What is the MCAT?
MCAT stands for Medical College Admission Test and is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It’s a multiple-choice test and primarily passage-based exam that you take on a computer. Because the test is standardized, it provides admissions committees with a point of comparison of students on a “level playing field.” Therefore, it’s widely used in the US and Canada but is often also accepted internationally as well.
While the MCAT is only one part of your application taken together with your academic record, experiences, awards, and other supporting materials, it is important! A high score on the MCAT directly impacts your chances of getting into medical school.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Before the MCAT was introduced, medical school dropout rates were substantially high. The introduction of this exam has brought the attrition rate to less than 5% in the US and approx. 0.5% in Canada.
What does the MCAT test?
The AAMC works with members of the medical educators, physicians, medical students, and residents to agree on testing content that’s required to succeed as a medical student and future medical professional.
The MCAT is a 7 hour and 30-minute test (assuming all breaks are used) and has four sections which appear in the following order:
MCAT Sections # of Questions Time Allotted
1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Tests basic biochemistry, biology, general chemistry, organic
chemistry and physics59 95 minutes
2. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Tests reading comprehension and interpretation skills of
content from humanities and social sciences53 90 minutes
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Tests basic biology, organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry,
and biochemistry59 95 minutes
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Tests introductory psychology, sociology, and biology59 95 minutes
Detailed information for what’s on the MCAT exam can be found here.
You will receive a separate score from 118 to 132 for each section which sums to a total score ranging from 472 to 528. Find out about MCAT scoring and what’s a good score by clicking here.
The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section is a language-based section and the only section that requires no scientific knowledge. Students often find this section the most challenging, but it is also considered the most important by some medical schools. A small number of schools only look at your CARS score. Find out why CARS is so important here.
How much does the MCAT cost?
After creating an online account through the AAMC, you can register, re-schedule, or cancel the MCAT.
Zone Deadline Registration Fee Re-schedule Fee Cancellation Refund
Gold 29 days before MCAT $320 $95 $160
Silver 15 days before MCAT $320 $160 No refund
Bronze 8 days before MCAT $375 No re-scheduling No refund
What if I can't afford the MCAT?
If you cannot afford the registration fee, the AAMC offers a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) to assist students who would otherwise not be able to take the exam due to financial limitations.
If you’re a Canadian student, the Fee Assistance Program for Canadian Examinees is done through the Association of Faculties of Medicine of Canada (AFMC).
How to prepare for the MCAT?
The MCAT is probably unlike any test you’ve ever taken just due to the volume of the content tested across several subject areas. The key to success is having a realistic study plan. There are many resources online to help you figure this out, but it can be hard as every student is unique in terms of their background knowledge, strengths, and time availability. It can also be difficult to stay motivated for the 2-4 months that most students will take to prepare for the exam. In such cases, a prep course that provides a detailed plan and expert advice from instructors would help.
