What is the MCAT?
The MCAT is a standardized, multiple-choice exam that tests your critical thinking and knowledge of the basic sciences. It is required by all medical schools. The content is divided into four sections:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (C/P)
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (B/B)
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (P/S)
What are the sections of the MCAT?
The MCAT is broken into four 90 to 95 minute-long sections. They are as follows:
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (C/P)
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (B/B)
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (P/S)
What classes will help with the MCAT?
Each section of the MCAT will test different skills and knowledge that medical educators, physicians, medical students and residents have identified as key prerequisites for success in medical school and beyond. As such, different classes may be helpful for different sections of the MCAT.
- For C/P, it’s recommended that you complete a year of general chemistry, a year of organic chemistry, a year of physics, and a course in biochemistry.
- While there are no specific courses you must take for CARS, reading and writing-intensive courses can improve your CARS skills dramatically.
- For B/B, you should plan to take a year of introductory biology, a course in biochemistry, and a course in physiology at minimum. Additionally, consider a course in genetics, and a course in microbiology or cell biology.
- For P/S, you should take an introductory psychology course, and an introductory course in sociology. Additionally, consider taking a research methods course, as well as additionally upper-division coursework in sociology or psychology.
When should the MCAT be taken?
It’s important to take the MCAT only when you are prepared to do so. Before beginning to study for the MCAT, you’ll want to make sure that you’ve taken courses that cover content that will be tested on the exam – this is often covered in your basic science coursework. To ensure that you’re ready, it’s recommended that you review the AAMC’s “What’s on the MCAT Exam?” tool to make sure you’ve covered all of the topics on the exam.
Additionally, you’ll want to make sure you give yourself enough time to study adequately for the exam. People who do well tend to spend somewhere between 300 and 500 hours studying for the MCAT. Accomplishing this within a reasonable timeframe often requires finding a 10- to 12-week timeframe in which you can study full-time for the MCAT. Many people choose to take it in the summer the year before they apply.
How many times can you take the MCAT?
Only take this exam when you feel prepared to get a great score. It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to not take this exam for "practice" the first time around.
- The MCAT exam can be taking up to 3 times in a single testing year.
- The MCAT exam can be taken up to 4 times in a two-year period.
- The MCAT exam can be taken up to 7 times in a lifetime.
How long does it take to receive scores back?
If you take the exam in April or May, it will take longer than the typical 30-35 days. This is because extra time is needed to conduct the necessary analyses to set the score scale. Examinees who test in April or May will receive their scores before AMCAS begins sending applications to medical schools for the first time in early July.
Please note, April and May examinees will also receive preliminary percentile rank ranges approximately three weeks after your exam date. These preliminary percentile rank ranges will show you how well you performed compared to other examinees who took the exam on that day. This will help you make a decision early about whether or not to retest or where to apply.
Can I buy a sample test?
We encourage you to take a full practice exam before you begin studying. The MCAT is a content-based test, but more so, it is a test of endurance. At 7.5 hours, the test will test your ability to stay focused for a long period of time. This needs to be measured as well. It is best to attempt to test for that period of time initially to learn how much practice you need simply taking the test. With the results from a practice exam, you can direct your study of content areas, begin learning test taking strategies and train your body and mind to sit for extended periods of time reading and staying focused. You can purchase a practice exam from the AAMC for $25.
How to create a study plan?
Check out this MCAT Prep Organizer Google Sheet.
Are there any test prep courses?
There are several free test prep companies offering courses for the MCAT. Choosing to use a test prep course is a personal decision.
- AAMC
Other Question Bank Resources
- UWorld
Registration Information
For more information on taking the MCAT, click HERE
Email: mcat@aamc.org
Phone: 202-828-0600
Source: hpa.ucdavis.edu
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