The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an admissions requirement of all medical schools in the United States.
At minimum, students should complete the following science, statistics, and social science courses prior to taking the MCAT: general and organic chemistry (CHEM 101, 102, 351, 352), biochemistry (CHEM 437 or BIOL 430), genetics (BIOL 302), cell & molecular biology (BIOL 303), physics (PHYS 111 & PHYS 112), a statistics course (either STAT 121 or STAT 350), introductory psychology (PSYC 100), and introductory sociology (SOCY 101).
Pre-medical students who desire to apply to medical school with the assistance of UMBC’s pre-health committee are required to take the MCAT by the end of the April which precedes the summer during which they submit their AMCAS and/or AACOMAS applications. Because the MCAT tests knowledge of biochemistry and in order to ensure students are making wise choices with testing dates, all premedical applicants are required to complete a collegiate biochemistry course by the end of the spring semester which precedes the summer AMCAS and/or AACOMAS application (e.g. a student who intends to submit an application in June 2026 must finish a biochemistry course by the end of Spring 2026).
Resources
Mock Exam Event
The PreMedical and PreDental Advising office hosts a mock exam event over winter break to help students become familiar with the test day procedures, schedule, and testing environment. Information about the upcoming mock exam is posted late in the fall semester on the myUMBC Group page.
Exam Information and Resources from the AAMC
The AAMC has a wealth of information about preparing for the MCAT, the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, how to apply for testing accommodations, free and low-cost test preparation resources, and more. This information may be found on the “Take the MCAT Exam” webpage.
Other Resources
Medical School Headquarters’ The MCAT Podcast (check out “The Premed Years Podcast” too)
The UMBC PreMedical & PreDental Advising Office does not officially promote, sponsor or recommend any test preparation company. Information is gathered for students and made available to them.