Medical student hopefuls who recently took the MCAT likely got a bit of a shock. The Association of American Medical Colleges rolled out a fully restructured test that’s nearly double in length and includes new sections on biochemistry, psychology and sociology. The new exam is scored out of 528 possible points, up from just 45 possible points.
Why the change? AAMC and educators say the aim is to weed out applicant who simply memorize material and identify those who are more analytical thinkers, have better bedside manner and are more promising potential caregivers.
“We’re hoping it will give us good doctors, not just a person who knows lots of facts and who has lots of knowledge but a person who interacts with the patient who has the disease,” Dr. Steve Wheeler, associate dean of admissions at the University of Louisville told reporters recently. “We’re hoping the new MCAT will help us to pick folks for medical school smart enough for the science courses but also caring enough for the individuals they will be working with.”
This new approach illustrates what we here at WOLFPACC have known all along – simple memorization doesn’t make a great doctor and certainly doesn’t benefit patients. Our approach instead teaches students to better understand the body’s five main organ systems and how they relate to each other, rather than simply memorizing and recalling relevant facts. It’s aimed at improving analytical skills applicable to diagnosis and treatment decisions.
If you’re a prospective medical student, WOLFPACC can help boost your chances for success with a range of medical school and test preparation courses taught at our St. Augustine, FL campus and various international locations announced throughout the year. Call 904-209-3140 to speak with an enrollment specialist today.
