MCAT enters the world of computers

New format a mixed blessing

MICHAEL OLSON STAFF

Starting in January 2007, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) will be administered entirely on computers, as opposed to the current paper-and-pencil method.

The change to the MCAT, used as a prerequisite for students aspiring to study medicine, was announced in 2005 by the Association of Medical Colleges, which administers the test.

MCAT has practiced computerized testing since 2002. Actual testing is off ered at various test sites established by Th omson Prometric, a company created in 1990, a leading organization in the fi eld of electronic testing. Th ere is currently one test site available in Winnipeg.

Advantages of this form of testing include more test dates throughout the year, shorter test length, and quicker delivery of test results to students. In addition, students will now be able to take the MCAT up to three times in one year. Th is way, if students plan ahead, they will be able to better familiarize themselves with the test. Test-taking fees, however, will remain at $210 US for the computeradministered MCAT. Test results will be based on the same criteria as the written exams.

Th ere are some downfalls to the advent of MCAT’s total computerization. As the tests cannot be written on any computer, prearranged testing centres are required and these centres can only administer tests to so many students at once.

According to Amjed Mustafa, an MCAT program co-ordinator from Kaplan, testing centres are only able to hold 16 to 24 test-takers at a time. Th is could lead to problems considering that over 70,000 students take the MCAT annually. Th is will mean that students will have to be sure to register well in advance to assure themselves a spot at a testing centre.

Currently, there are no waiting lists available for students wishing to register for a specifi c testing date.

“Also, things like the ability to highlight and annotate the passage text, and to cross out possible answers, these were all things that were relatively intuitive in the paperand- pencil world . . . Now with the computer-based exam, the test becomes more complicated,” says Mustafa.

“Th e most important thing is preparation,” says Mustafa. “If properly prepared for, this form of testing will have positive eff ects for students.”

A recent survey of 183 students conducted by Kaplan Test Prep and Admissions, the leading provider for MCAT preparation, observed that “91 per cent of those surveyed believe that having additional MCAT dates will be a positive factor for pre-med students. Similarly, 92 per cent say the change to a computer-based exam is either ‘very positive’ or somewhat positive.’”

In addition, the Kaplan-conducted survey found that 84 per cent of those surveyed felt “the change will either positively impact student performance or have no negative effect.”

In an attempt to help students better familiarize themselves with the computerized testing, Kaplan decided to create a free online test for students on which to practise. Kaplan hopes that with the help of these free online tests, students will gain the opportunity to be well prepared for the computerized test and, therefore, perform better.