If you’re interested in entering any sort of medical field, then you’ve no doubt heard of the dreaded MCAT.
This formidable exam is something that all prospective medical students need to overcome when applying to medical school and is renowned for its length, complexity, and difficulty.
But how long does the MCAT take, exactly?
Don’t worry, because we’ve got all the answers you need right here!
In this handy guide, we’ll take you through everything there is to know about the MCAT – from how long it takes to how many questions there are – so you can be as prepared as possible when taking on this huge challenge.
So let’s jump right into it!
What Is The MCAT?
First things first – let’s take a closer look at what the MCAT actually is. The MCAT (see also ‘How Long Should You Study For MCAT?‘), or Medical College Admission Test, is the standard exam for medical students looking to apply to college in the US.
This computer-based test is the standardized admission test for nearly all medical schools in the US and Canada, with tens of thousands of students attempting it every year.
The MCAT covers a range of different subjects and is split into four major sections that are considered key basic knowledge for anyone who wants to practice medicine.
As the major entrance exam for medical students, and one that covers such a wide range of topics, it’s no surprise that the MCAT is a long and difficult test.
However, it’s not the only important aspect of applying to med school and is just one step along the journey to becoming a medical professional.
How Long Does The MCAT Last?
So now that we’ve taken a closer look at what the MCAT is, let’s go over how long it takes.
As mentioned above, the MCAT is a long, complex exam. With hundreds of questions and a massive amount of content to cover, the MCAT is generally regarded as one of the hardest tests out there.
The MCAT’s difficulty necessitates a lot of time to complete; as a result, students are given 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete it. Okay, take a breath – it’s not as bad as it sounds!
Along with the time spent taking the test, applicants are also given plenty of breaks. Test-takers are given two 10-minute breaks and one 30-minute break during the exam.
Without breaks, the MCAT takes 6 hours and 15 minutes to complete.
You can also go to the toilet during the exam, though it’s preferred if you use the restroom during the assigned breaks.
Even if you don’t need it at the time, use the restroom before the exam starts and during your breaks to make sure you aren’t interrupting your exam time.
How Many Questions Are In The MCAT?
In total, the MCAT includes 230 questions. These questions are all multiple choice and cover a range of topics, but are split into four main categories. These categories are:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
Each of these four sections will take around 90-95 minutes to complete. Questions aren’t evenly split across the different sections, and the sections all contain between 53 and 59 questions each.
While it might seem like there is more than enough time to complete these questions, the exam’s complexity means that every second counts.
These four categories of the MCAT all cover crucial core topics that are relevant to any medical profession, so it’s important to have a clear understanding of all the subject matter before you attempt the MCAT!
How Is The MCAT Scored?
Okay – so we’ve covered what the MCAT is, as well as how long it takes; now let’s look at how it’s scored!
This is ultimately the thing you care about the most when taking your MCAT, and understanding how the exam is graded is handy when approaching this difficult task.
Like the exam itself, the MCAT is scored in multiple sections. This time, you’ll receive five scores after taking the MCAT.
These are one score for each of the four sections of the exam, along with a fifth, total combined score for the whole exam.
Points are awarded for answering questions correctly, and these points are converted when calculating the total score. Each section of the MCAT will receive a score ranging from 118 (the lowest score) to 132 (the highest).
These are then added together to calculate your total score, which will range from 472 to 528.
You can typically expect to receive your MCAT score around 30-35 days after completing the exam.
How Important Is The MCAT?
As we mentioned earlier, the MCAT isn’t the only important hurdle you need to overcome on the path to medical school. While a good MCAT score is a great start on your way to success, it isn’t the be-all and end-all.
Other important factors for medical school admissions include GPA, a letter of recommendation, extracurricular activities, and many other crucial things.
So while the MCAT is certainly an important aspect of med school applications, don’t put too much pressure on yourself. Study hard, prepare yourself, and do your best, and you’ll be well on your way to success!
If you aren’t successful on your first attempt, you can retake the MCAT up to 3 times in one year. You might also consider retaking the exam if you passed but aren’t satisfied with your score.
Final Thoughts
The MCAT might seem like a formidable challenge given its 230 questions and lengthy 7-hour and 30-minute time limit. But with the right knowledge of the MCAT’s questions and topics, the exam becomes far less of a challenge.
Being prepared is half the battle, and now that you know more about what the MCAT is, how long it takes, and what the exam covers, you’ll be in a much better position to tackle the MCAT!
So prepare yourself and get ready to take the next big step into your medical field!
Good luck!
