If You Want to Become a Doctor: ace the MCAT and Apply to Medical School

You may have a goal or dream of becoming a doctor. If so, you'll want to perform well on the MCAT before you apply to medical school. If you're ready to begin preparing, there are a few necessary steps to take.What is the MCATThe Medical College Admission Test is known as a computer-based standardized examination for prospective medical students, according to usnews.com. It is available to be taken up to 14 times each year at Prometric Testing Centers that are located throughout the country. In recent years, it has undergone some changes. It now takes an average of eight hours to take, and the previous test took an average of five hours.What is on the Medical College Admission TestThe test consists of physical and biological sciences and verbal reasoning. The written section has been removed from the test because experts believed it wasn't useful in determining how well a prospective student would succeed in school. A new section was added to determine if each person is capable of providing various medical services to different types of sociological and cultural groups in the U.S.In recent years, a new section was added to the test, which covers the biological foundations of different types of behavior." The new part was included to examine the individual's capability of grasping sociological and social interests, along with their ability to process stress and emotion.In addition to the new parts that were added to the exam, you will also be tested on:Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills: Similar to reading comprehension sections on other standardized tests. The Passages in this section come from a variety of humanities and social sciences disciplines.Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: Tests basic biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, and biochemistryChemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: Will test basic biochemistry, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and physicsKnow How You Can Study for the TestAs an undergrad, consider taking the exam as a junior or senior before you graduate. If you want to prep for the MCAT exam, allow at least three months to study to ensure you can pace yourself and retain all of the information. The registration is done online through the Association of American Medical Colleges. Register early to secure your test date and location.Create a detailed study schedule and stick to it while also investing in quality study materials. You can also prep for the MCAT exam by taking practice tests, which can help you to identify what areas to improve to ensure you know what to focus on before the date of the exam.What to Know About the Application ProcessYour application should include your experience volunteering, working, and participating in extracurricular activities to prove you're a well-rounded individual. Your application will need to include your transcripts, test scores, letters of recommendation, and personal statement.Complete the application and turn it in as early as possible. Applications that the college receives earlier will be reviewed first, which can boost your chances of acceptance. Prepare for interviews, which are often conducted from September to February.After doing your interview, you'll be rejected, invited to tour the campus, or your application will need to be reviewed again to determine if it's accepted. It's essential to take your time answering questions during your interview and make eye contact with the person you're speaking with during the visit.Final NoteMake sure you ace the MCAT and get into school so you can become a doctor. By following the right tips, you can increase your chances of acceptance to your top schools.