Many students keep on asking us what are the best options/ destinations for MBBS abroad in specific terms. Though a separate article is written for anyone to choose their preferred University , this article is more specific to help students/ counselors decide quickly.
Students need to appear in exam called MCAT. Please read details of MCAT below
MCAT- ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
The Medical College Admission Test, abbreviated as MCAT is a standardized computer-based exam administered by American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and made mandatory to get you seats in medical schools in countries such as the US, Canada, and Australia.
With a test duration of 7.5 long hours, the MCAT aims to asses the student’s written analysis, problem-solving and critical thinking skills, in addition to scientific fundamentals including, Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Psychology and Sociology.
The test has 4 sections.
• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Physical sciences are tested with a contextual background of biological sciences,on top of scientific principals and their applicability to living systems. Use of calculators are banned, but students are provided with periodic table.
Of the total 59 questions, the sections has 4 passage-related questions,15 standalone, non-passage-related questions to be answered in 95 minutes.
An optional break of 10 minutes can be availed by the candidates.
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
This section tests the ability to dissect arguments, and critically analyze the underlying assumptions and quality of inferences, given a passage.
The sections has 53 passage-related questions to be answered in 95 minutes.
An optional mid-exam break of 30 minutes can be availed by the candidates.
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
The candidate’s understanding of subjects related to basic life processes: reproduction, growth, energy production etc., including organic and general chemistry are analysed.
Of the total 59 questions, the section has 44 passage-related questions, 15 standalone, non-passage-related questions to be answered in 95 minutes.
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behaviour
This newly introduced section tests the understanding of basic research principles, knowledge of Psychology and Sociology and its use within the broader context of behavioral and health outcomes.
Of the total 59 questions, the section has 44 passage-related questions, 15 standalone, non-passage-related questions to be answered in 95 minutes.
Apart from this, there are additional void Question for 5 minutes, Satisfaction Survey (optional) for 5 minutes, which adds up to total Content Time of 6 hours 15 minutes.
Candidates planning to enrol into health professional schools including Allopathic, Osteopathic, Podiatric and Veterinary Medicine, or the ones who have pursued/pursuing an MBBS program are among the eligible students. Apart from this, a “special permission” can be availed from AAMC before registering for the exam, by sending your motive behind taking the test to mcat@aamc.org .
The test administered 25 times in a year, during the normal window costs $310
(about 1 month or more prior to the test date). However additional charges may add up due to late registration, location or date changes, along with an international for non-US test locations. Apart from the additional $90 if you choose a non-US centre, he registration process is same for US and international candidates.
As there are no test centres in India, Indian students have to travel to Thailand, Malaysia or Singapore to sit for the exam. This means that an Indian applicant will have to spend USD 400, ie. INR 25,750 for taking MCAT. For this reason alone it is advised that the students take the test fully prepared.
The test scores stands valid up to 2-3 years and can be taken up to a maximum of 3 times in a year and 7 times in a lifetime.
Percentile Scaled MCAT Total Score:
The raw score is converted to scaled score to include all difficulty variations. Each medical school has their own score thresholds. The students can utilize the general correlation between test scores and percentile by AAMC.
• Top 10% of all test-takers 514 to 528
• Top 25% of all test-takers 508 to 513
• Top 50% of all test-takers 500 to 507
• Below 50th percentile of all test-takers 499 or below
The admission in these countries is through an entrance test conducted by respective governments.These tests can be taken in India. Primarily, all the options would need a budget of over INR 2 Crs and hence very few Indian students go for these Countries. Still, if anyone can afford this budget, contact your nearest GKWorks branch now.
UCAT – ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
The UCAT, formerly known as UKCAT (UK Clinical Aptitude Test) is a computer based test which decides your entry to a medical/dentistry degree at many UK universities.
• University of Aberdeen
• Anglia Ruskin University
• Aston University
• University of Birmingham
• University of Bristol
• Cardiff University
• University of Dundee
• University of East Anglia
• University of Edinburgh
• University of Exeter
• University of Glasgow
• Hull York Medical School
• Keele University
• King’s College London
• University of Leicester
• University of Liverpool
• University of Manchester
• University of Newcastle
• University of Nottingham
• Plymouth University
• Queen Mary, University of London
• Queen’s University Belfast
• University of Sheffield
• University of Southampton
• University of St. Andrew’s
• University of Sunderland
• University of Warwick (graduate only)
• St George’s, University of London
This University Clinical Aptitude Test, taken at Pearson vue centres, commence between July and October every year. Students wishing to avail an entry to any of the aforementioned universities by 2020, should attend the test by 2nd October 2019. This also means that Indian students, who wish to immediately enrol themselves after their class 12th, need to appear for the same during their class 11th. The deadline for registration is 18th September 2019, and the test can be taken between 1st July and 2nd October 2019.
With test duration of 2 hours, the UCAT aims to assess the student’s mental abilities. The test clearly focuses on the student’s critical thinking, verbal and mathematical skills and has 5 sections.
• Section 1 – Verbal Reasoning
• Section 2 – Decision Making
• Section 3 – Quantitative Reasoning
• Section 4 – Abstract Reasoning
• Section 5– Situational Judgement
The test centres are chosen during the registration process itself and are conducted at Pearson VUE test centres. The registration fee is £65 for UK/EU Residents as on 31st of August. The fee has been increased to £87 from 1st of September. For test centres outside the EU, the fee is £115.
The test scores stands valid only for that year of application, and this disallows re-taking the exam during the same season. For this reason alone it is advised that the students take the test fully prepared or else they will have to wait till the next year to achieve their desired scores.
These Countries require expert level command in the local language. So if you are looking for Germany as an option ( many people think due to low/ free education), expert level command on German language is needed.
This is the option that is used by over 95% students wishing to pursue MBBS course. The admissions are direct, total budget is less than INR 35 lakhs ( including food and hostel) and medium of instruction is English. There are over 25 unique Countries and 250 unique Universities that a student can opt for. So how to decide among these 25 Countries and 250 Universities.
Please click below
How to choose right country and university
Some Popular Countries for MBBS Abroad are
How to choose right country and University for your MBBS course
How to choose right country and university
Best wishes for your dream MBBS abroad course and MBBS career.
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