The MCAT Sections: What Is the Structure of the MCAT Exam?
Table of Contents
The MCAT test day can span over 8 hours, so it’s good to know what to expect. The actual seated time is approximately 7.5 hours, while the testing lasts about 6.25 hours. The structure of the exam is fairly simple. The MCAT is split into four sections or subtests, each lasting 90 or 95 minutes. You’ll notice that the name of each Science section includes “Biological” to illustrate the across-the-board emphasis on testing concepts in a biological context.
Breakdown of the MCAT Sections
| Sections | Time Allotted | # of Passages | # of Questions | % of Subjects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Physical Sciences) | 95 minutes | 10 passages | 59 multiple-choice questions 44 passage-based 15 freestanding | General Chemistry (30%) Biochemistry (25%) Physics (25%) Organic Chemistry (15%) Biology (5%) |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) | 90 minutes | 9 passages | 53 multiple-choice questions 53 passage-based 0 freestanding | Passages cover topics in Social Sciences and Humanities but no prior knowledge is expected. |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Biological Sciences) | 95 minutes | 10 passages | 59 multiple-choice questions 44 passage-based 15 freestanding | Biology (65%) Biochemistry (25%) General Chemistry (5%) Organic Chemistry (5%) |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Behavioral Sciences) | 95 minutes | 10 passages | 59 multiple-choice questions 44 passage-based 15 freestanding | Psychology (65%) Sociology (30%) Biology (5%) |
What is the most important MCAT section?
The CARS section is the most important section both as a percentage of your MCAT scores and in terms of its significance in the admissions process.
The CARS section accounts for 25% of your total score. That’s more than Biology (20%), Psychology (16%), Biochemistry (12%), Chemistry (9%), Sociology (7%), Physics (6%), and Organic Chemistry (5%).
Many medical school admissions committees regard your CARS score as the most important section score because it exemplifies your ability to think critically. A few medical schools now only look at your CARS score. Others have stricter cutoffs for CARS than for the Science sections. Medical schools are looking for the intellectual dexterity that is embodied in your CARS score.
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