Taking new MCAT versus currrent MCAT (Adcom input extremely appreciated!)

[Bangersandmash]

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Tests will most likely be outside of the three year range in 2017 if you take it in the 2013/2014 cycle.

 

[45408]

The 2013 and 2014 MCAT is only 3 hours and 20 minutes of answering [graded] questions. I wonder how this will affect scores.

That's it?

The new MCAT will be 6 hours and 15 minutes of time spent answering questions, NOT including breaks.

I would not want to go through that.

I sat down for the MCAT at 7:30am and didn't hand it in until 5pm. You'll live.

 

[JoshuaGuit]

That's it?


I sat down for the MCAT at 7:30am and didn't hand it in until 5pm. You'll live.

How did that happen? I'm pseudo-jealous of extended time, but I figure that it would only stress me out more.

 

[45408]

How did that happen? I'm pseudo-jealous of extended time, but I figure that it would only stress me out more.

Extended time? That's how long the MCAT used to be for everyone, chief. You guys are taking the abbreviated version, which has been in place since '06 or '07, I think. I took it when some of this forum was going into 5-6th grade.

 

[Ashley1989]

Although I'm taking the current MCAT, the new MCAT is not a step in the right direction. It's basically favoring students who are less knowledgeable in the true sciences such as chemistry and physics and favoring those who seek the easy way out and major in behavioral and social sciences. The new changes aren't going allow med schools to select better candidates, but rather those who have lesser problem solving skills and those who are less interested in academic medicine.

Wow you're making some pretty harsh statements there. So now anyone who majors in a social science as a pre med is taking the easy way out instead of for the sheer joy of it? And we also must not forget not only are these students taking the easy way out they have inferior problem solving skills compared to the scholars of the "true" sciences. No offense, but it's that whole narrow minded and superior attitude which you just demonstrated that turns so many people off to pre meds.

Also, I know a dean of a medical school who said that if he could do it over again he would've majored in spanish or a social science.

 

[PreMedOrDead]

Yeah, I think the humanities and sociology majors are taking the easy way out. Funny thing is, I majored in the humanities.
Yeah, I think the MCAT is an exam that should test material comprehension, not psychological factors which can be faked. The 2015 test style is a sham and will not help in selecting physicians. Essays and interviews are used to determine the stability and success of a to-be doctor, not a standardized exam.
Yeah, I destroyed the current MCAT, and considering I'm very arts oriented I bet I'd kill the newer one even moreso with much less preparation. No, that doesn't mean I'll be a better physician.
Yeah, I lyk caek

That's it?

Yes.

Physical Sciences, 52 Questions, 70 minutes.
Verbal Reasoning, 40 Questions, 60 minutes.
Optional Test Section, Optional Questions, Optional Time
Biological Sciences, 52 Questions, 70 minutes.

Total Test, 144 Questions, 200 minutes.

I am curious how they will adjust the test weights given that it is shorter. I would assume students will do better if the test is shortened 60 minutes.

 

[circulus vitios]

I sat down for the MCAT at 7:30am and didn't hand it in until 5pm. You'll live.

You're already well on your way to becoming the attending that residents hate. My life sucked, so yours will too!

 

[myronnie]

Physical Sciences, 52 Questions, 70 minutes.
Verbal Reasoning, 40 Questions, 60 minutes.
Optional Test Section, Optional Questions, Optional Time
Biological Sciences, 52 Questions, 70 minutes.

Total Test, 144 Questions, 200 minutes.

I am curious how they will adjust the test weights given that it is shorter. I would assume students will do better if the test is shortened 60 minutes.

Where did you get the above information?? I was under the impression that the rest of the test would be the same length :O ...! 😀

 

[lobo.solo]

I understand that people might have their own opinions about what is right, but if the aamc is considering sociology and psychology knowledge as important for future physicians, then they most have a pretty good reason. For those claiming that pure science is the way to go; I would argue that knowing about motivational theories in a psychology class is far more relevant than some of the stuff you learn in some prerequisites. That knowledge could help you negotiate with your patient more efficiently. Don't get me wrong I like science, but I think is pretty narrow minded to bash another discipline.

 

[45408]

You're already well on your way to becoming the attending that residents hate. My life sucked, so yours will too!

A one day test? If your life sucks because of a one day test, then I don't have much to say to you.

 

[pietachok]

You're already well on your way to becoming the attending that residents hate. My life sucked, so yours will too!

You're so right! It's all about hazing. Obviously BUSY MD's who return to this forum in their free time to give advice to pre-meds are exactly the docs trying to make sure no underlings have it any easier than they did!

You don't use orgo more than psych on a daily basis in most fields. 75% of GP visits in some demographics are for psychological reasons (like simply being a lonely old person who wants some interaction), so since this is a process that opens the door for you to get an MD in any field, this is a justifiable competency. Your Step 1 USMLE also tests this material quite a bit (is the NBME also less informed than or trying to haze you?).

Don't worry...you're obviously going to be a better dr than many of us on here. When you're that good, patients don't care if you understand their psychosocial circumstances at all.

Also, I even took the MCAT when it was a full day exam. It's really not a big deal. If it makes that big of a difference in some way, you seriously need to consider why & figure out how to plan for that problem in your future exams.

 

[LaEsponja]

This is actually what I've been wondering too since I'll most likely be done with my pre reqs in Spr 2014, I could could try to take the MCAT after that summer, or I could take a few more upper level science classes over the summer/fall to increase my GPA/give me more science background, then be a guinea pig and take the new MCAT early in 2015... hmmm. Sometimes being a guinea pig is a good thing, I wonder if that would be the case for the new MCAT.

Currently having this exact debate myself.

 

[ThisisReality]

This is just my intuition speaking, not wisdom... but wouldn't adcoms be questioning why you took the 2014 MCAT, considering that you'd (or whoever) be applying for the entering class for 2016? I'm sure they'd see it as a way of avoidance and not having the ability to take on new challenges...

Just a personal opinion, but I don't believe that our future physicians should be afraid to be challenged. 😉

Can anyone comment on this? I'm in a similar situation and am able to take either test.

I would think though that most schools would lean more towards a test that has been proven and used for admissions for a long time than in comparison to one that has just been put into use. I'm leaning towards the old one too because I feel I will do better if there are more study materials.

 

[AquiVoy13]

I just want to briefly chime in.

I think social science classes like sociology, anthropology, and psychology are definitely important topics to study in order to become a well rounded physician. I believe having a few of these prerequisites will be a good thing.

However, I don't think they should be tested on the mcat. In my experience, sociall science tests were not very challenging or telling, they just encouraged rote memorization. Memorization which could be achieved without true understanding. I always enjoyed essays and projects more.

I believe having more social science prerequisites (which many schools currently have) should be sufficient. Testing these topics on the mcat will just stress people out and they may not get the most out of the class. Then include classes on the social components of medicine in med school, which most schools already have.

 

[chenzt]

I took the 2012 MCAT and am applying for the entering class for 2014. I don't see a problem there...