Medical College Admission Test (MCAT)
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test that measures aptitude and achievement in science, critical thinking, and other areas related to the study of medicine. The MCAT is administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and is required by allopathic (M.D.), osteopathic (D.O.), and podiatric (D.P.M.) medical schools. The test must be taken prior to admission.
This page summarizes some of the most important information about the MCAT to give you an idea of what to expect. It is important that you check the official MCAT website for detailed instructions and information about the exam.
Test Components |
1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills |
Test Format |
Computer-based |
Test Location |
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Test Duration |
7 hours and 30 minutes |
Test Availability |
Test dates are typically between January and September. You are encouraged to register early to have the best chances at your preferred test date and location. Learn more about exam registration |
When to Take the Test |
Work with your PPAC advisor to time your MCAT exam |
Required Test Scores |
Scores in the 70-95% are the goal for most competitive applicants, with section scores at the 126 level and higher in each exam section. For more information, see current percentile ranks |
Test Score Validity Period |
Test scores are typically valid for 2-3 years, depending on the medical school |
Fees |
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Financial Assistance |
AAMC provides financial assistance to eligible MCAT examinees and AMCAS applicants through its Fee Assistance Program |
Prep Timeline |
Start preparing 4-6 months in advance of your test date |
Registering for the MCAT Exam
Work with PPAC to find the ideal time to take the MCAT, then register for the exam. During your registration, you are encouraged to select “Yes” to the Health Professions Advisor Release. This authorizes AAMC to share a record of your MCAT scores with PPAC.
Preparing for the MCAT Exam
Start by creating a study plan, using the free guide from AAMC. Next, gather resources to support your preparation. There are lots of both paid and free options available. The following is not an exhaustive list and PPAC does not endorse any test preparation company, service, or resource.
Free Online Resources
The official MCAT website is a great place to start to learn more about how to best prepare for the MCAT exam. Their website also provides free planning and study resources in a variety of formats.
Other free resources include Jack Westin, the MCAT Podcast by Dr. Ryan Gray, the All Access: Med School Admission Podcast by Case Western Reserve, the GroSeries MCAT Podcast, and a free MCAT Organic Chemistry course by ProtonGuru.
Paid Online Resources
UC Testing Services offer discounted rates to current and former UC students on MCAT prep courses by educational services, Princeton Review and Kaplan. Other recognized services include Altius, Blueprint, and UWorld.
PPAC’s “MCAT Mania”
Each October, PPAC hosts the MCAT Mania event where students can meet representatives from various test prep companies, get tips from previous test takers, and learn more about MCAT prep.
What to Expect on Test Day
The same importance you give to preparing for the MCAT should be given to taking the exam. That includes knowing the test day rules, such as security procedures, ID requirements, and what you can and cannot bring into the testing room. It also includes knowing what you can and cannot discuss after taking the exam. The following table outlines what a typical test day program looks like (not including check-in time at the test center):
Section |
Number of Questions |
Time Allotted |
Test-day certification |
- |
4 min |
Tutorial (optional) |
- |
10 min |
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems |
59 |
95 min |
Break (optional) |
- |
10 min |
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills |
53 |
90 min |
Mid-exam break (optional) |
- |
30 min |
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems |
59 |
95 min |
Break (optional) |
- |
10 min |
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior |
59 |
95 min |
Void question |
- |
3 min |
End-of-day survey (optional) |
- |
5 min |
Total content time |
- |
6 hours and 15 min |
Total “seated” time |
- |
7 hours and 30 min |
Visit the official MCAT Test Day page for more information.
Getting Your Test Scores
Your MCAT scores are posted to your online AAMC account 30-35 days after your exam date. For more information about test scores, visit the official MCAT Scores page. Test scores are automatically released to AMCAS for your application.