Why are standardized tests so important? Do they really reflect your abilities or capabilities? According to most medical school admissions committees, the answer is a resounding YES. How you perform on your MCAT says a lot about how you’ll perform in med school, in subsequent exams, and then later on as a medical professional.
Here are FOUR things your MCAT score can predict:
1. Grades in medical school.
The MCAT tests skills that you will use in med school. If you do well on the MCAT, then it shows you have what it takes to excel in med school. And if you don’t do well on the exam…well…you do the math….
2. Scores on STEP exams.
As you know, there are many steps and milestones before finally being able to practice medicine. Not only do you need to make the grade at school, but you need to pass your USMLE STEP exams. Research shows that those who do well on the MCAT are more likely to pass their STEP exams.
3. Likelihood of graduation in 4-5 years.
You don’t want med school to drag on forever. It won’t bode well when it comes to applying for residencies, fellowships, and jobs, nor will it fare well for your self-esteem. The higher your MCAT score, the greater chance you have of finishing med school “on time.”
4. Ability to pass licensing exams on first try.
The last thing that your MCAT score can predict is your ability to pass your licensing exam on your first try. When you’ve made it this far, you don’t want to push off practicing medicine any longer than you need to. Schools want their doctors to succeed out in the field as soon as possible; the higher your MCAT, the greater chances are that you’ll make your alma mater proud!
Related Resources:
• How to Get into Medical School with Low Stats
• Improve Your MCAT Score for Medical School Acceptance
• How to Succeed on Your MCAT Test Day
