test dates. The new dates are spread throughout the year, with the test being offered in January, April, May, June and July.
Mustafa also highlighted the possible confusion that might ensue because of the changes. The test must be taken at Prometric testing centers and, as a result, spots might fill up quickly. Prometric is the computer testing company which will administer the test. Those individuals who do not register for the exam well in advance might be left out.
In order to ensure students can take the test again, if necessary, before medical school applications are due, Mustafa suggested that test-takers avoid the heavy testing times in spring and summer and register for earlier tests.
Official press releases made by Kaplan also indicate that the new MCAT has been drastically shortened. In the past, students had to take 214 multiple-choice questions and write two essays over a day lasting eight or more hours. The new MCAT has 144 questions, and the test day lasts from five to six hours.
A spokesman from the American Association of Medical Colleges said the AAMC "saw this [change] as a good move and an advantage."
Kaplan and the AAMC said the subject matter tested and the admission validity of both the new test and the old one are being held as equal.
"The test makers have been careful to make sure the same material is tested," Beth Bailey, director of admissions at the University Medical School, said.
Bailey said the change was made to make the testing process easier for the student and that the changes will not affect admissions.
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