Medicine is one of the most well-paid and esteemed occupations that many students dream of pursuing, making it a highly sought-after career option and a very competitive field. Interestingly, for some students, the Caribbean Medical Schools offer a second chance to get into medical school. To get into a top-tier Caribbean medical school, students are required to undergo the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). It is a standardized medical school entrance examination conducted and regulated by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
However, with competition constantly rising, prospective candidates must prepare rigorously for the application process. Therefore, learning about medical school entry requirements beforehand can play a substantial role in successful admission. Among many factors required for medical school admission, the MCAT is a significant step in the medical school application process. Most medical schools in the Caribbean consider MCAT scores to assess an applicant’s ability to become a doctor. So, take this opportunity to learn about the MCAT exam and other medical school requirements.
An overview of the MCAT Exam
The MCAT exam designed by AAMC is a critical examination for most medical students in the U.S, Australia, Canada, and the Caribbean. This multiple-choice examination aims to assess a medical applicant’s critical thinking, problem-solving, and knowledge of natural and behavioral science principles and concepts, which is a prerequisite to studying for a Doctor of Medicine (MD) program.
The MCAT exam content can be divided into four sections, and each section is scored from 118 to 132, while the total exam score ranges from 472 to 528.
Caribbean medical schools require an acceptable MCAT score. To put that in perspective, AAMC statistics in 2018 revealed that the average MCAT score to get into a medical school was around 512. However, Caribbean medical schools often allow students even with an average MCAT score, making it an approachable option.
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Tips to prepare for the MCAT exam
Here’s how to prepare for the MCAT exam:
- Take the exam when you are fully prepared: AAMC conducts the MCAT multiple times a year, which allows medical applicants to schedule their exams as and when they are ready.
- Create study techniques tailored to your learning style: Designing a study routine and sticking to it often proves to be the most effective way to obtain a good MCAT score.
- Take regular breaks between study hours: A human brain cannot retain information if it doesn’t get enough rest. Studying for an MCAT exam can be extensive and exhaustive. Therefore, it is essential to take regular breaks to recharge your mind and body to better prepare for the exam.
- Take the mock examination to strengthen your endurance: MCAT is a six-hour examination that can be physically and mentally overwhelming for students; therefore, it requires prior preparations. It is always advisable to build stamina by taking the mock examination regularly before appearing for the exam.
These tips can help aspiring medical students prepare for the standardized MCAT exam. If you are about to take the MCAT exam and looking for an MD program, consider applying to a top-tier Caribbean Medical School to earn a recognized MD degree.