MCAT Writing Section
The MCAT Writing section is the third section of the MCAT. Each of the two, 30-minute essays in the MCAT Writing section presents test takers with a statement. Students are then asked for a response that interprets the statement, illustrates an opposing view, and resolves or settles the two points of view. On the MCAT Writing section, you'll be asked to consider a statement and write about it. One human and one computer will score your essays.
Below are three examples of tasks that are similar to the ones you'll be asked to complete on the actual MCAT:
Scientists should seek to confirm theories or hypotheses rather than to refute them. Write a unified essay in which you perform the following tasks. Explain what you think the above statement means. Describe a specific situation in which a scientist might seek to refute a theory or hypothesis rather than to confirm it. Discuss what you think determines when scientists should seek to confirm theories or hypotheses and when they should seek to refute them.
Today's mobile society often loses in family and community ties what it gains in individual freedom. Write a unified essay in which you perform the following tasks. Explain what you think the above statement means. Describe a specific situation in which mobility might enhance family or community ties. Discuss what you think determines which is more important to the individual - mobility, or maintaining family and community ties.
Groups that attempt to influence government policy are only interested in benefiting themselves. Write a unified essay in which you perform the following tasks. Explain what you think the above statement means. Describe a specific situation in which a group attempting to influence government policy might be interested in benefiting others. Discuss what you think determines when groups attempting to influence government policy do so for their own benefit and when they do so for the benefit of others.
You will type your essays on the computer and have the ability to edit, copy, and paste.
MCAT Writing Section at a Glance
MCAT Writing section includes two essays and lasts 60 minutes (30 minutes for each essay). It tests the following skills:
- Ability to formulate and communicate an argument
- Ability to convey complex ideas in a concise and effective way
- Ability to evaluate claims and evidence
- Ability to support ideas using logical reasoning and relevant examples
- Ability to use standard written English to prove an argument
Other Sections
MCAT Biological Sciences | MCAT Verbal Reasoning | MCAT Physical Sciences