MCAT FAQS
What score do I need to be competitive?
The average MCAT score for accepted applicants nationally is 511.6. The UChicago average MCAT score for accepted applicants is a 515.8. Applicants from UChicago with a 510+ have a 68% acceptance rate.
How long should I study?
Successful applicants typically study for 3 to 4 months. We do not recommend planning to spend a summer or quarter solely devoted to studying for the MCAT.
How should I study?
MCAT preparation methods come in all shapes and sizes. Consider your preferred learning methods when choosing what path to pursue. The CIH team is happy to meet with you to discuss your individual plan.
When should I take it?
It’s crucial to complete all pre-requisite courses before taking the exam, especially biochemistry and statistics. The latest you should take it is May of the year you are submitting the written application.
We do not recommend that applicants plan to take the test multiple times, as medical schools see all MCAT scores.
It typically takes a month from the date of taking the MCAT for you to receive your results. Factor this timing into your overall plan for submitting applications.
MCAT scores expire, so if you are taking more than one gap year, plan accordingly.
Should I retake the MCAT?
Before deciding, set up an appointment with your adviser to talk through this decision. Consider the following:
- Did you score lower or higher than what you expected?
- How did you feel, physically and mentally, before and during the exam?
- Did you feel you had enough time to complete the exam?
- What would you do differently to prepare for the exam prior to retaking?
- Do you have the time and ability to re-commit to studying? What will you give up in order to make time for studying?
- Is retaking the MCAT necessary for acceptance to your top-choice school(s)?
SITUATIONAL JUDGMENT TESTS
Situational judgment tests measure your interpersonal competencies such as collaboration, ethical judgement, communication, empathy, self-awareness, problem solving, and resilience. They do not require any specific content knowledge.
Once you have finalized your school list, check to see if your schools require these tests:
- CASPer presents 15 scenarios with three open-ended questions. The first section requires written responses to word and video-based scenarios, and the second requires video responses.
- PREview presents with text-based scenarios that present hypothetical dilemmas you may encounter in medical school. The test presents several behaviors in response to the dilemma, and test takers rate the effectiveness of each response.
The best way to prepare for these tests is to familiarize yourself with the test format, and practice so that you are comfortable, particularly with the written and video responses required by CASPer.
CASS RESOURCES
Mock MCATs: Participants take an official AAMC full-length practice test in test-like conditions on campus. Hosted every January and April.
Situational Judgement Test Workshop: This workshop outlines the common SJTs and how to prepare for them. Participants then practice in small groups. Held in May.
OTHER RESOURCES
AAMC - Register for the MCAT Exam
AAMC's "How I Prepared for the MCAT Exam"
Official Guide to the MCAT Exam (including online practice questions)