According to the AAMC website, there have been changes to the MCAT exam for those testing between May 29 and September 28, 2020.
What you need to know about the temporary shortened MCAT
A shortened version of the MCAT will be administered from May 29 through the end of the 2020 testing year. This change was made in order to reduce the impact of canceled MCAT testing due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and to allow as many students as possible to take the test.
The shortened version will have a total “seated” time of 5 hours and 45 minutes instead of the usual 7 hours and 30 minutes. The test will include the same number of scored questions. Other parts, such as the tutorial and end-of-day survey, have been reduced or removed to shorten the seated time.
Students taking the shortened MCAT will be tested on each of the 4 sections of the exam and must show the same knowledge and skills at the same levels of difficulty as the regular test.
The scoring on the shortened exam will be the same as on the full-length exam. Examinees will receive the same 5 scores as those who took the regular exam: 1 for each of the 4 sections and a combined score.
Test centers will administer the MCAT 3 times a day on each testing date: 6:30am, 12:15pm, and 6:00pm. All test centers will observe the following health and safety guidelines:
- Examinees will be seated 6 feet (2 meters) apart.
- Examinees may bring gloves and masks to the test.
- There will be heightened disinfecting procedures at the test centers before and after each testing session.
Test schedule for exams May 29-September 28, 2020
| Section | # of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 48 | 76 minutes |
| Break (optional) | 10 minutes | |
| Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills | 48 | 81 minutes |
| Mid-Exam break (optional) | 10 minutes | |
| Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 48 | 76 minutes |
| Break (optional) | 10 minutes | |
| Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior | 48 | 76 minutes |
| Void Question | 2 minutes | |
| Total Content Time (inc. Administrative screens) | 5 hours and 15 minutes | |
| Total “Seated” Time * | Approx. 5 hours and 45 minutes |
*Total seated time does not include time to check in upon arriving at the testing center.
MCAT registration is now open for all tests beginning May 29, 2020. You are able to register by phone with Pearson VUE.
Are you planning on entering med school in September? Work one-on-one with one of our admissions consultants and create an application that will get you ACCEPTED!
For 25 years, Accepted has helped applicants gain acceptance to their dream healthcare programs. Our outstanding team of admissions consultants features former admissions directors, admissions committee members, pre-health advisors, postbac program directors, and doctors. Our staff has guided applicants to acceptance at allopathic (MD) and osteopathic (DO) medical schools, residencies and fellowships, dental school, veterinarian school, and physician assistant programs at top schools such as Harvard, Stanford, Penn, UCSF, Johns Hopkins, Columbia, and many more. Want an admissions expert to help you get Accepted? Click here to get in touch!
Related Resources:
