MCAT Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Navigating the MCAT can be challenging, and having reliable answers to your most pressing questions is crucial. In this article, we address some of the most frequently asked questions about the MCAT, covering topics like exam structure, timing, preparation strategies, and scoring.
Whether you’re curious about the content of each section, the best study practices, or how to interpret your scores, these selected FAQs will provide you with the essential insights needed to approach the MCAT with confidence and clarity.
Is the MCAT Bell Curved?
No, the MCAT exam is not graded on a curve. It’s a myth that the MCAT is scored on a bell curve and that your score depends on how you performed in comparison to other test-takers on the same day. Instead, the MCAT is scaled and equated so all scores from all test versions on all test dates in all test locations have the exact same meaning.
How Difficult is the Science on the MCAT?
The good news is that the Science on the MCAT is not very difficult. Most students spend way too much time studying the Science and not enough time practicing passage-based questions. Most MCAT questions do not directly test your knowledge of basic Science concepts or your ability to make simple calculations. Instead, they require you to apply your knowledge and to interpret new information presented in the passages to answer the questions.
The bad news is that the Science may not be very difficult but there is a LOT of it. The MCAT covers nine semesters of introductory natural sciences (one semester of Biochemistry, two semesters of Biology, two semesters of Chemistry, two semesters of Organic Chemistry and two semesters of Physics) and two semesters of introductory behavioral sciences (one semester of Psychology and one semester of Sociology).
How Difficult is the Math on the MCAT?
The good news is that the Math on the MCAT is pretty basic and there’s not much of it. There’s no Calculus. The test is primarily conceptual so there’s not a lot of number-crunching.
The bad news is that you’re not allowed to use a calculator – except the one between your ears – on test day. So make sure you brush up on your basic algebra, trigonometry and geometry skills.
Are Some MCAT Exams Easier than Others?
Yes, but the AAMC uses a statistical procedure called “equating” to offset variations in difficulty level when they convert raw scores to scaled scores. As you’ll notice when taking practice MCATs, some are more difficult than others, but more difficult MCATs will have more forgiving conversion tables and less difficult MCATs will have less forgiving conversion tables.
Does the MCAT Include Trick Questions?
No. The MCAT is a fair test. A trick question has conflicting or insufficient information so that it can’t be answered correctly. While some MCAT questions may seem impossible, this is because the questions go beyond your level of comprehension and not because they have been manipulated to be unanswerable.
