We’ve got another round of important information to share with you this month that we hope you’ll find useful as your students begin the push to the summer application season. Let’s dive in:
AAMC hosts webinars discussing the MCAT 2015 changes BREAKING NEWS: Last week the AAMC officially approved the changes to the MCAT proposed by the MR5 committee in the fall. At this point it’s well known that the MCAT will be changing drastically in 2015; however, many advisors and undergraduate faculty members still have questions about exactly how the test will change, and what they can do to help their students prepare. In an effort to address some of these concerns, the staff at the AAMC hosted a series of webinars throughout January and February to outline the changes and further explain the timeline behind them.
Here are a few of the highlights from the sessions: While the full change won’t go into effect until 2015, the Writing Sample will be removed from the MCAT in 2013. Sections on the new exam will be expanded to approximately 90 minutes each (science sections will last 95 minutes), producing a testing time of 6 hours, 15 minutes (not including breaks). Also, subject-specific knowledge on the new exam will revolve around Foundational Concepts that were identified in the Scientific Foundations for Future Physicians (SFFP) and Behavioral and Social Science Foundations for Future Physicians.
Sample passages and questions demonstrating the Foundational Concepts can be found in the Preview Guide for the MCAT 2015. In addition to the webinar for advisors, the AAMC has created an informational video and website describing the changes for students who may be affected. Of course there are still many questions regarding the new exam and how it will affect the admissions process, so we’ll be sharing additional details and resources with you as they become available.
