What is the MCAT Exam? Everything you need to know in 2025

What is the MCAT Exam? The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a key requirement for admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada (as well as Caribbean and some European and other medical schools around the world). This computer-based exam was developed and is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

The MCAT is used to assess a candidate’s problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and knowledge of the natural, behavioral, and social sciences. It is a standardized exam that medical schools use to assess an applicant’s readiness and qualifications.

Your MCAT score, along with your academic record and other application components, is an important criterion that admissions committees consider when determining your likelihood of a successful medical career. Therefore, a strong MCAT score can dramatically improve your application.

This guide is an in-depth analysis of the MCAT in 2024, including its structure, significance, study strategies, registration process, important dates, costs, and score interpretation. Whether you’re a pre-med student or considering a career in medicine, this expert guide will equip you with the essential information you need.

• Why does the MCAT Exist?
• How Important Are MCAT Scores in Admission Decisions?
• MCAT Sections, Minutes, Passages, and Questions
• What is the Format of the MCAT?
• What Exactly Is Tested on the MCAT?
• What Makes the MCAT Challenging?
• How is the MCAT Relevant to the Practice of Medicine?
• How is the MCAT Scored?
• How Do I Register for the MCAT?
• Things to Consider Before Voiding an MCAT Attempt
• What is Test Day Like?
• How Do You Prepare for the MCAT?
• How We Can Help You

Addresses Variability in Academic Standards

Before the introduction of the MCAT in 1928, medical schools had a tough time comparing students from different undergraduate programs because academic standards varied so widely. Some schools had rigorous pre-med programs, while others did not, making it difficult to gauge an applicant’s true potential.

The MCAT addressed this problem by offering a standardized assessment, allowing admissions committees to compare applicants more accurately, regardless of their educational background. This also helped with high dropout rates in medical schools, which were as high as 50%. By the 1940s, these rates dropped to around 7%, as the MCAT helped identify candidates with the necessary academic skills and resilience for the demands of medical education.

Tests Skills Essential to the Practice of Medicine?

The objective was to develop a measure of a candidate’s critical thinking and reasoning skills that are fundamental to the practice of medicine but are not directly tested in most undergraduate university courses.? This is in addition to testing your basic knowledge of behavioral, biological, and physical sciences.

Your MCAT score is a major factor in the admission decisions of most medical schools in Canada and the United States. Many medical schools have MCAT cutoffs – minimum scores for consideration – and if you score below the cutoff in even one of the four scored sections, your application is dead.

MCAT scores are used as a pre-interview direct criterion to determine who does (and doesn’t) get an interview and as a post-interview direct criterion to decide who does (and doesn’t) get an offer of admission.

To be blunt, your MCAT score can make or break your chances of admission to medical school.

Holistic Review

It’s also important to understand that MCAT scores are a critical component of medical school applications, but they are evaluated in the context of a holistic review process (more on this below). Admissions committees consider a variety of factors to identify well-rounded candidates who are likely to succeed in medical school and beyond.

• GPA: Your undergraduate GPA reflects your academic performance over time and is considered alongside your MCAT score to gauge your consistency and capability in handling rigorous coursework.
• Extracurricular Activities: Involvement in research, clinical experiences, volunteer work, and leadership roles demonstrates your commitment to the field of medicine and your ability to balance multiple responsibilities.
• Personal Statement and Letters of Recommendation: These provide insight into your motivations, character, and suitability for a career in medicine, adding depth to your application beyond numerical scores.
• Interview Performance: How you present yourself during interviews is crucial. This is an opportunity to showcase your communication skills, empathy, and professionalism, which are essential traits for a successful physician.

As AAMC data suggests, a strong performance on the MCAT can help offset weaknesses in other areas of an application, such as a lower GPA. Find out how to boost your GPA in our article Improving Your Pre-Med GPA.

How the MCAT Score May Be Used (Cutoff, Direct Criteria, Flag)

Medical schools use MCAT scores in various ways during the admission process. 

• Cutoff: Some schools set a minimum score required for consideration. Falling below this threshold results in automatic disqualification. Cutoffs may be applied for overall scores and/or individual test sections. 
• Direct Criteria: Schools will use your MCAT score as a percentage of their overall evaluation criteria both pre-interview to decide whether to give you an interview and post-interview to decide whether to send you an offer of admission.
• Flag: Some schools flag applicants with a competitive total score but a low score in one section as a weaker candidate compared to another applicant with the same total score but more balanced section scores. 

This multifaceted use of MCAT scores underscores their importance in the admission process. 

Do All Medical Schools Require the MCAT?

No, but the vast majority do, making it essential for most applicants.

While most medical schools in the United States and Canada require the MCAT for admission, there are a few exceptions. Some schools may waive the MCAT requirement for certain applicants, such as those who are already enrolled in a joint degree program or have completed significant graduate-level coursework; a very small minority has decided not to make it a requirement. However, these exceptions are rare, and it is generally advisable to take the MCAT unless you are very certain that you will only be applying to a specific medical school that does not require it.

To learn more on how every medical school in Canada considers the MCAT, click here.

The MCAT consists of four main sections, each designed to assess different skills and knowledge areas critical for success in medical school.

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems:

This section tests your understanding of basic chemical and physical principles that underlie the mechanisms operating in the human body.

• Duration: 95 minutes
• Passages: 10 
• Questions: 59 (44 passage-based and 15 discrete) 
• Subjects: chemistry (30%), physics (25%), biochemistry (25%), organic chemistry (15%), biology (5%)

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS):

The CARS section evaluates your ability to comprehend, analyze, and evaluate complex texts, a crucial skill for medical professionals.

• Duration: 90 minutes
• Passages: 9
• Questions: 53 (53 passage-based and 0 discrete)
• Subjects: Passages from social sciences and humanities but no prior knowledge required.

For a deeper dive into the CARS section, read our comprehensive breakdown.

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems:

This section focuses on biological and biochemical concepts, as well as the processes unique to living organisms.

• Duration: 95 minutes
• Passages: 10
• Questions: 59 (44 passage-based and 15 discrete)
• Subjects: biology (65%), biochemistry (25%), chemistry (5%), organic chemistry (5%)  

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior:

This section tests your knowledge of psychological and sociological principles that influence behavior and the human experience.

• Duration: 95 minutes
• Passages: 10
• Questions: 59 (44 passage-based and 15 discrete)
• Subjects: psychology (65%), sociology (30%), biology (5%) 

Notice that names of the three science sections include “Biological” to illustrate the overall emphasis on testing concepts in a (usually human) biological context. 

MCAT Length

The MCAT is a lengthy and rigorous exam:

Total Testing Time: Approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes

Breaks: Three optional breaks are provided:

• First Break: 10 minutes after the first section
• Second Break: 30 minutes for lunch after the second section
• Third Break: 10 minutes after the third section

IMPORTANT! Taking these breaks is crucial for maintaining focus and stamina throughout the exam. You may eat, drink, and take medication during these breaks. You may store food and other belongings in a locker that you may access during breaks.

Total Day Time Commitment: Including check-in and breaks, the entire testing day can span about 8 hours or more.

Multiple Choice

The MCAT is a multiple-choice exam, which means that all questions have a set of four possible answers from which you must choose the correct one. This format is used to standardize scoring and ensure that all test-takers are assessed on the same criteria.

Passage-Based

Over 80% of the questions (185 out of 230) on the MCAT are based on dense passages of text that vary widely in length, format, and topic. Each passage is followed by a set of 4-6 questions based on the content of the passage. The passage-based format of the MCAT is a novel challenge for most students. Passages are full of confusing and misleading data designed to confuse and trick you, and you need to be able to sort through all the extraneous information, apply the knowledge that’s pertinent, and then select the right answer.

The remaining 20% of questions (45 of our 230) are discrete questions that are not associated with a passage. These can be memorization or problem-solving questions. There are 15 discrete questions in each of the science sections and zero in the CARS section.

Interdisciplinary.

The MCAT takes an interdisciplinary approach with 3-5 subjects in each science section. It blends subjects together in passages and questions and requires you to continuously synthesize knowledge from different fields of study – all under tight time constraints.  If medical schools want to assess your knowledge of basic science, they use your GPA. If they want to assess how clearly you think through complexity under pressure – an essential skill for a physician – they use your MCAT scores.

Computerized

The MCAT moved to a computer-based format in 2007. It’s now only offered as a computerized test.

Format and Interface of the Test:

• The test interface is user-friendly, with features like highlighting text and flagging questions for review.
• The computerized format allows for efficient navigation through questions and passages, as well as the ability to revisit and change answers within a section.

Restrictions on Digital Aids, Such as Calculators:

• No external digital aids, such as calculators, are allowed during the exam. You should read this if you’d like to know more about what kind of math is on the MCAT.
• You are given something to write with (pencil or whiteboard marker), something to write on (paper or whiteboard booklet) and something to block noise (earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones). Which you get depends on the facility.

There are four skills tested on the Science sections.  Only 35% of questions (1 in 3) test your basic science knowledge and the other 65% test reasoning, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Here’s a breakdown of what is tested:

Questions in the three science sections are skewed towards problem-solving and scientific reasoning (65%) over content knowledge (35%):

• scientific reasoning and problem-solving (45% of questions)
• scientific knowledge of concepts and principles (35% of questions)
• reasoning about the design and execution of research (10% of questions)
• data-based and statistical reasoning (10% of questions)

The CARS section puts an even higher premium on critical analysis skills (70%) over basic reading comprehension (30%):

• comprehension (30% of questions)
• reasoning within the text (30% of questions)
• reasoning beyond the text (40% of questions)

How Difficult is the Science on the MCAT?

Good News: The science on the MCAT is not very difficult. Most students spend way too much time studying the science and not enough time practicing problem-solving skills and test-taking technique. Most MCAT questions do not directly test your knowledge of basic concepts or your ability to make simple calculations. Instead, they require you to apply your knowledge and interpret information to find the correct answer.

Bad News: The science may not be very difficult but there’s 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)

Additional Reading: Why is the MCAT challenging for science students?

How Difficult is the Math on the MCAT?

While the MCAT does not include advanced mathematics, the math that is required can still be demanding. The good news is, there is no calculus on the MCAT. The bad news is you need to be comfortable with basic concepts such as:

• Trigonometry (angles, values of sin/cos/tan)
• Geometry (shapes, area, volume)
• Vectors
• Powers and Roots (exponents)
• Scientific Notation
• Ratios, Decimals, and Percentages
• Unit Conversion and Dimensional Analysis
• Graphs (interpreting, relating to equations)
• Logarithms and log scales

Additionally, you will encounter questions that require you to understand and apply statistical concepts, such as mean, median, standard deviation, and probability. 

In other words, the challenge lies in applying these mathematical skills quickly and accurately within the context of scientific problems and experimental data.

Can I use a calculator on the MCAT?

No, you are not allowed a calculator on test day. The only tools you can rely on are the powerful calculator between your ears and a wet-erase noteboard booklet. So, make sure you brush up on doing calculations the old-school way.

Are There Trick Questions?

The MCAT is designed to be challenging but fair, and it does not include trick questions. However, the complexity of the questions can make them seem tricky. Questions often integrate multiple concepts and require careful reading and critical thinking to understand what is being asked.

Misreading a question or missing a subtle detail can lead to incorrect answers.

The exam tests your ability to think critically and avoid common pitfalls, which can sometimes feel like you are being tricked.

So, What Makes the MCAT Difficult?

Several factors contribute to the difficulty of the MCAT:

• Breadth of Content: The vast amount of material covered requires extensive preparation.
• Critical Thinking and Application: Questions often require you to apply knowledge in new ways, analyze complex data, and integrate information across disciplines.
• Time Pressure: The MCAT is a long exam, with about 6.25 hours of testing. Managing time effectively while maintaining concentration and accuracy throughout the exam is challenging.
• Complex Passages and Questions: Many questions are based on dense, passage-based scenarios that require careful reading and analysis. The ability to quickly grasp and interpret scientific texts is crucial.
• Mental and Physical Endurance: The length and intensity of the exam require not only tests academic preparation but also mental stamina and physical endurance. Staying focused and sharp over the entire duration is a significant challenge.

The MCAT is designed to assess the skills and knowledge that are crucial for success in medical school and, ultimately, in the practice of medicine. Here’s how it aligns with the real-world demands of being a physician:

Foundation of Scientific Knowledge

The MCAT tests fundamental concepts in biochemistry, biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, psychology, sociology, statistics, and physics, which are the building blocks of medical knowledge. Understanding these principles is essential for:

• Diagnosing and Treating Patients: Physicians need a strong grasp of how the body works and how it reacts to various treatments.
• Interpreting Medical Research: A solid foundation in science helps doctors stay current with the latest medical research and advancements.

Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Medicine is not just about having knowledge; it’s about applying that knowledge to solve complex problems. The MCAT’s focus on critical analysis and reasoning skills mirrors the demands of medical practice, where doctors must:

• Analyze Patient Information: Interpreting symptoms, medical histories, and diagnostic tests requires sharp analytical skills.
• Make Informed Decisions: Physicians often make critical decisions under pressure, weighing evidence and potential outcomes.

Understanding Behavioral and Social Sciences

The MCAT includes sections on psychology and sociology, highlighting the importance of:

• Public Health: Knowledge of social determinants of health helps doctors address broader issues that impact patient health.
• Patient Interaction: Effective communication and understanding of patient behaviour are vital for providing compassionate care.
• Critically Reading Literature: Developing statistical and research design skills to discern credible studies amidst a vast array of publications.

Reading and Comprehending Complex Information

The CARS section of the MCAT tests your ability to understand and analyze complex texts. This skill is directly relevant to:

• Patient Education: Explaining complex medical information to patients in an understandable way is a key part of patient care.
• Patient Interpretation: Patients will often communicate in imprecise, vague ways. You must cut through the noise and extract the important information that they need to tell you.

Time Management and Endurance

The length and structure of the MCAT teach important lessons in:

• Handling Long Hours: Medical professionals often work long shifts and must maintain their performance over extended periods.
• Efficient Work Habits: Balancing multiple tasks efficiently is a critical skill in both medical school and practice.

Predicting Success in Medical School and Beyond

Research has shown a strong relationship between MCAT scores and students’ success in their first year of medical school. Higher MCAT scores are correlated with better performance in medical coursework, indicating that the test effectively predicts a student’s ability to handle the academic demands of medical education. This predictive value reinforces the importance of the MCAT in selecting candidates who are likely to succeed and thrive in medical school.

Raw Score

The raw score on the MCAT is calculated based on the number of correct answers you provide. Unlike some standardized tests, there is no penalty for incorrect answers, so it’s beneficial to answer every question. 

Scaled Score

Each of the four test sections is scaled using a range from 118 (lowest) to 132 (highest), with a median score of 125. There are many different versions of the MCAT used in each testing cycle so the person next to you on test day will probably be writing a different test. And because different versions vary in terms of difficulty, there is no “magic number” of correct answers that correlates to a target raw score.

Scores for the four sections are combined to create a total scaled score ranging from 472 (lowest) to 528 (highest). According to the AAMC, the unorthodox numbers were selected to avoid confusion with scoring scales used on other standardized tests. 500 (a nice round number) is the midpoint and roughly corresponds to the 50th percentile.

Percentiles

In addition to scaled scores, MCAT scores are also reported as percentiles. These percentiles indicate how your score compares to those of other test-takers. For example, if you are in the 90th percentile, you scored higher than 90% of the other examinees. Percentile ranks are updated annually to reflect the performance of examinees over the most recent three years.

What is a Good MCAT Score?

A “good” MCAT score is relative and depends on the medical schools you are applying to. Generally, a score of 510 (78th percentile) or above is considered competitive for many medical schools. However, top-tier institutions often expect higher scores, typically in the range of 515- 520 (90th-97th percentile) or above. It’s important to research the average scores for the schools you are interested in and aim for a score that meets or exceeds those benchmarks.

For a detailed explanation of the MCAT scores, read our article What is a Good MCAT Score.

Is the MCAT Bell Curved?

The MCAT scoring system is designed to ensure fairness and consistency, but it is not strictly bell-curved. While the distribution of scores tends to resemble a bell curve due to the large number of test-takers, the scores are scaled to account for variations in test difficulty across different administrations. This means that your score reflects your performance relative to a fixed standard, rather than being directly compared to other test-takers on the same day. This scaling process helps maintain score consistency and fairness across different test versions.

Thankfully, registering for the MCAT is a simple process. Make sure you familiarize yourself with the AAMC’s rescheduling and cancellation policies in case your plans change. 

After choosing your MCAT test date, follow these steps to register:

1. Create an AAMC account: If you haven’t done so already, go to the AAMC website and create your account. 
2. Log In and Start Registration: Log into your AAMC account with your username and password. Then click on “Start Exam Registration” on the right-hand side of the screen.
3. Complete the Required Forms: You’ll need to enter your personal details, such as contact, background, and education information. Make sure that any information you enter matches the government ID you will use on test day.
   Note: You’ll also have to agree to the MCAT Examinee Agreement and other consents and policies.
4. Select Test Date and Location: Choose your desired test date and location. If your preferred location and date are fully booked, you can request to be notified if a spot becomes available.
5. Proceed to Checkout: After selecting your test date and location, click “Proceed to Checkout” to pay for your MCAT registration.

How Much Does the MCAT Cost?

The cost of the MCAT can vary depending on when you register and whether you require any additional services:

• Standard Registration Fee (in USD): The MCAT registration cost is $335.
• Late Registration Fee: If you register after the standard deadline, the fee increases, typically by an additional $50. 
• International Fee: There is an additional fee for test-takers outside the United States and Canada, which is usually around $120.

For a detailed walkthrough of the registration process, read our article How to Register for the MCAT.

MCAT Fee Assistance Program

The AAMC offers a Fee Assistance Program to help students who might have difficulty affording the cost of the MCAT. This program provides:

• Reduced registration fees ($140).
• Complimentary access to the Official MCAT® Prep resources.
• Reduced fees for the Medical School Admission Requirements (MSAR) online database.
• Assistance with medical school application fees.
• Eligibility for the Fee Assistance Program is based on financial need, and applicants must provide documentation to support their application.

MCAT Test Dates

The MCAT is offered multiple times throughout the year, typically from January to September. Test dates are released well in advance, allowing you to plan and choose a date that works best for your schedule. It’s important to register early, as test centers can fill up quickly. Check out the MCAT test dates  in Canada and the US.

When Should I Take the MCAT?

Deciding when to take the MCAT depends on several factors:

• Preparation: Ensure you have ample time to study and feel confident in your knowledge.
• Application Timeline: Ideally, you should take the MCAT at least a year before you plan to start medical school. This means taking the test by the spring or early summer of the year before you apply.
• Retakes: Consider potential retake dates if you don’t achieve your desired score on the first attempt. And don’t be discouraged! According to the AAMC, around 39% of test-takers repeat the exam!

How Many Times Can I Take the MCAT?

You are allowed to take the MCAT multiple times, but there are limits:

• Three times in a single testing year.
• Four times over two consecutive years.
• Seven times in a lifetime.

It’s important to be mindful of these limits when planning your test dates and preparation strategy.

Should I Void My MCAT Score?

Everyone can have an off day, and the AAMC understands this. At the end of your exam, you will have two options:

• Voiding the Exam: You can void your exam at the end of the test if you believe you did not perform well. However, a voided exam still counts as one of your attempts. We strongly recommend you don’t void your exam, more on this below. 
• Retaking the Exam: You can register to retake the MCAT if you’re not satisfied with your score. Make sure to review your preparation strategy and identify areas for improvement before retaking the test.

A Voided Exam Counts as an Attempt

It’s important to note that if you choose to void your exam, it will still count as one of your allowed attempts. This policy ensures that students use their attempts wisely and are adequately prepared each time they sit for the test.

Things to Consider Before Voiding an MCAT Attempt

• Avoid Hasty Decisions: Many students mistakenly void their MCAT scores, thinking they performed poorly when they actually did well, or at least, better than they think.
• Understand Medical School Policies: Canadian medical schools tend to consider either your highest or most recent score, while US medical schools mostly look for improvement. In either case, it’s often better not to void. 
• Fairness of the Attempt: Only void if the test conditions did not reflect your true ability (e.g., illness or misunderstanding instructions).
• Risk of Retake: Be aware that retaking the test could result in a lower score. Medical schools will see your full test history, even though they might not take all scores into consideration. It’s important to check the policy of each school you plan to apply to.

Test day for the MCAT is a rigorous experience that demands both mental and physical endurance. From the moment you arrive at the test center to the final section of the exam, you’ll need to stay focused and manage your time effectively. To help you navigate this challenging experience, we’ve written an article about what to expect on test day. These insights can help you feel more prepared and confident, ensuring you perform at your best when it matters most.

Preparing for the MCAT is a comprehensive process that typically involves more than 20 weeks of dedicated study. Here’s how you can start preparing effectively:

Attend a Free Pre-Med Webinar

We offer free pre-med webinars throughout the year! Our “MCAT Study Plan Essentials” webinar is designed to help you develop, stick to, and fine-tune your study plan to ensure peak performance on test day. We’re here to simplify your MCAT journey, so keep an eye out for our free pre-med webinars.

Content Review

A thorough content review is essential for mastering the vast amount of material covered on the MCAT. This typically involves:

• Creating a Study Schedule: Plan a detailed study schedule that spans at least 12-16 weeks, allocating specific times for each subject area. Note that the estimate provided assumes that you can do at least 25 hours of studying per week, perhaps more.
• Using MCAT Prep Books: Invest in high-quality MCAT prep books that cover all the necessary topics in biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Do not use general textbooks! They will not have the particular scope, nor testing styles of the MCAT.
• Taking Notes and Making Flashcards: Actively take notes and create flashcards for key concepts, terms, and equations to reinforce your memory.
• Take our Live Online MCAT Prep course: Prep101 offers the most comprehensive and effective MCAT prep course with over 146 hours of live and recorded instruction.

Passage-Based Practice

Given that a significant portion of the MCAT involves passage-based questions, it’s crucial to practice this format extensively:

• Practice Questions: Work through practice questions that mimic the passage-based format of the MCAT. Focus on understanding the logic and reasoning behind the correct answers.
• Full-Length Practice Tests: Regularly take full-length practice tests under timed conditions to simulate the actual exam experience. This helps build stamina and time management skills.
• Review and Analyze: After each practice test, thoroughly review your answers, especially the ones you got wrong. Understand why the correct answers are right and why your choices were incorrect.
• Reading Scientific Literature: Get comfortable with reading and analyzing scientific passages from journals and articles. This helps improve your ability to quickly comprehend complex texts.

Additional Tips

• Balance Your Study Time: Ensure that you balance your time between content review and practice questions. 
• Stay Consistent: Stick to your study schedule consistently. Regular study habits are more effective than cramming.
• Take Care of Your Health: Maintain a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, nutrition, and exercise. Mental and physical well-being are crucial during this intensive preparation period.
• Seek Support: Join study groups or forums to discuss challenging topics and share study strategies. Sometimes, explaining concepts to others can reinforce your own understanding.

Countless books will present the MCAT topics. But when you want to learn and practice MCAT techniques, expert guidance can make a world of difference. Prep101 offers a comprehensive MCAT course meticulously designed to optimize your study process. From in-depth content review under the guidance of our expert instructors to practice resources and full-length exams to a personalized study plan developed by your very own MCAT Coach – Prep101’s MCAT course has got it all.

Our experienced instructors bring a practical perspective to your MCAT preparation, giving you unique insights and the best MCAT strategies to tackle this challenging exam. Whether you prefer the structure of a guided prep course or the flexibility of self-study, Prep101 provides the resources and support you need.

Book a free consultation with one of our MCAT experts and simplify your MCAT journey.