Computerized MCAT

If you haven’t already heard, the MCAT is switching to a computerized form in 2007. The August 2006 administration of the MCAT will be the last opportunity to take the MCAT the old school way (paper and pencil). Most of the other graduate school tests like the DAT and the GRE switched to a computerized format a long time ago.

There will undoubtedly be pluses and minuses to taking the new format. I think the biggest disadvantage is that most preparatory programs will not be equipped to prepare students on the new format. Programs like Kaplan and Princeton Review have thoroughly figured out how to master the paper form, but it will take time to figure out the proper strategies for the computer form. Also, how would Kaplan administer a practice test? By arranging a room with 100 computers with the exact same setup and specifications of the real MCAT? I would imagine it would also be harder to take the test on the computer because reading from a computer screen for an extremely long time can hinder concentration.

There are also plenty of pluses to the new MCAT form. The biggest advantage is that it is shorter. The test day will be shorter because if you finish a section early you can move forward in the test instead of waiting for the entire time allotted to the section. Also, the actual test is shorter, too. This is really great because many people have a great difficulty keeping stamina for an eight hour test day. The test will also be offered 22 times a year compared to the twice a year scheme (August and April) currently offered. Now, if you’ve got a big research paper due the same week of the MCAT you can just take it at later date instead of having to wait an enormous amount of time. Finally, the new MCAT will not implement CAT. CAT, short for computer adaptive testing, increases question difficulty based on real time performance in the test. The MCAT will not be doing that. I’m sure this will be a relief to all the pre-med students out there. You can read more about the new MCAT at the link below.

Computerized MCAT Frequently Asked Questions [AAMC]