Changes in the MCAT as of April 2003

The basic structure of the MCAT will stay the same, but a few things will change:

  • In the Biological Sciences section, three organic chemistry questions will be replaced by three questions on DNA and genetics.

  • In the Verbal Reasoning section, five questions will be removed, while the current number of passages and the time limit will remain the same.

  • The order of the Verbal Reasoning and Physical Sciences sections will be reversed, so that Verbal Reasoning will no longer the first section of the day. Physical Sciences will be the first section.

  • Scores of 14 and 15 on the Verbal Reasoning section will be re-instituted, replacing the current top score range of "13-15".

  • The MCAT will be scored with a total of the multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning + Biological Sciences + Physical Sciences) in addition to the individual section scores.

    Commentary

    The AAMC and many others regard the changes as quite minor and affect mostly the format of the test rather than the content. The net result is the exam is easier since there are fewer questions. Therefore, studying from MCAT tests still in the old format is still an effective method of preparation and is encouraged. So that you can become familiar with the new format, Practice MCAT Test I has been modified to conform to the 2003 MCAT changes.