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What is the MCAT?
Everything you need to know about the MCAT in one easy-to-understand guide.
AAMC
What is the MCAT test, what subjects are included in the MCAT exam and test day schedule, what is a good MCAT score and how to prepare for the MCAT are among the key questions that we will answer.
Our experts at MCAT-prep.com will point you in the direction of lots of free MCAT prep resources, as well as detailed two and three-month MCAT study schedules. With this definitive guide about the MCAT, it is expected that you will gain a better understanding of the exam, thus strengthen your chances of getting into the medical school of your choice.
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MCAT-prep.com's MCAT Guide
To help you prepare for the exam, Gold Standard MCAT has laid out comprehensive information on MCAT scores, topics covered, MCAT test dates, preparation advice and free MCAT sample questions.
- What is the MCAT? - MCAT-prep.com's detailed guide about the MCAT
- MCAT Topics List - complete outline of MCAT topics as described by the AAMC
- MCAT Preparation Advice - preparation advice and materials to help you get a high MCAT score
- MCAT Test Dates - 2020 MCAT test dates and score release dates
- MCAT Scores - How the MCAT is scored and medical school admissions
- MCAT Practice Test Advice - Learn the right practice test-taking attitude
- Free MCAT Sample Questions - Have a taste of the degree of reasoning required for the new exam
What is the MCAT?
- The MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, is a standardized, multiple-choice exam administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).
- The exam is a prerequisite for admission to nearly all medical schools in the US and Canada.
- Annually, over 80,000 applicants to American and Canadian medical schools submit their MCAT scores (What is a good MCAT score?).
- The exam has evolved over the years and, since 2015, has become primarily a reasoning-based exam – although a wide breadth of basic knowledge is required to answer the questions accurately.
- The MCAT will evaluate your knowledge of natural, behavioral and social science concepts and principles, as well as problem solving and critical thinking skills that are required in medical school.
What are the 4 MCAT sections?
The MCAT is split into four sections:
- 1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- 2. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (MCAT CARS)
- 3. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- 4. Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior
The MCAT exam has 230 questions including passage-based questions and discrete questions.
What subjects are tested on the MCAT?
The MCAT exam tests a wide range of subjects, such as:
For a detailed list of topics for each of the 4 MCAT sections, check out this helpful MCAT Topics List.
- Organic and inorganic chemistry
- Physics
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- Basis research methods and statistics
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Ethics, philosophy, cultural studies as well as population health, social sciences and humanities
The breakdown below shows the different subjects tested in all the four MCAT sections.
For a detailed list of topics for each of the 4 MCAT sections, check out this helpful MCAT Topics List.
How long is the MCAT?
The traditional MCAT is 7 hours and 30 minutes long, including breaks. However, as a result of several MCAT cancellations due to coronavirus (COVID-19), the AAMC has a shorter test day schedule for the 2020 MCAT test dates.
Here's a detailed breakdown of the four MCAT sections, the subjects included, the time allocated to each section, as well as the breaks.
Before the exam: sign in, present valid ID, have your fingerprints digitally collected, and have your test day photo taken.
2020 MCAT Test Schedule
MCAT test day schedule for exams held May 29–September 28, 2020
MCAT test day schedule (traditional format)
Who can take the MCAT?
Can anyone take the MCAT test? You can take the MCAT if:
- you are planning to apply to a health profession's school such as allopathic, osteopathic, podiatric and/or veterinary medicine. This also applies to international students.
- you are applying to any health-related program that will accept MCAT exam results.
- you are enrolled in an MBBS degree program or if you have such a degree (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery).
During MCAT registration, you will be asked to verify your intention to apply to medical school or to a health profession's school.
There are no academic prerequisites to take the MCAT. Students with science and non-science backgrounds can take the MCAT exam and have the same opportunity to enter medical school.
However, there are recommended undergraduate courses that would help to optimize exam performance. It is important to recognize that recommended courses do not restrict the freedom in pursuing a wide variety of possible undergraduate academic programs (What college classes do you need to prepare for the MCAT exam?)
When should I take the MCAT?
- Prospective students usually arrange to take their MCAT a year before their intended matriculation into medical school.
- If you are eyeing medical school in 2021, then you can take the MCAT in 2020 or before.
- Ideally, you should start your MCAT prep at least six months prior to your test date (2020 MCAT Test Dates).
- Since there are no academic prerequisites for the MCAT, you can take the MCAT as early as your freshman, sophomore or junior year of undergraduate studies.
The best time to take the MCAT is when you are ready (read more on our blog: How to Determine When to Take the MCAT).
This pie chart is from a Johns Hopkins University MCAT Survey of students who sat the MCAT in 2015, and who scored at the 90th percentile or higher.
The fact that 2/3rds took the exam in August and September suggests that having most or all of the summer available for MCAT preparation may be one factor in gaining a high MCAT score.
Multiple MCAT scores
How many times can I take the MCAT?
You can take the exam up to three times in a single testing year, up to four times in a two consecutive-year period, and up to seven times in a lifetime. Obviously, you want to minimize the number of times you need to take such a rigorous exam, and that is clearly the value of good MCAT prep. Furthermore, medical schools will not review your application until they receive all your scores from the AAMC.
How are the multiple MCAT scores evaluated?
Some schools consider only your most recent score, whereas others will accept your highest score for each section. In other cases, medical schools may rely solely on percentile rank when comparing your multiple scores. Just keep in mind that medical schools will see all your MCAT attempts during their review of your application. For guidance on how the MCAT is scored and to calculate your chances of getting accepted to medical school, click here: MCAT Scores.
