MCAT FAQs
Answers to the most common questions about the Medical College Admission Test.
How hard is the MCAT?
The MCAT is considered one of the most challenging graduate school exams due to its extensive length and question structure. The exam lasts approximately 7.5 hours, which includes two 10-minute breaks and a 30-minute lunch break. All questions are passage-based, so there is a lot of information to decipher and various topics to reference.
When to take the MCAT?
It is recommended to take the MCAT a year prior to enrolling in medical school. This allows for ample retesting time if needed and a proper amount of time to prepare for the test to be confident on exam day.
It is also important to note that there are testing limitations. A test-taker can only test three times in the course of one calendar year and seven times total. All scores will be visible on medical school applications, so it is important to feel ready and prepared on exam day.
What is MCAT CARS?
The section of the MCAT called CARS refers to Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. This is often referenced as the hardest section on the MCAT. However, it depends on the individual test-taker.
What is the score range for the MCAT exam?
The MCAT is scored from 472 to 528, with an average score around 500. Each section is scored from 118 to 132. The MCAT is not a pass/fail exam, and scores are ranked as a percentile among other test-takers in the same testing year.
While there are other factors that play a role in medical school admissions, having a good MCAT score strongly improves admission chances.
What are the score percentiles?
Score percentiles for the MCAT show how your score compares to other test-takers. Higher percentiles indicate better performance relative to your peers.
What scores are needed for top medical schools?
Top medical schools such as Harvard, Columbia, and Johns Hopkins are competitive due to their students' average MCAT scores. Research from previous years shows students' average scores ranged from 515 to 528. For more information, check out our list of top med schools and scores here.
When are scores released?
Scores are typically released about 30-35 days after the test date. The AAMC will also distribute scores to medical schools that have received applications from test-takers. You can view your scores by logging into your account through AAMC. For more information on MCAT scores, check the AAMC website here.
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