MCAT Information and FAQ
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a 5.5-hour test, consisting of 4 sections: Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, Biological Sciences, and a Writing Sample.
Click the links below for answers to commonly asked questions about the MCAT.
- Who takes the MCAT?
- What does the MCAT cover?
- How long is the MCAT?
- How many questions are on the MCAT?
- How is the MCAT scored?
- What is a good MCAT score?
- How long should I prepare for the MCAT?
- How long is an MCAT score valid?
- How much does the MCAT cost?
- Where can I take the MCAT?
- How many times can I take the MCAT?
- When will I receive my MCAT scores?
- What are the test dates for the MCAT?
- Can I cancel my MCAT score?
Who takes the MCAT?
Students take the MCAT who intend to apply to health professions schools, including allopathic, osteopathic, podiatric, and veterinary medicine.
What does the MCAT cover?
The physical sciences test covers physics and general chemistry. The biological sciences test covers biology and organic chemistry, with concentration on biology. The science portions of the MCAT consist mainly of a series of passages, each with several questions or problems. Often the passages involve unfamiliar situations and, rather than numbers, explanations, relationships among various quantities, and extrapolations to new situations.
The verbal reasoning section of the MCAT consists of reading passages designed to test your ability to comprehend, draw inferences from, and find relevant details in a passage. This section is similar to the verbal sections you find on other standardized tests, such as the SAT.
The writing section of the MCAT consists of two essays in which you will be given a statement which you must explain, present the two opposing sides, and resolve the conflict between them.
How long is the MCAT?
The MCAT is a 5 ½ hour test, broken down into the following sections:
| Section | Number of Questions | Length |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 60 min |
| Physical Sciences | 52 | 70 min |
| Biological Sciences | 52 | 70 mi |
| Writing Sample | 2 thirty-minute essays | 60 min |
How many questions are on the MCAT?
The MCAT is broken down into the following sections for a total of 144 multiple choice questions and 2 essays:
| Section | Number of Questions | Length |
| Verbal Reasoning | 40 | 60 min |
| Physical Sciences | 52 | 70 min |
| Biological Sciences | 52 | 70 min |
| Writing Sample | 2 thirty-minute essays | 60 min |
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How is the MCAT scored?
Each section of the MCAT receives an individual score. For each of the multiple-choice sections (Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences, and Biological Sciences), a raw score is derived only from your correct answers — in other words, it will not negatively affect your score to guess on an answer you aren’t sure about.
These raw scores are converted into scaled scores, from 1-15 on each section, 1 representing the lowest score and 15 representing the highest possible score. For example, raw scores in the low 40-range may convert to 11, mid-40s range may convert to 12, and so forth.
For the writing section, each essay is scored by two readers, and your score from each is added together to get a raw score. These scores are scaled into letters, ranging from J to T, J being the lowest possible score and T being the highest.
In addition to the scores from each section, you will receive a total score as well. The total MCAT score is derived by adding together the score from each multiple choice section with the letter from the writing section. For example, if you received a 9 in Verbal Reasoning, a 10 in Physical Sciences, a 12 in Biological Sciences, and a T in writing, your combined score would be a 31T.
What is a good MCAT score?
As always, this is a difficult question to answer. “Good” obviously depends on a variety of factors, perhaps the greatest of which is what school you wish to attend. The following average scores, however, may help you gauge yourself against other MCAT-takers.
| Section | Average Score | “Good”* Score | Top Score |
| Verbal Reasoning | 8.6 | 10-11 | 12+ |
| Physical Sciences | 8.8 | 10-11 | 12+ |
| Biological Sciences | 9.1 | 10-11 | 12+ |
| Writing | N | Q | S+ |
*Generally accepted as “good”
How long should I prepare for the MCAT?
While every student should tailor his/her study plan to his/her unique situation, it is recommended that you begin studying for the MCAT approximately 3 months before your exam date.
How long is an MCAT score valid?
Medical schools typically accept scores that are within 2-3 years old, though you will need to check with each school to which you are applying to confirm.
How much does the MCAT cost?
The registration fee for taking the MCAT in the United States is $235.
Where can I take the MCAT?
The MCAT is available at a number of computer testing centers nationwide.To reserve a seat, visit https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/reserving/.
How many times can I take the MCAT?
You make take the MCAT up to three times per calendar year.
When will I receive my MCAT scores?
MCAT scores will be released online approximately 30-35 days after it is taken.
What are the test dates for the MCAT?
For a complete list of 2011 test dates, click here.
Can I cancel my MCAT score?
Yes. You have the opportunity to void your exam after you have completed it but before leaving the testing center. Your voided score will not be reported on any score reports, though it will count toward your 3-time-per-year limit of taking the MCAT.