Key takeaways
- The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized exam required by most medical schools in the United States and Canada.
- It tests your knowledge of biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as your critical thinking and reasoning skills.
- The MCAT takes about 7.5 hours to complete on your scheduled MCAT test date.
- Along with your GPA, your MCAT score is one of the most important parts of your medical school application.
If you want to become a physician, you already know the road to medical school is long but rewarding. One of the biggest milestones on that journey is the MCAT. Let’s explore more about the MCAT, why it matters, and how to put your best foot forward come test day.
What is the MCAT?
The MCAT stands for the Medical College Admission Test. It is a computer-based, multiple-choice exam managed by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). Medical schools use it to help determine whether applicants are prepared for the challenges of a medical education.
What is the purpose of the MCAT?
For prospective medical students, the MCAT is not just another standardized test. It is a way for medical school admissions committees to compare applicants from very different academic backgrounds and predict your potential for medical school success.
The MCAT matters for admission because it:
- Tests your scientific inquiry and your ability to apply concepts from introductory biology, first-semester biochemistry, and introductory psychology to real-world medical problems.
- Shows whether you have the scientific knowledge and problem-solving skills needed to succeed not just in school, but in a residency program and beyond.
- Creates a level playing field beyond GPA where colleges may grade very differently.
Nearly all medical schools in the U.S. and Canada require MCAT scores as part of the admissions process to determine if a student will get into their med school. A small number of schools may offer exceptions, but those are rare. Always check each school’s medical school admission requirements before assuming the MCAT is optional.
What else do med school admissions committees look at?
Med school admissions committees use MCAT scores alongside your GPA, extracurricular activities, and clinical experience to evaluate your full application. However, higher MCAT scores are often linked to more medical school interviews, which makes thorough preparation essential.
A breakdown of the MCAT sections
The MCAT is divided into four sections. Together, they add up to 6 hours and 15 minutes of actual test content. With optional breaks and other required steps, your total seated time is about 7 hours and 30 minutes. Each section is multiple choice.
1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems:
- This section has 59 questions with 95 minutes to complete them.
- It draws on your knowledge of physics and general chemistry.
- You will use those concepts to solve problems related to how the human body works.
2. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills:
- This section has 53 questions with 90 minutes allotted.
- It is the only section that does not require outside scientific knowledge.
- You will read passages from a wide range of disciplines and answer questions that test your critical thinking abilities.
3. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems:
- This section also has 59 questions with 95 minutes to complete them.
- It covers biology and organic chemistry, focusing on how living things grow, function, and reproduce at a cellular level.
4. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior:
- The final section has another 59 questions with 95 minutes allotted.
- It pulls from introductory psychology and sociology.
- It tests how social and cultural factors may influence health and human behavior.
What is the MCAT scoring system like?
- Each of the four sections is scored on a scale from 118 to 132, called scaled scores.
- Your total numerical score will fall somewhere between 472 and 528, with an average MCAT score of around 500.
- Your MCAT results will also show your MCAT percentiles which demonstrates how your performance compares to other test takers. For example, a score in the 90th percentile means you scored higher than 90% of active applicants who took the exam.
It is important to note that the MCAT has a lifetime limit on how many times you may take it. You may take the MCAT up to:
- 3 times in a single testing year
- 5 times over two consecutive years
- Only 7 times total
Knowing this may influence how you approach your test date.
What is a good MCAT score?
A competitive score depends on where you want to apply. Top schools like Harvard University and the University of Chicago typically see average scores of 520 or higher. Most MD programs have an average score of around 511.
Keep in mind, there is no single minimum score that works everywhere. A slightly lower MCAT score may still lead to acceptance if your GPA, clinical experience, and application materials are strong.
How to register for the MCAT
When you are ready, you will need to create an AAMC account to start your exam registration.
- Fees: The standard registration fee is $355. Testing at an international testing center may include an additional international fee.
- Test dates: MCAT test dates fill up quickly. Try to register early in the testing year to secure your preferred date.
- Financial need: If cost is a concern, the MCAT Fee Assistance Program may help. Qualified applicants who demonstrate financial need may receive reduced fees and access to free study materials, including the MCAT Essentials guide. You can apply through your AAMC account.
- Voided exams: If the test day does not go as planned, you may void your score before leaving the testing center. A voided exam will not be reported to schools.
Tips for MCAT preparation
Here are some ways to build a strong foundation before showing up for your test date:
- Start early: Many pre-med students take the MCAT during their junior year of college.
- Take full-length practice tests: Practice exam scores tend to be a reliable indicator of actual performance. A full-length exam also helps you build the stamina needed for 7.5 hours of testing.
- Identify weak areas: Focus your energy on the MCAT topics that challenge you most, not just the ones you already know.
- Use official resources: The AAMC website offers The Official Guide and other trusted study materials.
- Supplement: Tools like Khan Academy and the Princeton Review may help reinforce difficult concepts.
How to build a personalized study plan
Start by taking a practice test to establish your baseline. Then look up the average MCAT scores for your target schools using the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) database. Use that information to set your goal score and build a study schedule around it.
Consistency matters more than marathon sessions, and studying a few focused hours each day tends to produce better results than cramming once a week.
Confidently take your MCAT
Understanding what the MCAT entails is just the first step. With the right study plan and enough time to prepare, you may find yourself more ready than you think. Every future physician starts somewhere—and this may be your beginning.
Ready to explore medical school options? Use College Raptor’s College Match tool to find pre-med and medical programs that fit your goals and academic profile.
