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MCAT Writing

The Writing Section is the third section of the MCAT. Each of the two, 30-minute essays in the 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 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 similiar 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. Most likely, there will not be a spell check feature on the MCATs administered in 2007.

Writing Section at a Glance

This 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