• The MCAT is a mandatory standardized test that measures the ability to understand basic concepts and to solve problems in the areas of physics and physics-related chemistry (PS) and biology and biology-related chemistry (BS).  It is also a measure of the ability to understand, evaluate and apply information and arguments presented in prose texts (VR) and a measure of the skill of developing a central idea and presenting these in an essay (WS).
• The MCAT exam is administered by the AAMC.
• For testing information and registration go to www.aamc.org/mcat

2.  How is the operative MCAT score calculated?

• The highest MCAT score from a single sitting will be used to calculate the operative MCAT score.  The operative MCAT score will be calculated by weighting of the sub-test scores as follows:

.3(VR) + .2(PS) + .3(BS) + .2(WS) = operative MCAT score

3.  Can I take the MCAT several times and what score is used?

• The highest operative MCAT score from a single sitting will be used.
• MCAT scores are valid for only a specified period of time as detailed in the Applicant Information Bulletin.  For the 2012 - 2013 application cycle, test scores are valid between April 2008 and September 10, 2011.  All other test scores will not be considered.
• You must release your MCAT scores to the University of Manitoba or your test scores will be ineligible.

4.  What are the minimum MCAT scores to be able to apply?

• The Admissions Committee has minimum standards for score results.  Eligible applicants must have scored a minimum of 7 in each of the VR, PS and BS sub-tests and a minimum of M on the WS in a single session.  The WS will be converted on a scale where M=7, N=8, O=9, P=10, Q=11, R=12, S=13 and T=14.
• There are no exceptions.

5.  What percent of the composite score is comprised of the MCAT?

• The MCAT operative score makes up 40% of the composite score for all Manitoba, Out-of-Province, Bilingual and MD/PhD Program applicants.
• The MCAT operative score makes up 20% of the composite score for all eligible Aboriginal applicants.

6.  How do I release my scores to the University of Manitoba?

• In order for your MCAT scores to be used towards your application, you must release your scores to the University of Manitoba.
• Please go to the AAMC website and follow the instructions provided www.aamc.org/mcat
• If you do not release your scores, your application may become ineligible for consideration.

7.  How do I prepare for the MCAT?

• The AAMC website (www.aamc.org/mcat)  is a wonderful resource to assist you as you prepare to write your exam. Review the website thoroughly.
• In general, courses in Biology, Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, English and Critical Thinking will assist you on the exam.

8.  When do I write the MCAT?

• Most applicants write the MCAT exam the summer prior to applying to allow for completion of a significant number of courses.
• It is a good idea to secure a seat early as there are very few testing computers available at each site and they book up quickly.
• The listing of available testing dates is provided on the AAMC website in January of every year.

9.  MCAT scores expire after a period of time.  What is the date range for acceptable MCAT scores to apply to the 2012-2013 application cycle?

• The acceptable testing dates for the 2012-2013 application cycle are no earlier than April 2008 and no later than September 10, 2011.

10.  Can I still include my MCAT score with my application if I wrote in September but my scores are not available until after the application deadline?

• Yes.  If you have written the MCAT in September you can still include the score with your application.
• However, you must indicate you are awaiting a test score on the Supplemental Application form and you must release the score to the University of Manitoba once the score is available.
• Please note that the last accepted sitting for the 2012 - 2013 application cycle is September 10, 2011.

11.  Can the MCAT be waived?

• No.  The MCAT can not be waived and all applicants must write the exam and meet the minimum requirements as indicated in the Applicant Information Bulletin.