Home >  Application Process >

MCAT

Students applying to medical school take the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), which is a content-specific exam that tests competencies in biological, physical, and chemical sciences, knowledge of sociology and psychology, understanding of research methodology, and strength of verbal/comprehension/analytical skills. Along with grades, your test score is a crucial component for admission. Dartmouth courses prepare you well, though committed preparation is essential. Save your lecture and study notes! For more information, please see our MCAT Tips & Advice.

Timing

You should plan to take the MCAT in time to know your score before you submit your Primary Application. We recommend that you take it by May of the year you apply. Discuss your plans with a pre-health advisor so we can figure out what makes sense for you.

Test Dates and Locations

TEST DATES are available in the months of Jan, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September.

NEAREST TESTING SITES: Planning will be required for travel to your testing sites, and may require leaving the day before in order to be at the site on time on test day.

  • The closest testing site to Dartmouth is in Concord NH, about an hour away.
  • There is one site in Burlington, Vermont.
  • There are several sites in Massachusetts including three in Boston, several in surrounding areas, and 1 in Springfield, MA.

Preparation

Take the MCAT when YOU feel prepared. Some applicants study during an off term, some take a 2-course load while studying, some need to take it during an ordinary term. 

MCAT prep requires as much time commitment as your most rigorous Dartmouth courses. Students typically study about 3-4 hours daily (taking 7-hour practice exams on the weekend) for 10-12 weeks, and scheduled time for full, real-time practice testing during that period. Some students take a course, others prepare using their science course materials, Khan Academy, MCAT/AAMC, and/or some form Kaplan, Princeton, etc.

CLICK HERE TO FIND MCAT PREPARATION RESOURCES!

Fee Assistance Program

Learn about the MCAT and AMCAS Fee Assistance Program (FAP).

  •  NOTE: You must qualify for Fee Assistance before signing up and paying for the MCAT to obtain assistance. It is not retroactive. If you qualify for the MCAT FAP in the same cycle in which you are applying, you will also qualify for the AMCAS FAP program. It can take 6 weeks to have the FAP approved. Plan accordingly, as it requires paperwork and records from you and family. If you did not apply before you took the MCAT but think you might qualify, apply before you submit your AMCAS application (again give it approx. 6 weeks at least). If you do qualify, medical schools will often provide fee assistance for their secondary applications as well.

Accommodations

If you are entitled to testing accommodations for classes at Dartmouth, you may or may not qualify for such accommodations for the MCAT exam. You must apply well in advance.