The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an assessment used by medical schools during their admissions process.
The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). The exam is a standardized exam that is multiple-choice and taken on a computer.
Learn about what is on the MCAT, the different MCAT sections, and more with our complete guide to the MCAT. If you want to start studying, take a MCAT practice test.
What is on the MCAT?
The MCAT is made up of 230 multiple-choice questions. The questions are split between 4 different sections. The exam will last for a little over 7 hours and 30 minutes (6 hours and 15 minutes of testing time).
You will be tested on various MCAT subjects like biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, general chemistry, psychology, sociology, and physics. In addition, your critical analysis and reasoning skills will be tested.
MCAT Sections
There are 4 total sections on the MCAT. Those 4 sections are:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 59 questions
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): 53 questions
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 59 questions
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: 59 questions
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Questions: 59 (44 Passage-Related & 15 Standalone)
- Time Limit: 95 Minutes
The chemical and physical foundations of biological systems section of the MCAT will require you to use your knowledge of basic physical sciences and combine it with your knowledge of biological sciences.
You will also be required to understand chemical and physical principles related to the human body. You will be given a periodic table for this section, but no calculator.
Disciplines Tested
- First-Semester Biochemistry: 25%
- Introductory Biology: 5%
- General Chemistry: 30%
- Organic Chemistry: 15%
- Introductory Physics: 25%
Learn more about the breakdown of this MCAT section here.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Questions: 53 (All Passage Related)
- Time Limit: 90 Minutes
The critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS) MCAT section is the most unique. The CARS section requires no prior knowledge. All the information needed to answer the question will be in the passage.
You will be asked to read and analyze various short passages. Each passage will be between 500 and 600 words. The passages are very complex and contain high-level vocabulary and different writing styles.
Disciplines Tested
- Foundations of Comprehension: 30%
- Reasoning Within the Text: 30%
- Reasoning Beyond the Text: 40%
Learn more about the breakdown of this MCAT section here.
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Questions: 59 (44 Passage-Related & 15 Standalone)
- Time Limit: 95 Minutes
The biological and biochemical foundations of living systems section will require you to apply your knowledge of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
You will be asked questions related to the basic processes of life as well as how cells and organ systems work independently and in unison with each other.
Disciplines Tested
- First-Semester Biochemistry: 25%
- Introductory Biology: 65%
- General Chemistry: 5%
- Organic Chemistry: 5%
Learn more about the breakdown of this MCAT section here.
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Questions: 59 (44 Passage-Related & 15 Standalone)
- Time Limit: 95 Minutes
The psychological, social, and biological foundations of behavior section will require you to apply your knowledge of psychology, sociology, and biology.
This section is designed to test concepts taught in first semester psychology and sociology courses, test biology concepts related to mental processes, test basic research methods and statistics concepts, and test psychology, sociology, and biology concepts related to behavioral and health.
Disciplines Tested
- Introductory Psychology: 65%
- Introductory Sociology: 30%
- Introductory Biology: 5%
Learn more about the breakdown of this MCAT section here.
If you want to start preparing for these MCAT topics, take one of our free MCAT practice tests.
How Long is the MCAT?
The MCAT will last for a little over 7 hours and 30 minutes. However, you will only be “testing” for 6 hours and 15 minutes. The remaining time is used for breaks and lunch.
Here is schedule you can expect when taking the MCAT:
| Description | Time |
|---|---|
| Test-Day Certification | 4 Minutes |
| Tutorial (Optional) | 10 Minutes |
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 95 Minutes |
| Break (Optional) | 10 Minutes |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | 90 Minutes |
| Mid-Exam Break (Optional) | 30 Minutes |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 95 Minutes |
| Break (Optional) | 10 Minutes |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 95 Minutes |
| Void Question | 3 Minutes |
| End-of-Day Survey (Optional) | 5 Minutes |
| Total Content Time | 6 Hours and 15 Minutes |
| Total Seated Time | 7 Hours and 30 Minutes |
Scoring of the MCAT
Each of the 4 sections of the MCAT are scored on a scale from 118 to 132. At the end of the exam, all 4 sections are added together for a total scaled score between 472 and 528.
Your section score is calculated based on the number of correct answers you choose. This is then converted to a scale of 118-132. Those 4 section scores are then added up to the final scale of 472-528.
The MCAT is not graded on a curve and there is no penalty for wrong answers. The average score on the MCAT typically hovers around 505, but this changes from year to year. You can read our guide on what is a good MCAT score for more information.
Scheduling for the MCAT
The MCAT is typically offered 30 times throughout the year. You will find MCAT test dates from January through September.
It is important to be aware of the registration deadlines for each exam date. There will be a 60-day, 30-day, and 10-day deadline. The 10-day deadline is the most important, as this is the last day you can register for that specific exam date.
It is best to schedule early so you can ensure you secure your preferred test date and time. You will be taking the exam at a certified testing center.
Registration and Fees for the MCAT
Anyone planning on applying to a health professions school is eligible to take the MCAT. The standard fee to take the exam is $335.
To register for the exam, follow these steps:
- Create an account on the AAMC website
- Fill out required personal information
- Pick your exam date and preferred location
- Pay the registration fee ($335)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the MCAT multiple-choice?
Yes, the MCAT is completely multiple-choice. There are no short-answer or essay questions on the test.
What are the 4 sections of the MCAT?
The 4 sections of the MCAT are:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Can you use a calculator on the MCAT?
No, you are not allowed to use a calculator on the MCAT.
How many questions are on the MCAT?
The MCAT includes 230 multiple-choice questions.
How long is the MCAT?
The MCAT is about 7 hours and 30 minutes. Total “testing” time is 6 hours and 15 minutes.
Is the MCAT given on a computer?
The MCAT is a computer-based exam.
Where do you take the MCAT?
You will take the MCAT at a testing center. A list of approved testing centers with availability will be provided to you when you register for the exam and choose a date.
