What to Do When You Want to Study Medicine

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What to do when you want to study medicine in the USA as an international student

MEDICAL school for international students

For those of you who have been asking us about the MEDICINE—the journey to becoming a doctor in the USA starts with an essential step: the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). This standardized exam, administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is a mandatory requirement for most medical graduate programs in the United States, including those for international students.

Why the MCAT is Essential

The MCAT assesses your knowledge of natural and social sciences concepts, as well as your critical thinking and scientific problem-solving skills. These are crucial competencies required to excel in medical school and your future medical career. Regardless of where you’re from, the MCAT is a requirement for all applicants, ensuring a level playing field for domestic and international students alike.

MCAT Registration for 2025

Registration for the first half of the 2025 testing year (January and March through June) is now open. Visit the AAMC website for detailed information about registration, including the full 2025 calendar of test dates and score release dates. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your registration goes smoothly:

  • Plan Ahead: Test dates fill up quickly, so secure your spot as early as possible.
  • Check Eligibility: You must intend to apply to a health professions school, such as:
    • M.D.-granting programs
    • D.O.-granting programs
    • Podiatric medicine (D.P.M.)
    • Veterinary medicine (D.V.M.)
    • Other health-related programs accepting MCAT results
  • Accommodations: AAMC offers a centralized accommodations application process for those who require special arrangements. This streamlined system allows you to track your application progress and manage accommodation-related requests for both the MCAT and PREview® exams.

2025 MCAT Test Dates and Deadlines

Test Date60 Day Deadline30 Day Deadline10 Day DeadlineScore Release Date
January 10Nov. 11, 2024Dec. 11, 2024Dec. 31, 2024Feb. 11
January 11Nov. 12, 2024Dec. 12, 2024Jan. 1, 2025Feb. 11
January 16Nov. 17, 2024Dec. 17, 2024Jan. 6, 2025Feb. 18
January 24Nov. 25, 2024Dec. 25, 2024Jan. 14, 2025Feb. 28
March 8Jan. 7, 2025Feb. 6, 2025Feb. 26, 2025April 8
March 21Jan. 20, 2025Feb. 19, 2025March 11, 2025April 22
April 4Feb. 3, 2025March 5, 2025March 25, 2025May 6
April 5Feb. 4, 2025March 6, 2025March 26, 2025May 6

The standard start time is 8:00 a.m. each day unless otherwise noted. Scores are released by 5:00 p.m. ET on the scheduled score release date. All scheduling deadlines are at 11:59 p.m. local test center time on the day of the deadline. For the full calendar, scheduling deadlines, and score release dates, download the 2025 MCAT calendar here.

The 10 Day Deadline is the last date to schedule, reschedule, or cancel a reservation and the last date to edit registration information such as name, address, and consents.

International Students: What You Need to Know

If you’re an international student, you can rest easy knowing there are no additional eligibility requirements for taking the MCAT. If you are currently enrolled in, or have completed, an MBBS program or its equivalent, you can register for the MCAT without needing special permission. As an foreign student, this is what to do when you want to study medicine in the USA.

Preparing for the MCAT Exam

Studying for the MCAT is a time-intensive process that requires dedication and careful planning. Balancing your exam preparation with other responsibilities can be challenging, but the AAMC provides a variety of resources to help you succeed:

  • Official Practice Materials: The AAMC’s official practice products simulate the MCAT experience, helping you familiarize yourself with the format and content.
  • Subject-Specific Resources: Focus on areas such as introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology, biochemistry, and research methods.
  • Prehealth Advisors: Reach out to a prehealth advisor at your institution for personalized guidance on coursework and preparation strategies. They can help ensure you’re on the right track to achieve your medical education goals.

For additional preparation tools, visit the AAMC’s official exam preparation page.

Do You Need Prerequisites?

All content covered on the MCAT exam aligns with introductory courses offered at most colleges and universities. These include:

  • Biology
  • General chemistry
  • Organic chemistry
  • Physics
  • Psychology and sociology (first semester)
  • Biochemistry

Research methods and statistics concepts are also tested and are often part of introductory science labs and psychology or sociology courses. If you’re unsure about your coursework, consult with your prehealth advisor for tailored recommendations.

Final Thoughts

Deciding to study medicine in the USA is a life-changing decision, and the MCAT is a significant milestone on this journey. By understanding the exam requirements, planning your preparation, and utilizing the resources available, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle this challenge head-on.

Ready to take the first step? Register for the MCAT today and embark on your path to a rewarding medical career: https://students-residents.aamc.org/taking-mcat-exam/taking-mcat-exam. This summarizes what to do when you want to study medicine in the USA.

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