MCAT Information & Test Dates

MCAT FAQs from AUC's Office of Admissions.

The MCAT exam is an important rite of passage on your journey to medical school. Administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), this standardized, computer-based test measures your grasp of concepts fundamental to the study of medicine. It’s designed to be challenging, comprehensive and, above all, thorough. It’s not an exam that rewards rote memorization—it’s designed to assess how well you understand these concepts, and how you can apply them to real-world healthcare scenarios.
 
To help you better understand how the MCAT fits in to medical school requirements, the American University of the Caribbean School of Medicine (AUC) Office of Admissions has compiled a list of some of the most frequently asked questions about the MCAT. Check out the FAQs, and the answers, below.

Why Is the MCAT Exam So Important?

Reputable Caribbean medical school admissions committees, such as AUC’s, look very closely at an applicant’s MCAT scores when evaluating that person’s readiness for medical school. That’s not necessarily because we think that your MCAT score defines you—it doesn’t. Rather, it’s because studies show that a student’s MCAT performance can be directly correlated to that individual’s future medical school performance.

Many schools, AUC included, offer merit-based scholarships that take your MCAT score into account along with your other qualifications.

What Topics Does It Cover?

Take a look at this page for a detailed breakdown of what you can expect on the MCAT, including descriptions of each section.

When Should I Take the MCAT?

We’ve compiled a breakdown of upcoming MCAT test dates to help you answer that very question. We've included information about when you need to take the MCAT if you are planning to enroll in one of AUC’s three semester starts each year.

One note: Know that the MCAT isn’t really a test you can cram for. Taking the MCAT exam without adequate time to study could potentially work against you. But keep in mind that if you retake the exam, some schools, including AUC, will consider both scores.  

Also: Be sure to take a look at some MCAT tips and strategies, shared by AUC Senior Associate Director of Admissions Jamie DeTrinidad.