MCAT
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) as a computer-based test required for admission to medical school. The MCAT is often weighed heavily in admissions decisions, with nearly all medical schools in the United States and several in Canada requiring MCAT scores. The intent of the MCAT is to test applicants on core concepts in science, social science and verbal reasoning that have been identified as key prerequisites for success in medical school.
Timing:
As of February 2021, all tests will return to the standard MCAT format, and a digital option is no longer available.
Standard MCAT Format:
| Section | Number of Questions | Section length | Content |
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 59 Questions | 95 minutes | Physics, general chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | 53 Questions | 90 minutes | Passage-based reading comprehension |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 59 Questions | 95 minutes | Biology and biochemistry |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 59 Questions | 95 minutes | Neuroscience, psychology, and sociology |
The MCAT currently offers 31 test dates per year, primarily concentrated over the spring and summer. Click here to view the full list of test dates for the MCAT exam.
Each of the MCAT’s four sections have scores ranging from 118 to 132. Test takers receive scores for each of the four sections. Scores for each of these four sections are combined to create a total score, which ranges from 472 to 528.
Score review & cancellation:
Medical schools generally accept scores dating back two or three years. Scores can be sent to other centralized application services (AACOMAS, CASPA, SOPHAS, etc.) or individual institutions in two ways:
- Electronically through the Score Reporting System, or
- Mailing a copy of your official score report
Students are not able to cancel their scores; all scores from every time a student has taken the MCAT will be sent to schools. If a student does not feel as though they did well on the test, they are able to VOID their scores, and the test will not be scored at all nor will your participation be reported to schools.
You and your evaluator—a qualified professional supporting your request—will need to suggest the accommodations you deem appropriate for your situation. Some examples of accommodations include the following:
- Extended testing time
- Food and drink
- Stop-the-clock breaks
- Pregnancy/nursing-related accommodations
- Separate testing
- Accessibility accommodations including an adjustable-height workstation, adaptive mouse, or text enlargement
Some testing accommodations, such as those that involve a human aide (e.g., paper exam/proctor, reader, etc.), may be impacted by limits in availability, in order to comply with relevant social distancing measures.
