<p>So what do you think of the new MCAT in 2007</p>
<p>-only computerized</p>
<p>-5.5 hours</p>
<ul>
<li>instead of about 215 questions, we have about 140 questions</li>
</ul>
<p>-Only one essay</p>
<p>-Most importantly - no lunch :(</p>
<p>Do you think that questions will be harder, grading scales will be tougher...what are your thoughts?</p>
<p>It will suck, be much worse, and overall grades will be lower. Its is extremely hard to stare at a computer with that much focus for that many hours. Add to that it takes lots of practice to be more used not having paper to cross off answers on and ponder. I think it will be the same exact questions as now, but the computer part will throw grades. I read from some people who have already taken pilot versions that their grades were down compared to when they took it paper and pencil.</p>
<p>I actually think this will be a good thing. Grading will be faster, the test will be shorter, and there will be more opportunities to take it during the year.</p>
<p>Everything as far as the actual content and grading HAS to remain the same, otherwise there is no way to compare scores across years which is the strength of any standardized test - a 34 on paper has to be the same as a 34 on computer. </p>
<p>There are benefits, but I'm glad that I took mine on paper - that's just me. However, USMLE Step 1 and Step 2 CK are both CBT. </p>
<p>In the end, I think a prep course like Kaplan is going to be even more worth the money by gettin gyou enough practice and providing strategies for dealing with CBT (since the DAT and other exams that Kaplan has classes for are on computer).</p>
<p>I am new at this but why does 140 questions plus one essay take 5.5 hours? and how much does it cost to take the MCAT once?</p>
<p>I don't like taking computerized exams. As one poster said above, staring at a computer screen for 5.5 hours is painful. (2 hours straight is already painful for me)</p>