
What Is the MCAT
Digging into the MCAT
The MCAT score range explained
You’ll receive a score between 118 and 132 for each section of the MCAT. Your four section scores combined make up your total score. 500 represents the mean score, meaning about half of all students who take the MCAT tend to score above the 500 mark, while the other half score below the 500 mark.
How long is the MCAT?
While the actual MCAT takes 6 hours and 15 minutes, when you add in the required breaks, your total time in the testing center will be about 7 hours and 30 minutes.
You won’t be able to take the MCAT at home, as the American Association of Medical Colleges has determined that there’s no fair way to ensure test integrity on the MCAT outside of the testing center.
The computer-based version of the test is given at Thomson Prometric testing sites throughout North America. Students are provided with lockers, climate and sound-controlled rooms, ergonomic chairs, noise-reduction headphones, and standardized proctoring, allowing each medical school applicant the chance to do their best during the testing process.
The computer-based version of the test is given at Thomson Prometric testing sites throughout North America. Students are provided with lockers, climate and sound-controlled rooms, ergonomic chairs, noise-reduction headphones, and standardized proctoring, allowing each medical school applicant the chance to do their best during the testing process.
Now that you understand the basics of what to expect when you walk into the testing center to take your MCAT, let’s explore the material you’ll be expected to know.
What is on the MCAT?
Understanding what’s on the MCAT test could be a key part of being prepared and confident for your exam. All of the MCAT is multiple choice. The test is split into four sections:
- 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
How to Take the MCAT
How many times can you take the MCAT?
How to study for the MCAT
When should I take the MCAT?
Some students take the MCAT during the latter part of their sophomore year or during the summer between their sophomore and junior years. By this point, you’ll likely have completed the majority of the necessary medical school prerequisites. Opting for an early exam date offers the advantage of having time to retake the test if needed, ensuring you may have sufficient opportunities to achieve your desired score.
Otherwise, it’s smart to take the MCAT between January and April of the application year. For example, if your goal is to matriculate into medical school in August 2025, schedule your MCAT for the first four months of 2024. Don’t take the exam any later than April, however; you need time to put together a robust application.

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Conclusion
Understanding the ins and outs of the MCAT and developing your MCAT prep plan early could help you meet your score goal. Take it one step at a time, however, and don’t be afraid to reach out to others for help along the way. Good luck—you’ve got this!