Medical Schools
Medical school generally refers to a tertiary educational institution (or part of such an institution) which is involved in the education of future medical practitioners (medical doctors). Faculty of medicine is a term used in many parts of the world (such as in Australia and the United Kingdom) to describe the division of a tertiary instituion involved in such teaching.
The entry criteria, structure, teaching methodology and nature of medical programs offered at medical schools vary considerably around the world.
Medical College Admission Test
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) to prospective medical students as a means to standardise comparison between them for purposes of admission to medical school. The exam is currently taken entirely on paper. However, a computer-based version will be offered at select testing sites in the fall of 2005, and all future administrations of the exam starting in the spring of 2006 are expected to be computer-based.
The test is given twice a year, once in April and once in August. The test consists of four sections: verbal reasoning (VR), physical sciences (PS), biological sciences (BS), and a writing sample (WS). The verbal, physical science, and biological science sections are multiple-choice. The writing sample is evaluated with two short essays. Scores for the multiple-choice sections range from 1 to 15. Scores for the writing section range from J to T. Often, the numerical scores are added together to give a composite score. For example, if one's score on the physical, verbal, and biological sections is 12, 13, and 11, respectively, then the composite score would be 36. The score from the writing sample may also be appended to the composite score (e.g. 36S).
Medical Schools provide attendees with the qualifications and the degree to practice medicine in the United States and are some of the most competitive schools in the educational field. In 2004 almost 36,000 individuals applied to attend medical school in the 2004-2005 school year. Like all areas of schooling Medical Schools offer many different program types and styles. Teaching style, class size, course relevance, are just some of the many aspects that are different from school to school. The cost of different Medical School programs also varies. If an individual plans to attend a Medical School he or she must complete specific prerequisite undergraduate course work and sit for the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test).
Applications to Medical School usually involve payment of an application fee and an interview. Medical School programs require a large commitment of time and anyone interested in attending should thoroughly research the programs available. Finding the program that best fits the individual can be the difference between success and failure in attempting to gain a Medical School degree.