Learn Everything There is to Know About the MCAT

What is MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test, also known as the MCAT, is more than just a requirement for applying to medical schools. For admission to medical schools in the United States and Canada, a multiple-choice, computer-based exam is necessary.

The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which creates and administers the MCAT, does so to give medical schools standardized metrics for comparing applicants' credentials and readiness for medical school. The MCAT score, together with your academic record and supporting papers, are taken into consideration by the admissions committees for medical schools when evaluating your potential to pursue a successful medical career.

What is Tested on the MCAT?

The MCAT exam not only measures your content knowledge in General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, General Biology, Biochemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology—it also tests your critical analysis and reasoning skills.

This means that the MCAT requires more than just an understanding of prior content. The MCAT is a test of critical reasoning skills that rewards students on their ability to apply test content. Knowing how to interpret and solve complex problems is the key to a great MCAT score.

What are the MCAT Sections?

The MCAT contains integrated sections, which means that subjects are not tested independently, but include overlapping areas of concentration, which is how you’ll encounter these subjects in medical school.

The integrated content on the MCAT is broken down into four test sections that comprise the exam:

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
• Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

What is a Good MCAT Score?

When considering your MCAT score goal, it’s always a good idea to look at the requirements—or minimums, if applicable—at the med schools to which you’re applying. In addition, here are some other details about MCAT scoring that can help you assess your target score:

Each of the four sections of the MCAT is scored from 118 to 132, with the mean and median at 125. This means the total score ranges from 472 to 528, with the mean and median at 500.

Why such odd numbers? The AAMC stresses that this scale emphasizes the importance of the central portion of the score distribution, where most students score (around 125 per section, or 500 total), rather than putting undue focus on the high end of the scale.

The AAMC utilizes the whole scoring scale on the new exam. The AAMC has released an initial correlation between scaled score and percentile.

How Long is the MCAT?

On MCAT Test Day, you can expect to sit for the exam just over 7.5 hours with test-taking time and optional breaks—including one for lunch. Note that this time does not include your check-in time at the testing center. It is important to be on-time and fully prepared.

When is the MCAT Offered?

The MCAT is administered approximately 25 times per year between the months of January and September. Scores are usually released about a month or just over a month from each test date. It is highly recommended that you register for your MCAT test date early so you can select your first-choice location, date, and time. Seats tend to fill quickly.

How Much Does it Cost to Take the MCAT?

The cost to take the MCAT is $310 during AAMC’s regular registration window, but increases if you register late or if you reschedule. There are also cancellation and international fees that may pertain to some test takers. It’s important that you choose the right MCAT test date—and test prep—for you, so you don’t have to pay the fee a second time.

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