What is the MCAT?
The MCAT is the standardised exam for medical school admission in the US and Canada, run by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It has four sections covering biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, sociology and critical analysis. The total seated time is about 7.5 hours.
Who takes it
- Pre-med students applying to US or Canadian medical schools
- Career changers applying to medical school
- Applicants to some health-science graduate programs
Official information: AAMC website.
MCAT format at a glance
| Section | Time | Questions | What it tests |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chem/Phys | 95 min | 59 questions | Chemical and physical foundations of biological systems |
| CARS | 90 min | 53 questions | Critical analysis and reasoning skills |
| Bio/Biochem | 95 min | 59 questions | Biological and biochemical foundations of living systems |
| Psych/Soc | 95 min | 59 questions | Psychological, social and biological foundations of behaviour |
How MCAT scoring works
Four sections scored 118–132, added together
How to prepare for the MCAT
Map the content outline
AAMC publishes what each section covers. Use it as your checklist.
Practise CARS every day
CARS has no science content. Short daily passages improve it more than cramming.
Build stamina
Take full-length practice tests in one sitting so the real test's length doesn't surprise you.
Review harder than you practise
Spend as long reviewing a practice test as you did taking it.
A sample MCAT study plan
Every plan we build starts from your diagnostic. This is a typical shape for a student starting from a solid base.
- Months 1–2Content review by subject and daily CARS
- Month 3Passage practice and an error log by topic
- Month 4Full-length tests every week and targeted review
How we coach the MCAT
A plan for you
We start from your diagnostic, target score and test date, and plan your hours around them.
Live online sessions
Sessions focus on the MCAT skills you need most, with practice and review.
Practice that counts
Timed practice and mistake reviews show exactly what to fix next.
Your rate depends on the plan you choose.
MCAT FAQs
How long is the MCAT?
Testing time is about 6 hours 15 minutes; with breaks and check-in, plan for about 7.5 hours.
What is the MCAT score range?
Each of the four sections is scored 118–132, so total scores range from 472 to 528.
How long should I study for the MCAT?
Many students plan three to four months of focused study, but it depends on your science background.
Is CARS based on science?
No. CARS uses humanities and social science passages and tests reasoning, not memorised content.
How much does MCAT coaching cost?
BetterMyScores coaching costs $20 to $40 per hour, depending on your plan.
MCAT guides
How to Build an MCAT Study Timeline
The MCAT rewards steady, organised preparation. Here's a four-month timeline you can adapt.
How to Build a 10-Week GRE Study Plan
Ten weeks is enough for most students to prepare well for the GRE, if each week has a clear job.
Digital SAT Strategy: What Adaptive Modules Mean for You
The digital SAT adapts between modules. Understanding that one fact changes how you should prepare.