What it is
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test, from the AAMC) is the medical-school admissions test for U.S. and Canadian MD programs (and most DO programs). It's a long, demanding, computer-based exam that tests science knowledge plus critical reasoning — a central part of a med-school application.
Format & structure
The MCAT is about 7.5 hours (roughly 6h15m of testing plus breaks), with 230 questions across four sections:
- Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological SystemsPhysics, general and organic chemistry, and biochemistry in a biological context
- Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS)Reading and reasoning over humanities and social-science passages — no outside knowledge
- Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living SystemsBiology, biochemistry, and chemistry
- Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations of BehaviorPsychology, sociology, and biology
How it's scored
Each section is scored 118–132, combined into a total of 472–528 (midpoint 500). There's no passing score — a good score depends on the medical schools you're targeting (compare to their matriculant ranges; the MCAT is weighted heavily). You also receive percentile ranks.
Registration & cost
Register through your AAMC account at aamc.org. The U.S. fee is about $345; the AAMC's Fee Assistance Program significantly reduces the cost and provides free prep for eligible students. Register early — seats and dates fill up.
Test dates & timing
The MCAT is offered on many dates from January through September. Because it takes months to prepare and scores take about a month to release, plan backward from your application timeline (most applicants test in the spring or summer before applying).
How to prepare
- Official AAMC materialsAAMC practice exams and question packs are the gold standard — closest to the real test
- Plan for monthsMost students study 3–6 months (often 300+ hours) — it's a marathon
- Don't neglect CARSIt's pure reasoning and hard to cram — practice it steadily
- Full-length practice under real conditionsBuild the stamina for a 7.5-hour day
Strategies & tips
- Build test-day staminaPractice full-length exams to handle the length
- Master CARS techniqueIt rewards reasoning, not memorization
- Balance content and practiceKnow the science, but do lots of AAMC practice questions
- Time each sectionPacing matters across 230 questions
- Plan your one (or few) attemptsThere are limits on lifetime attempts — prepare thoroughly before testing
How scores are used
Medical schools weight the MCAT heavily alongside your GPA, experiences, essays, and interviews. Scores are valid for a few years (schools set their own limits). Because of the exam's difficulty and cost, most applicants prepare extensively and test once or twice.
Accommodations & support
Applicants with documented disabilities can request accommodations through the AAMC — apply well ahead, as the review process takes time.
Frequently asked questions
- How long is the MCAT?About 7.5 hours including breaks — one of the longest admissions tests.
- What's a good MCAT score?It depends on your target schools; compare to their matriculant ranges (the midpoint is 500, out of 528).
- How long should I study?Most students spend 3–6 months and hundreds of hours.
- Is CARS science?No — it's reading and reasoning with no outside knowledge required.
- MD and DO?The MCAT is used for both MD and most DO programs.
Key facts
- WhatMedical-school admissions test (AAMC)
- Length~7.5 hours; 230 questions
- Sections4, including CARS
- Score472–528 (midpoint 500)
- Cost~$345 US (fee assistance available)
- Used forMedical school (MD & DO)
Where to learn more
Confirm the latest details on the official site: