What is the MCAT?

Apr 6, 2022
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The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) is fundamental aspect of the Pre-Med experience. This test is required by almost all medical schools in order to gain acceptance and tests your understanding of many core scientific principles. The MCAT takes over 6 hours to complete, and tests the following topics:

Biology
General Chemistry
Organic Chemistry
Biochemistry
Physics
Basic Math Skills
Psychology
Sociology
Reading Comprehension

The test is broken up into 4 sections and gives 95 minutes to complete 59 questions each, with the exception being the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section which is only 53 questions. While taking the MCAT, you are given a break in between each section. Between sections 1 and 2, and between 3 and 4, you are given a 10-minute break. In between sections 2 and 3, or halfway through the entire test, you are given a 30-minute break (often used as a lunch break).

With the test being so long and testing so many topics, it should come as no surprise that this test requires students to spend a lot of time studying. Depending on how well the student knows the material and how much time they can dedicate each week to studying; most students spend anywhere from 3-6 months studying. The MCAT weighs heavily on a prospective medical student’s application, so it is very important to do well. Additionally, the test is expensive to register for and take. This means that most students want to be “one and done”, however around 40 percent of people taking the test every year are not doing so for the first time.

The MCAT is administered by the American Association of Medical Colleges (AAMC) and is offered almost year-round. It is also offered at many different testing sites around the country where you can choose to start at either 7am or 3pm. To register, you create an account on the AAMC website and register on the date that the MCAT registration system opens for the upcoming testing year. It is recommended that you register as soon as possible to ensure you can register for your desired testing date, location, and time.

To any student reading this, I wish you the best of luck on taking the MCAT and I hope you get your dream score and attend your dream school! However, remember that the MCAT is only one aspect of your application. All medical schools do a holistic review of applicants and will not immediately disqualify you based on your score (to a certain extent). Do not base your self worth and strength of your application solely on the score you got on the MCAT. Obviously, do your best but do not put unnecessary stress and pressure on yourself to be perfect.

If you have questions about studying for the MCAT, make sure to schedule an appointment with the Pre-Health Advisors, including the Pre-Health Peer Advisors! They will be happy to help and provide you with tons of good information and resources.

Best of luck!

Chase Moscovic

Pre-Health Peer Advisor