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MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) Overview

The MCAT is a standardized, computer-based exam required for admission to most medical schools in the United States, Canada, and other countries. It assesses knowledge in science, reasoning, problem-solving, and critical thinking—key skills necessary for success in medical school.

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Key Details

• Administered By: AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges).
• Duration: ~7 hours and 30 minutes (including breaks).
• Scoring:
  • Total Score: 472–528.
  • Section Scores: 118–132 each (4 sections).

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MCAT Syllabus

The MCAT consists of four sections:

1. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)

• Number of Questions: 59 (10 passages + 15 standalone).
• Duration: 95 minutes.
• Focus:
  • General chemistry.
  • Organic chemistry.
  • Biochemistry.
  • Physics.
  • Basic biology.
  • Research methods and statistics.
• Key Topics:
  • Structure and properties of molecules.
  • Principles of thermodynamics, kinetics, and electrochemistry.
  • Body systems (e.g., muscular, cardiovascular).

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2. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

• Number of Questions: 53 (9 passages).
• Duration: 90 minutes.
• Focus:
  • Humanities and social sciences passages (no prior knowledge required).
  • Analyzing arguments, drawing inferences, and applying logic.
• Skills Tested:
  • Comprehension, reasoning, and application of ideas from complex texts.

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3. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)

• Number of Questions: 59 (10 passages + 15 standalone).
• Duration: 95 minutes.
• Focus:
  • Biology.
  • Biochemistry.
  • Organic and general chemistry.
  • Research methods and statistics.
• Key Topics:
  • Cellular functions (e.g., energy, reproduction).
  • Organ systems and homeostasis.
  • Biochemical pathways.

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4. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)

• Number of Questions: 59 (10 passages + 15 standalone).
• Duration: 95 minutes.
• Focus:
  • Psychology.
  • Sociology.
  • Biology.
• Key Topics:
  • Behavior and cognition.
  • Cultural and social processes affecting behavior.
  • Psychological well-being and mental health.
  • Research methods and ethics.

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MCAT Exam Pattern

Section	Number of Questions	Duration
Chem/Phys	59	95 minutes
CARS	53	90 minutes
Bio/Biochem	59	95 minutes
Psych/Soc	59	95 minutes
Total	230	~6 hours 15 minutes (plus breaks)

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MCAT Scoring

• Section Scores: 118–132 per section (midpoint = 125).
• Total Score: 472–528 (midpoint = 500).
• Percentile Ranks: Published annually by the AAMC to show how your score compares to others.

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MCAT Preparation Tips

1. Understand the Exam Format: Familiarize yourself with the structure, timing, and types of questions.
2. Review Science Content: Focus on high-yield topics in biology, chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology.
3. Practice with Passages: Most MCAT questions are passage-based, so practice interpreting and analyzing scientific texts.
4. Build CARS Skills: Read complex materials (e.g., philosophy, history) to improve comprehension and reasoning.
5. Use Official Practice Tests: AAMC provides practice tests that mimic the real exam.
6. Time Management: Develop strategies to complete each section within the time limit.
7. Take Breaks: Simulate test day conditions by including breaks during practice tests.

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MCAT Test Day Tips

• Bring acceptable ID and follow the test center rules.
• Dress in layers to adjust to room temperature.
• Use your breaks to eat snacks and recharge.

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Retake Policy

You can take the MCAT:

• 3 times in a single testing year.
• 4 times in two consecutive years.
• 7 times in a lifetime.