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What is on the MCAT?

#medicine #premed

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Ashley’s Answer

Hi Richard,

The MCAT exam is the entrance exam to apply to medical school. Traditionally, it consists of the following subjects: Biology, Biochemistry, General Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, and Sociology. It also has the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section which I like to call the "Reading Comprehension" section. Here is a breakdown of the exam under normal conditions and the present COVID-19 conditions.

Normal Circumstances:

Examinee Agreement: 8 mins
Optional Tutorial: Recommended to do to make sure your computer is working properly, 10 mins
Section 1: Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, 59 questions, 95 mins
Optional 10 minute break
Section 2: Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS), 53 questions, 90 minutes
Optional 30 minute break
Section 3: Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Biological Systems, 59 questions, 95 mins
Optional 10 minute break
Section 4: Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior, 59 questions, 95 mins
Void Question: Asking you if you want your exam to be scored or void, 5 mins
Optional Satisfaction Survey: 5 mins

Total Content Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Total "Seated" Time: 7 hrs 30 mins

Score received One Month after test date.

Temporary COVID-19 Changes:

Note: Examinee Agreement & Tutorial have been removed.

Section 1: Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, 48 questions, 76 mins
Optional 10 minute break
Section 2: Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS), 48 questions, 76 minutes
Optional 10 minute break (NOT 30 mins)
Section 3: Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Biological Systems, 48 questions, 76 mins
Optional 10 minute break
Section 4: Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior, 48 questions, 76 mins
Void Question: Asking you if you want your exam to be scored or void, 2 mins

Total Content Time: 5 hrs 15mins
Total "Seated" Time: 5 hrs 45mins

Score received about Two weeks after test date.

I hope this helps you visualize the exam. How you study for the exam is just as important as what you study. Stay safe!

Kind regards,
Ashley Garcia
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Richard’s Answer

I believe it has changed a bit since I took it in 1993; back then there was no (or very little) psychology. But according to princeton review website,

"The MCAT is a 7.5-hour exam that consists of four sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior; and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills."

Thank you comment icon Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it. Anita
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Pierre’s Answer

The MCAT content consist of four test sections. Chemical and physical Foundations of Biology Systems. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Biological and Biochemical Foundation of Living Systems, Physical, Social and Biological Foundation of Behavior. The test take about 7.5 hours to be completed. You can search the Web for some sample questions that may give you the opportunity to understand the degree of reasoning and content. If you are pursuing a career in Medicine, you may also consider to enroll to a preparatory course or review. There are several companies that offer different approach to improve your results and confidence on taking the test. Many are based in (PBL) Problem-base Learning using books, videos, online material and apps.

Hope this answers your question and if your decide to pursue this challenge, I wish you the best...
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Estelle’s Answer

I highly recommend an MCAT review book series. My son used ExamKrackers. Lots of folks use the Princeton Review or Kaplan Course. These all give you a really good idea of MCAT content and question style. You will also have the opportunity to take practice tests.
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