The world of medicine is in constant flux: new treatments, an evolving health care system, and an increasingly diverse patient population call for physicians who are able to go with the flow. Changes to the MCAT reflect the current view of how future physicians can improve patient care: that is, with a more advanced understanding of the natural, social, and behavioral sciences.

How does the new MCAT affect future medical school applicants?

Students who plan on entering medical school in the fall of 2016 or later can plan on taking the new MCAT. The additions, eliminations, and modifications to the exam are indicative of larger changes happening in medical education and practice, which highlight the ways in which social and cultural factors can impact the doctor-patient relationship.

Medical schools are adding courses in the social and behavioral sciences to their curricula to produce well-rounded physicians who can take on a more holistic view of medicine. This means prospective students will likely be adding introductory psychology and sociology courses to their pre-medical course load.

New advances in medical science will also require students to have a stronger foundation in the natural sciences before entering medical school. The new MCAT will include concepts from upper-level biology, and specifically, biochemistry. This means students will start to take introductory biochemistry earlier in their college careers.

More MCAT information

Read Part 1 of the new MCAT 2015
How are you preparing for the MCAT?
Should you retake the MCAT test?
A Preview Guide for the new MCAT is available on the AAMC website.
Building a Better Physician: The Case for the New MCAT. New England Journal of Medicine (2012).

Topics #changes to mcat #new mcat #new mcat 2015 #revised mcat #what new mcat means