How hard is the MCAT exam?

Many test-takers believe that the MCAT is one of the toughest tests at the post-graduate level. Factors like the test's length, the complicated exam content, and each student's personal skill set contribute to this test's difficulty.

Is the MCAT the hardest exam in the world?

While the exam is challenging, the short answer to that question is “no.” Each and every year, plenty of our students do well on the MCAT, making them even stronger candidates for medical school.

How long does it take to prepare for the MCAT exam?

Believe it or not, most students who do well on the MCAT spend between 200 and 300 hours preparing for the exam. When you start your prep will be determined by your test date and by what other work and academic commitments you have—usually 3 to 6 months before your exam.

How hard is it to get a 500 on the MCAT?

A 500 MCAT score is on average. Although the average now is a little bit higher, 500 is typically good enough. Don't worry about your stats. You can apply, in the context of having diversity as well for medical schools.

How hard is MCAT compared to SAT?

The MCAT is way more complex and considered a very challenging standardized test for med school. Also, the contents and structure of the MCAT are more advanced than the SAT. In contrast, the SAT is used as a standardized college and university admission exam.

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Is a 90% on the MCAT good?

However, anything above the 90th percentile would be considered outstanding for the MCAT exam.

Is the MCAT a lot of math?

The MCAT is primarily a conceptual exam, with little actual mathematical computation. Any math that is on the MCAT is fundamental: just arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry. There is absolutely no calculus on the MCAT.

Does taking the MCAT 3 times look bad?

Although you can take the MCAT up to seven times in your lifetime, that number certainly doesn't reflect how many times you should be taking the MCAT. Taking the MCAT twice is fine; even three times shouldn't impact your admissions too much. However, any more tries can begin to damage your application.

Has anyone got a 528 on MCAT?

Since this method is not perfect, we'll leave you with a range; between 30 and 70 students every year achieve a perfect 528 MCAT. This is out of the nearly three hundred thousand students who take the exam. Thus, achieving a perfect MCAT score is quite difficult, but it is not impossible.

What is the lowest MCAT score accepted into medical school?

Medical institutions in the U.S. and Canada that necessitate the MCAT typically accept scores ranging from 490-495 at the minimum. Scores below 490 are rarely if ever, accepted. Interestingly, a vast majority of individuals score above this range.

Is the MCAT all multiple-choice?

The MCAT is completely multiple choice. The score range of each of the 4 MCAT sections is 118-132, for a total perfect score of 528. The lowest possible score is 472. Each of the 4 sections is worth 25% of your final score.

What time of year is the MCAT the easiest?

You want to make sure you give yourself enough time to prepare and study everything you've learned throughout your undergrad so you have a strong foundation for medical school. There's no magical time period where the MCAT is easier. It's a challenging exam no matter the month you choose.

How much does the MCAT cost?

It costs $330 to take the MCAT (and $370 for late registration 1–2 weeks before your test date). This initial MCAT registration fee includes the distribution of your MCAT scores to medical schools.

What is the most heavily tested subject on the MCAT?

While other subjects like chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology also hold importance on the MCAT, the biological and biochemical sciences remain consistently prominent and heavily tested.

What subject is most on MCAT?

On the MCAT, biology (at 65% of the Bio/Biochem section) will be by far the most important of the four “classic” MCAT subjects, followed in importance by general chemistry (30% of the Chem/Phys section); physics (25% of the Chem/Phys section); and finally organic chemistry (15% of the Chem/Phys section).

What is the hardest subject in MCAT?

The two sections that students typically have the most difficulty with on the exam is either Chem/Phys or CARS. This, of course, depends on the student.

Is a 480 bad on the MCAT?

Attaining a score of 480 on the MCAT means you performed in the 3% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred. For example: 120 (C/P) 118 (CARS) 121 (B/B) 121 (P/S).

Is 493 a bad MCAT score?

A score of 493 corresponds to the 29th percentile, meaning that you performed better than 29% of test-takers. While this might not seem terrible at first glance, it's essential to understand that medical schools typically seek applicants with higher percentile scores.

Do med schools care if you retake MCAT?

If you're able to show an appreciable score jump from one test to the next, the majority of medical schools won't see having retaken the MCAT as an issue.

Do med schools see how many times you take the MCAT?

Also keep in mind, medical schools will be able to see all of your scored exams, and there are limits on the number of times you can take the exam. See the MCAT Essentials for more information about viewing your scores, releasing your scores to programs and lifetime limits.

Do med schools care how many times you take the MCAT?

Medical schools are unlikely to care about up to 3 attempts if your score improves with each test. But decreasing or consistently low scores may indicate that you don't have an appropriate grasp of the necessary materials to successfully complete medical school.

Is MCAT all memorization?

Yes, the MCAT involves a lot of memorization. Subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology require memorizing important details and principles.

Is calculator allowed on MCAT?

Are Calculators Allowed on the MCAT? One of the things that makes the MCAT a challenging exam is that the AAMC does not allow students to use a calculator on test day. So short answer: no, you can't bring a calculator along with you to take the MCAT.

Do you get a periodic table on the MCAT?

Yes! The MCAT does allow you the use of a periodic table, and you are provided with one during the test.