2015 MCAT Information

[NickNaylor]

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Here's an AAMC publication about the new MCAT being administered in 2015:

http://www.aamc.org/mcat2015/preview.pdf

Interesting stuff. I apologize if this has been posted (it doesn't look like it has).

 

[Celerity]

Makes my stomach churn just looking at it.
6 hrs.... That's a beating
So glad I'm not gonna have to take that...(I hope)
To all you people who have to take this..... Best of luck with that.

 

[deleted390966]

I thought they would include Biochem IN PLACE OF Orgo....... is it not so?

 

[CodeBlu]

I love that they realized the writing sample is useless...

And I think they added more test items, because they realized how steep of a drop it was in verbal, amongst other sections... get 5 wrong... get an 11... that's stupid.

This new test looks brutal though.

 

[Stumpyman]

Juuuust to make sure, people applying in 2014 won't have to take (anything related to) the new MCAT will they?

 

[CodeBlu]

Juuuust to make sure, people applying in 2014 won't have to take (anything related to) the new MCAT will they?

Gunning 3 years in advance. Strong work.

 

[Stumpyman]

Gunning 3 years in advance. Strong work.

😕

 

[FIREitUP]

wow this new test sounds god awful. good luck, guys.

 

[NickNaylor]

Juuuust to make sure, people applying in 2014 won't have to take (anything related to) the new MCAT will they?

Unless you're applying after 2015, I don't see why you would have to take it. If you're submitting your application during the summer/fall of 2014, I doubt you'd need to take the new exam.

 

[Stumpyman]

Unless you're applying after 2015, I don't see why you would have to take it. If you're submitting your application during the summer/fall of 2014, I doubt you'd need to take the new exam.

Yeah I understand that, but will there be a gradual introduction of it (new questions in the old exam)?

 

[EBTrailRunner]

This should level the playing field a bit. You can't completely eliminate grade inflation, but you can make the MCAT significantly harder.

 

[NickNaylor]

Yeah I understand that, but will there be a gradual introduction of it (new questions in the old exam)?

Maybe, maybe not. I doubt they'd introduce questions from the "new" section in the test, but questions from the sciences and new VR section would likely be incorporated into your test(s).

In either case, I imagine it'll only be to get initial standardization data and not actually count towards your final score. Who knows though.

 

[NickNaylor]

Quite a size increase for the student -- esp considering that the writing section (i.e. extra break session) is replaced with a scored section.

It will be interesting to see where the new school averages end up for the first cycle... WUSTL mcat average: 58? 😉

I lol'd.

 

[CaliGirl14]

oh god. Just screw us even more will you?

 

[vlk2008]

I'm guessing there are going to be alot more premed psychology/sociology majors in a few years applying to medical schools

 

[liveoak]

wow. those are big changes.

 

[I'm No Superman]

I'm probably going to sound like a total gunner here, but I'll be starting college next year, and graduating in 2016. Assuming that I stick with medicine, would I take the old MCAT or the new one?

 

[rockyrado]

I would imagine due to the Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior, there will be an addition of psych/sociology class requirements to the list of pre-requisite classes, yeah?

 

[NickNaylor]

I'm probably going to sound like a total gunner here, but I'll be starting college next year, and graduating in 2016. Assuming that I stick with medicine, would I take the old MCAT or the new one?

Per this document (https://www.aamc.org/students/download/262752/data/mcat2015timeline.pdf), it looks like the test changes in 2015. If you're applying during the summer of 2015, I'm guessing you'd get some leeway since you could've reasonably taken the old exam by the time you apply (i.e., if you take the exam the winter or spring before you apply you'll take the new test, but if you take it before that your scores from the old exam will be accepted). Who knows for sure though.

 

[CopaceticOne]

Man oh man, that just looks brutal. I'm SOOOOOO glad to be done with this test. It sure will be interesting to see what the first round of scores are for this test. Ugh!

 

[omnomnom13]

Dang. My school doesn't even have a Sociology Department. If I had to take this test, I'd have to cross-register at another university. So glad I'm done with it already!

 

[jcruiser]

Wow, sucks for those prospective doctors. Books will be outdated and courses meaningless.

And I'm taking a guess one year of Psychology is going to be a pre-req for most schools.

 

[Juxxtaposition]

I don't usually post, but this is depressing.

 

[gettheleadout]

Maybe, maybe not. I doubt they'd introduce questions from the "new" section in the test, but questions from the sciences and new VR section would likely be incorporated into your test(s).

In either case, I imagine it'll only be to get initial standardization data and not actually count towards your final score. Who knows though.

The new questions would function just as the experimental ones do now, would they not? They wouldn't introduce questions from the 2015 material before then and actually include them in pre-2015 exams' scores, that would be a betrayal of the current test description.

 

[NickNaylor]

The new questions would function just as the experimental ones do now, would they not? They wouldn't introduce questions from the 2015 material before then and actually include them in pre-2015 exams' scores, that would be a betrayal of the current test description.

Right, that's what I meant - my bad.

 

[Tots]

The new questions would function just as the experimental ones do now, would they not? They wouldn't introduce questions from the 2015 material before then and actually include them in pre-2015 exams' scores, that would be a betrayal of the current test description.

Why not? The new Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems and Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems sections don't sound terribly different than the BS and PS sections now. There is definitely overlap. It sounds like what they want to do for the new Bio section is: test more biochem and require more interpretation of research results. This is already the trend in the more recent MCAT BS sections imho. For the new PS section it looks like they cut out topics and made it more applicable to Bio. While this is certainly different its not that far out. Without going into details I had 2 odd PS passages on my real MCAT that were more applied to biology than anything I saw on practice exams. Anyways I just don't think it would be that weird to see the PS and BS sections drift towards the 2015 style.

The big differences I see are the addition of statistics and the whole new social science section. I doubt questions from these new topics will show up.

 

[sha15]

Jordan and Jon have a lot of work to do

 

[orthomyxo]

Social sciences section?

Excuse me...

 

[Starlightembers]

Am the only one in existence that is disappointed I won't be taking the revised MCAT? The heavier emphasis on biology, research analysis, statistics and the social sciences with a lower emphasis on physics seems more line with my strengths than the current test; I'm just hoping that the test I take do take (one or two years off) is more similar to the 2015 version than different.

 

[JESSFALLING]

Am the only one in existence that is disappointed I won't be taking the revised MCAT? The heavier emphasis on biology, research analysis, statistics and the social sciences with a lower emphasis on physics seems more line with my strengths than the current test; I'm just hoping that the test I take do take (one or two years off) is more similar to the 2015 version than different.

You're not alone....I would have finally found a use for all of the psychology I've taken 😀.

 

[gettheleadout]

Why not? The new Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems and Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems sections don't sound terribly different than the BS and PS sections now. There is definitely overlap. It sounds like what they want to do for the new Bio section is: test more biochem and require more interpretation of research results. This is already the trend in the more recent MCAT BS sections imho. For the new PS section it looks like they cut out topics and made it more applicable to Bio. While this is certainly different its not that far out. Without going into details I had 2 odd PS passages on my real MCAT that were more applied to biology than anything I saw on practice exams. Anyways I just don't think it would be that weird to see the PS and BS sections drift towards the 2015 style.

The big differences I see are the addition of statistics and the whole new social science section. I doubt questions from these new topics will show up.

While it may be true that some questions on recent exams have appeared to be moving toward the new format's emphasis, how do you know those questions were factored in your score? I'm not at all saying that questions testing the new format's material won't be included on current and future exams prior to the 2015 implementation, but only that scores on these new questions won't be factored in to the reported scores, if only because any new test question is first introduced as a scored but unreported experimental question.

I may be tripping up here in one of two ways, one if the case is that not all questions on any given MCAT have actually been tested before (though that seems to contradict the idea of MCAT performance being curved to previous performance), and the other if the new questions are similar enough in material that no additional prior knowledge beyond what the AAMC says is currently tested on the MCAT would be necessary. In either of these cases, I would understand new questions similar to the coming 2015 format being introduced and actually factored into reported scores.

 

[JESSFALLING]

It seems like you'll have to take at least 14 courses to cover the test material. Here's what I think is needed:

General Physics I
General Physics II
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry II
Organic Chemistry I
Organic Chemistry II
Biochemistry I
General Biology I (Cell/Molecular)
General Biology II (Evolution, Genetics, Ecology, Micro/Organisms)
Human or Vertebrate Physiology
Introduction to Psychology
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Statistics
Biological Psychology or Neuroscience

 

[sunflower18]

Yikes. I'm currently a freshman, and as of now I'm planning on applying to medical school in 2014. My main concern is that if I don't get in the first time around, I'll have to take an entirely different MCAT for the second round of applications. Get it right the first time, I guess! Maybe I should take a sociology course my senior year, though, just in case...

All in all, I think the changes sound good. I definitely think that questions on ethics and psychology and such are important because it reflects a more holistic view. I definitely am a fan of that.

Also -- there is a typo on page 3 of that PDF. It says MCAT2105 near the top. How reassuring -- even the AAMC makes mistakes! 🙂

 

[sector9]

I'm probably going to sound like a total gunner here, but I'll be starting college next year, and graduating in 2016. Assuming that I stick with medicine, would I take the old MCAT or the new one?

I am also interested in how the transition will happen. My guess would be that the same "three-year" rule for accepting MCAT scores will apply even during the transition. This would make it a little tougher on med schools though since they can't directly compare MCAT scores (more "holistic" reviews, anyone?). It may end up being a decision at the school level, which would be a real burden on applicants

The SAT transition was after my time, but it looks like most colleges accepted both tests for a transition period. However high school counselors recommended that their students take both versions? http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/23/us/confusion-is-rampant-with-change-in-the-sat-s.html

The only thing I can see is this quote:

The first applicants to sit for MCAT2015 will be those who apply to medical school for the fall of 2016.

https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/

I'm sure glad I don't have to deal with this 😀

 

[sector9]

Also -- there is a typo on page 3 of that PDF. It says MCAT2105 near the top. How reassuring -- even the AAMC makes mistakes! 🙂

I randomly noticed that on page 147, the last link doesn't have the "g" in .org

 

[sector9]

I would not like to take it under the conditions of having it play such a large role in determining my future.

👍

Is it just me or is being a premed going to be a lot harder? Like JESSFALLING said, the MCAT-recommended class list seems to be rather long. No more deciding halfway through college and graduating in a decent amount of time. Also longer post-baccs for those who decide to pursue medicine after college.

 

[Pisiform]

Damm !!! I just wanna get in before this happens. Its insane how much information they are testing ....

 

[sunflower18]

I am also interested in how the transition will happen. My guess would be that the same "three-year" rule for accepting MCAT scores will apply even during the transition. This would make it a little tougher on med schools though since they can't directly compare MCAT scores (more "holistic" reviews, anyone?). It may end up being a decision at the school level, which would be a real burden on applicants

The SAT transition was after my time, but it looks like most colleges accepted both tests for a transition period. However high school counselors recommended that their students take both versions? http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/23/us/confusion-is-rampant-with-change-in-the-sat-s.html

The only thing I can see is this quote:

https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/

I'm sure glad I don't have to deal with this 😀

The whole individual-schools-decide thing would be my biggest worry. It'd be such a pain to have done well on the old MCAT, but be virtually disqualified from many schools due to somewhat arbitrary deadlines.

Though the more "holistic" view of the applicant might not be too bad!! I don't know. It's a weird time. Transitions are always bizarre. Change is good, but when you have to go through a widespread shift, things get a teensy chaotic. Hopefully I'll be too busy studying gross anatomy in my first year to notice the change....

 

[sector9]

The whole individual-schools-decide thing would be my biggest worry. It'd be such a pain to have done well on the old MCAT, but be virtually disqualified from many schools due to somewhat arbitrary deadlines.

Though the more "holistic" view of the applicant might not be too bad!! I don't know. It's a weird time. Transitions are always bizarre. Change is good, but when you have to go through a widespread shift, things get a teensy chaotic. Hopefully I'll be too busy studying gross anatomy in my first year to notice the change....

Amen. Hopefully the AAMC forces all schools to have the same policy

 

[Neurosis]

Social sciences section?

Excuse me...

🙄.
As a future psychobiology major I'm actually disappointed that I won't get to take this test.

 

[Neurosis]

Am the only one in existence that is disappointed I won't be taking the revised MCAT? The heavier emphasis on biology, research analysis, statistics and the social sciences with a lower emphasis on physics seems more line with my strengths than the current test; I'm just hoping that the test I take do take (one or two years off) is more similar to the 2015 version than different.

Trust me, I feel the same way. 🙁

 

[Tots]

While it may be true that some questions on recent exams have appeared to be moving toward the new format's emphasis, how do you know those questions were factored in your score? I'm not at all saying that questions testing the new format's material won't be included on current and future exams prior to the 2015 implementation, but only that scores on these new questions won't be factored in to the reported scores, if only because any new test question is first introduced as a scored but unreported experimental question.

I may be tripping up here in one of two ways, one if the case is that not all questions on any given MCAT have actually been tested before (though that seems to contradict the idea of MCAT performance being curved to previous performance), and the other if the new questions are similar enough in material that no additional prior knowledge beyond what the AAMC says is currently tested on the MCAT would be necessary. In either of these cases, I would understand new questions similar to the coming 2015 format being introduced and actually factored into reported scores.

Well I doubt one whole passage on my exam was experimental but thats besides the point(and I will never know).

I understand what you mean but I don't think thats necessarily true. Look at the sample questions in the new MCAT bio section. They are no different than current BS questions at least as far as I can tell. Also look at the list of subjects they say are going to be tested and then ask yourself how different they are from this list: https://www.aamc.org/students/download/266006/data/2015previewguide.pdf

From what I can see the new subjects just look more focused on biomedical topics/applications(less straight Ochem, more biochem and such). Even then though there is a ton of overlap. I think there is plenty of room for them to write/use questions for the 2015 exam that are perfectly viable for the current exam. I think they can(and even currently are) drag(ing) the current exam pretty close to the new one with the exception of the new topics like statistics and psych that they are adding. Look at the AAMC #3 and then AAMC #11, the exam has been evolving in this direction the entire time.

This may be more different for the PS section which looks like it changed a lot more.

Anyways this is just how I see it.

 

[Chrome19]

require more interpretation of research results. This is already the trend in the more recent MCAT BS sections imho. .

How relevant is interpretation of research results when most physicians won't do research?

 

[Chrome19]

I wouldn't worry much about the new MCAT. I trust that TPR, EK, and other MCAT review companies will adjust accordingly and provide necessary review material, and the astute test taker can supplement with textbooks as needed. The BS and PS don't seem too different from the current standard. And with more questions there's more room for error, especially at the high end. I found it quite stupid that missing 5-6 questions immediately took you down to an 11-12.

The test is slightly more of a pain (thanks to the social sciences), but it doesn't look impossible IMO. Test prep will take longer now.

 

[CopaceticOne]

How relevant is interpretation of research results when most physicians won't do research?

Really? Um, quite important. Medicine is a constantly evolving field with people learning more every day. As a physician, you WILL need to understand how to interpret the results of various scientific advancements so that you can offer the best care for your patients. Just one small example: Ever heard of fen-phen and the adverse effects research?

 

[Suncrusher]

Here's an AAMC publication about the new MCAT being administered in 2015:

http://www.aamc.org/mcat2015/preview.pdf

Interesting stuff. I apologize if this has been posted (it doesn't look like it has).

it sounds good but i'm super glad i don't have to take it.

 

[IMSingular]

If they are going to change the structure of the test in 2015 they better make changes to university curriculum from 2012 onwards.

 

[NKChemEng]

Jordan and Jon have a lot of work to do

YES! I miss those guys. Well, the tapes are going to be making a comeback in a few months.

 

[NKChemEng]

Also, really glad that I'm just missing this exam. The current materials will still be relevant 😀

Just realized that I won't be able to sell any of them ... 🙁

 

[eHombre]

Four 95 minute sections, 65 question sections (Critical Analysis is 90min/60questions)... That test will be brutal for the youngins.. Prob 7 hours in all once the break time is included.