What is the MCAT?
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized multiple-choice test required by all US and Canadian medical schools for regular admissions. Per AAMC, this exam tests an applicant's problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts, and principles prerequisite to studying medicine.
The total sitting time for this test is approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes which includes breaks and lunch. The content time is around 6 hours and 15 minutes. There are a total of 230 questions on the MCAT and it is divided into four sections as below:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
The CARS section of the MCAT consists of 53 questions that need to be completed in 90 minutes whereas the rest of the three sections has 59 questions to be completed in 95 minutes.
After taking the MCAT, you are given a total score ranging from 472 to 528 with a midpoint of 500, and a score for each section range from lowest 118 to highest 132.
When to Start Studying for the MCAT?
Once you have decided to apply to medical school, the ideal time to take the MCAT will be from January- April of the application year. For example: if you are planning on starting medical school in the year 2025, the best time to take the MCAT would be January-April of the year 2024. This is only a recommendation, some students take the MCAT before or after this period. Most importantly, it would be best if you took the MCAT once you are scoring on the practice test near your target goal.
The studying period for the MCAT varies for every student. For example: if you are currently in college and do not plan on taking a gap year. The ideal time to study for the MCAT would be the summer before you start your junior year. However, as a nontraditional student, the time frame to study can vary depending on the work schedule, and other responsibilities.
How to study for the MCAT?
- Before starting the preparation for the MCAT, set a date for the exam and then look at your commitment to work, research, or volunteer from the time you start studying to the MCAT exam date. Here is a good resource on how to set up an MCAT study schedule and an AAMC guide to create a study plan.
- It is also important to take a diagnostic MCAT test to check your current knowledge. After taking the diagnostic, you should set your own target score for the MCAT. Setting a target score will help in monitoring your progress and identify the areas for improvement to bridge the gap between the diagnostic score and the desired score. You can access a free diagnostic test from resources such as the AAMC exam, Kaplan, Princeton Review, and blueprint
- It is recommended to first finish the content review for the MCAT before moving onto taking the practice exams. You can study for the Content review using KHAN Academy, KAPLAN books, and Princeton Review. Check out the resources tab.
- After finishing the content review, you can now start testing your knowledge using the AAMC MCAT bundle ( highly recommended), Uworld question bank, Blueprint exam, or Altius exams.
- Try to simulate the actual test condition on the days you take the practice exam. This will help in becoming accustomed to the test-like conditions.
- After taking the practice exams, it is important to thoroughly review the mistakes that you made on the test and revisit that topic to enhance your understanding further to avoid making the same mistake.
- Track your progress by taking the practice test, and this will help in determining if your study schedule needs to be adjusted based on your performance.