# of questions significantly REDUCED on new CBT MCAT???

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Twitch

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AAMC finally comes out with a press release on the CBT for MCAT. So this is nothing new to us, however, here is an interesting snippet:

"As the exam is converted to the new format, the number of questions on the MCAT will be significantly reduced."

Hmmm......

Here is the whole press release:
From
http://www.aamc.org/newsroom/pressrel/2005/050718.htm

Medical College Admission Test Will Convert to Computer-Based Format
For Immediate Release
Press Release

Contact: Nicole Buckley
202-828-0041
[email protected]

Washington, D.C., July 18, 2005 - The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) announced today that it will convert the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT®) to an entirely computer-based format within the next two years. The AAMC has signed a contract with Thomson Prometric, part of The Thomson Corporation, to deliver the computer-based MCAT to locations in the United States and around the world. The paper version of the test will be administered only through 2006.

The upgrade to computer-based format will provide examinees and medical schools with more test dates each year, faster score results, a more controlled testing environment, and a shorter test day. As the exam is converted to the new format, the number of questions on the MCAT will be significantly reduced.

Thomson Prometric currently administers the MCAT in computer format at selected test centers as an alternative for examinees who prefer a computer-based test to the "fill-in-the-bubbles" paper version. This pilot implementation has allowed the AAMC and Thomson Prometric to develop effective systems and processes for the computer-based test and will be continued through 2006. A trial implementation at all testing locations will occur during the August 2006 administration of the MCAT.

"Our goal is to enhance the testing experience for examinees and the usefulness of the results for the medical schools and other professionals schools that use the MCAT," said Ellen Julian, Ph.D., associate vice president for the AAMC and director of the MCAT. "We have taken the time to do this right and are pleased with the project plan, the timeline, and our partnership with Thomson Prometric."

The new MCAT will also include technology that can capture an examinee's thumbprint electronically, rather than on paper as is the current practice. This innovative verification technology will shorten pre-test check-in time and will enhance test administrators' ability to verify examinees eligible to take the test.

The AAMC currently administers more than 60,000 MCAT examinations each year, at more than 600 locations around the world. The MCAT (www.aamc.org/mcat) is a standardized, multiple-choice exam designed to assess facility with problem solving, critical thinking and writing skills in addition to knowledge of science concepts and principles that are prerequisite to the study of medicine. Medical college admission committees consider MCAT scores as part of their admission decision process.

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It will probably be scaled differently so that you still need a certain % right to get the same score as with more questions.
 
Sundarban1 said:
It will probably be scaled differently so that you still need a certain % right to get the same score as with more questions.

No doubt about that, however, I find it interesting they use "significantly reduced"

Makes one wonder doesn't it? Anyone wanna vegas line the #?
 
Y_Marker said:
No doubt about that, however, I find it interesting they use "significantly reduced"

Makes one wonder doesn't it? Anyone wanna vegas line the #?

Word is they're taking out apprx 1/3 of questions.
 
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Has there been any word on how many test dates there will be?
It's supposed to be a 30 day turn around on the tests once it's all computerized, right?
 
Luke said:
Has there been any word on how many test dates there will be?
It's supposed to be a 30 day turn around on the tests once it's all computerized, right?

There will be atleast 20.
 
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