This paper by James L. Angel, Director, Medical College Admissions Assessment Program, Association of American Medical Colleges, was presented at the 1976 annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Discussed are various issues and factors considered in the development of the new Medical College Admissions Test to be introduced in 1977, a description of the development project producing the new test, and an outline of the content and objectives of the new test. (SL)