What is the MCAT Test?
The Medical College Admission Test is a standardized exam used by medical schools in the US, Canada, Australia and the Caribbean Islands to determine the aptitude of applicants. It assesses candidates’ critical thinking, problem solving, and written analysis skills, and tests their knowledge of core scientific principles. The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
What is on the MCAT test?
The MCAT test is divided into four sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
There are 230 multiple-choice questions in total and most of them are passage-based, which means you must read a passage of text or data to discern the correct answer. Around 20% of the questions are discrete, which means all the information is contained within the question itself.
What is the MCAT test length?
The MCAT takes approximately 7.5 hours to complete, including breaks, tutorials, and the Void Question. This question will come at the end of your exam, and your answer will determine whether or not your test is submitted for scoring. You might choose to void the exam if you feel like you’ve underperformed on the day, for whatever reason, giving you the chance to retake it another time. A voided test doesn’t appear on your record and prospective schools won’t be made aware of this attempt.
Actual testing time is 6 hours and 15 minutes. Note that all breaks between sections are optional. The time breakdown is as follows:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems – 95 minutes – 59 questions
- Break – 10 minutes
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills – 90 minutes – 53 questions
- Break – 30 minutes
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems – 95 minutes – 59 questions
- Break – 10 minutes
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior – 95 minutes – 59 questions
How is the MCAT scored?
The number of correct answers you get on each section – your raw score – is converted into a scaled score that can range between 118 and 132. The four section scores are then combined to create a total score which can range between 472 and 528. You’re not penalized for incorrect answers, so try to make your best guess even if you’re unsure of the correct answer to a question.
How to study for the MCAT
The best way to study for the MCAT depends on your skillset, lifestyle, and budget. These five tips will help you decide how to study for MCAT success.
1. Take an MCAT diagnostic test
A diagnostic test is a sample MCAT exam which gives you an idea of your current ability level. It can help you identify weaker skills and gaps in your knowledge so that you can develop a clearer understanding of which topics to focus on. Kaplan, Magoosh, Blueprint Prep, and The Princeton Review all have free practice tests available on their websites.