AAMC

MCAT

Medical College Admission Test

The standardized admission exam required by virtually every US and Canadian medical school. A seven-plus-hour test of science knowledge, reasoning, and critical analysis that is the single biggest gatekeeper to an MD or DO seat.

About 7.5 hours seated (6 hours 15 minutes of testing)Required to practice

What's on the exam

AAMC MCAT content specifications (current format, four sections)

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

25%

General chemistry · Physics · Organic chemistry · Biochemistry · Data and research interpretation

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

25%

Foundations of comprehension · Reasoning within the text · Reasoning beyond the text · Humanities passages · Social sciences passages

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

25%

Cell and molecular biology · Biochemistry · Organ systems physiology · Genetics · Microbiology

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

25%

Sensation and perception · Learning and memory · Social psychology · Social structure and demographics · Behavioral neuroscience

Frequently asked questions

How much does the MCAT cost?

Fees vary. Approximately $345 standard registration; AAMC Fee Assistance Program reduces this substantially.

How long is the MCAT and how many questions does it have?

230 items (59 + 53 + 59 + 59 across sections) — About 7.5 hours seated (6 hours 15 minutes of testing).

What do you need to pass the MCAT?

Scored 472–528 (no pass/fail); competitive medians vary, with MD matriculants typically around 511.

Can you retake the MCAT?

Up to 3 times per year, 4 times over two consecutive years, 7 lifetime.

What is the best way to study for the MCAT?

Study the official blueprint, not random material: the exam is weighted by domain (Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems 25%, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) 25%, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems 25%, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior 25%). Spaced-repetition flashcards built domain-by-domain against that blueprint are the most time-efficient way to cover everything the exam tests.

Program in development

We're building a blueprint-complete program for this exam. Meanwhile, explore live programs across 7 exam.

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