Waive the MCAT this year, American College of Physicians says

The American College of Physicians is calling on medical schools to waive the Medical College Admission Test requirement for students seeking admission in 2021. 

Advertisement

The COVID-19 pandemic has created many barriers for students trying to take the MCAT this year, the physician association said in an Aug. 4 statement. Many students have expressed hesitancy at taking the MCAT in person, citing health and safety concerns. Scheduling changes also require some students to travel very far distances to testing sites. 

These disruptions disproportionately affect students of color or those in lower-income groups, according to the physicians group. The association said it is concerned mandatory MCAT testing will increase these disparities.

The group is encouraging medical schools to use “holistic reviews of applicants,” rather than MCAT scores, during this year’s admissions process.

More articles on physicians:
Top Mayo researcher is out amid accusations of bullying
‘I’m fighting a war against COVID-19 and a war against stupidity,’ says CMO of Houston hospital
Gender parity in many surgical specialties may take decades, study concludes

At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.

Advertisement

Next Up in Integration & Physician Issues

Advertisement

Comments are closed.