AAMC Trys Computer-Based Format
Sources & Contacts:
AAMC:
Steve Barkley
sbarkley@aamc.org
202-862-6013
Prometric:
Donald W. Boucher
donald.boucher@prometric.com
443-923-8031
AAMC Trys Out Computer-Based Format for Medical College Admission Test
Mini-pilot takes place in London, England
(BALTIMORE, MD - August 8, 2002) In an effort to provide flexibility and convenience for its candidates, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) is testing a computer-based (CBT) format of its prestigious Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The CBT exam will be delivered in London, England on August 17, 2002, at the same time the traditional paper-and-pencil-based version of the exam is being administered around the world.
The AAMC has selected Prometric, a part of The Thomson Corporation (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC) and the global leader in computer-based testing and assessment services, to deliver this mini-pilot, which is part of the association's efforts to evaluate the feasibility of a broader, global move from a paper-and-pencil-based format to CBT.
"Widespread CBT availability holds the promise of greater flexibility in test scheduling, a shorter testing day and faster reporting of scores," said Ellen Julian, Ph.D., Assistant Vice President and Director, Medical College Admission Test. "We are conducting this mini-pilot to get greater insight into the process of converting our examination to computer, how our students respond to it and the benefits to be gained on behalf of the medical schools as well as the examinees."
Registrations for the CBT version of the exam are being taken over the phone. Seating is limited and is available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Because of the flexible nature of CBT, the registration deadline for this version of the test extends beyond the registration deadline for the pencil-and-paper-based exam to August 9, 2002.
The CBT exam will be delivered at the Prometric Testing Center located in London. Students do not need to prepare any differently for this exam than they would the pencil-and-paper format. Students will explore a CBT tutorial prior to the start of the exam to become familiar and comfortable with the format.
Official MCAT Scores for the students taking the CBT version of the exam are expected to be mailed in approximately 30 days, as opposed to the traditional 60 days with the paper-and-pencil versions. The faster turn around is attributed to the reduced administration processes made possible by CBT.
"Many of the world's leading college entrance and medical professional licensing organizations trust Prometric with the delivery of their exams every day," said Jeffery L. McKnight, Sr., Prometric Senior Vice President, Global Sales and Channel Services. "We are pleased to be able to work with AAMC to explore how CBT may benefit the organization, its testing candidates, and public health administration and management."
About AAMC and MCAT
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) represents the 125 accredited U.S. medical schools; the 16 accredited Canadian medical schools; some 400 major teaching hospitals, including Veterans Administration medical centers; more than 105,000 faculty in 98 academic and scientific societies; and the nation's 66,000 medical students and 97,000 residents. Additional information about the AAMC and U.S. medical schools and teaching hospitals is available at www.aamc.org/newsroom.
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a national standardized test for applicants to medical schools. The test is administered by the AAMC. The MCAT is designed to test students' knowledge of basic science concepts, as well as problem-solving skills, critical thinking ability and writing skills.
The MCAT is composed of four scored sections:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Physical Sciences (physics and general chemistry)
- Writing Sample
- Biological Sciences (biology and organic chemistry)
About Thomson Corporation
The Thomson Corporation (www.thomson.com), with 2001 revenues of $7.2 billion, is a global leader in providing integrated information solutions to business and professional customers. Thomson provides value-added information, software applications and tools to more than 20 million users in the fields of corporate and professional training, assessment and testing, higher education, reference information, law, tax, accounting, financial services, and scientific research and healthcare. The Corporation's common shares are listed on the New York and Toronto stock exchanges (NYSE: TOC; TSX: TOC). Its learning businesses and brands serve the needs of individuals, learning institutions, corporations and government agencies with products and services for both traditional and distributed learning.
Prometric (www.prometric.com), a part of The Thomson Corporation, is the global leader in technology-enabled testing and assessment services for information technology certification, academic admissions, and professional licensure and certifications. Prometric delivers standardized tests for more than 200 clients, in more than 25 languages, over the Web or through a network of more than 4,800 testing centers in more than 140 countries. Based in Baltimore, Md., Prometric employs more than 3,000 employees worldwide.
