AAMC MCAT Exam Basics 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: How many sections does the MCAT exam consist of?
- 3
- 4 (Correct answer)
- 5
- 6
Correct answer: 4
The MCAT has 4 sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations, Chemical and Physical Foundations, Psychological/Social/Biological Foundations, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills.
Question 2: What is the maximum total score on the MCAT?
- 45
- 528 (Correct answer)
- 520
- 512
Correct answer: 528
The maximum MCAT score is 528, with each of the four sections scored 118–132.
Question 3: Which section of the MCAT tests reading comprehension without requiring science background knowledge?
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations
- Chemical and Physical Foundations
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (Correct answer)
- Psychological and Social Foundations
Correct answer: Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section tests reading comprehension and reasoning using humanities and social sciences passages, not prior science knowledge.
Question 4: How long is the total testing time for the MCAT (including breaks)?
- 5 hours 30 minutes
- 6 hours 15 minutes
- 7 hours 27 minutes (Correct answer)
- 8 hours 5 minutes
Correct answer: 7 hours 27 minutes
The MCAT is approximately 7 hours and 27 minutes long when including all optional and required breaks.
Question 5: How many times can a student take the MCAT in a single testing year?
- Once
- Twice
- Three times (Correct answer)
- Four times
Correct answer: Three times
Test-takers may sit for the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year.
Question 6: What percentile score is generally considered competitive for top US medical schools?
- 50th percentile
- 75th percentile
- 90th percentile
- 95th percentile and above (Correct answer)
Correct answer: 95th percentile and above
Scores at the 95th percentile or above (around 515+) are generally considered competitive for top-ranked US medical schools.
AAMC MCAT Exam Basics 1
How many sections does the MCAT exam consist of?