MCAT Test Scoring - Writing Sample Scoring
The exam-taker will receive a single letter score on a scale of J to T for the writing sample section of the MCAT. This section of the exam is scored by two trained readers that will evaluate each essay based on how clear the essay is, the amount of detail that the individual goes into in his or her essay, and whether or not the essay is structured in a logical way. Each reader will assign his or her own score to each essay and a third reader will be asked to read a particular essay if there is a difference of more than one point between each reader's score. If a third reader is required, the third reader will determine the final combined score for that particular essay. However, the final combined score for each essay is usually determined simply by adding the scores given by the first and second reader of each essay together.
An essay will receive a "1" if it is extremely difficult to follow or if it fails to follow the instructions set by the essay question, a "2" if it is difficult to follow or if it only answers some of the questions presented in the essay question, and a "3" if it is too simple or if it answers two of the questions presented in the essay question, but not the third. An essay will receive a "4" if it is easy to understand and answers the essay question, but is not very detailed, a "5" if it is easy to understand, logically structured, and is extremely detailed, and a "6" if it is extremely easy to understand, logically structured, extremely detailed, and is a well-developed essay all around. The scores from the two readers for both essays are then added together to give the individual a total combined score and that combined score is then converted into the letter score. For example, an individual may receive a score of 3 from the first reader and 4 from the second reader on the first essay and a score of 4 from the first reader and 5 from the second reader on the second essay for a combined total score of 16 (3 + 4 + 4 + 5.) The total combined score ranges from 4, which is denoted by the letter J, to 24, which is denoted by the letter T.
Importance of MCAT Test Scores
Other Factors Medical Schools Consider
Score Reporting Time Limits, Retaking the Exam, and Voiding Scores
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