All you need to know about MCAT exam format and syllabus

What is the MCAT exam format?

The Medical College Admission Test and the MCAT exam format provides information on the test scheme, the types of questions that will be asked in the exam, the time duration, the marking scheme, and other topics. According to the MCAT exam pattern 2022, there will be four sections of multiple-choice questions. 

The content of the MCAT will assess the candidate’s ability to solve complex problems, knowledge of biological, behavioral, and social science concepts, critical thinking, and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. The MCAT score will be released separately for each section, with each question carrying one mark and no negative marking for incorrect answers. 

How is the MCAT exam structured?

A computer-based multiple-choice format is used to administer the MCAT. There are 230 questions in the current format, broken down into four sections-

• Biological and biochemical principles of living systems comprise fundamental concepts in biology, inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry, and biochemistry.
• Chemical and physical principles of biological systems- This course covers biology, organic chemistry, general chemistry, basic biochemistry, and physics.
• Foundations of behavior- Psychological, social, and biological aspects, including basic psychology and sociology.
• Critical analysis and reasoning capacity: Reading comprehension questions on humanities and social science topics, similar to those on other standardized tests.

The 230 multiple-choice questions on the MCAT exam pattern must be answered in a total of 7.5 hours. It assesses a candidate’s overall understanding of fundamental biological, chemical, and behavioral concepts and their capacity for critical thought and problem-solving. Other tasks would be included in an average exam day in addition to the testing. The following table provides more information on the subjects covered in each question-

Sections	Questions	Duration	Distribution of Questions
Chemical and Physical Framework of Biological Systems	59	95 minutes	10 sets of questions based on passages4-6 inquiries per set.15 distinct questions
Optional Break		10 minutes
Critical Thinking and Reasoning Capabilities	53	90 minutes	9 passages5–7 inquiries per passage
Optional Break		30 minutes
The Biochemical and Biological Basis of Living Systems	59	95 minutes	10 sets of questions based on passages4-6 inquiries per set.15 distinct questions
Optional Break		10 minutes
The Biological, Social, and Psychological Foundations of Behavior	59	95	10 sets of questions based on passages4-6 inquiries per set.15 distinct questions

The exam lasts approximately seven and a half hours with breaks interspersed, so plan to spend a whole day at your testing location. One result for each of the four sections of the exam, along with a combined total score, will be given to each student.

When do you register for the MCAT?

As you prepare, consider the MCAT exam’s scheduling as part of the medical school application process. You can then plan out your route to medical school accordingly. The examination is given several times a year, from late January to September, by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC).

When should you, therefore, take the MCAT? Most pre-med students take it in the year before the one they intend to start medical school. Some test takers feel more at ease planning ahead for extra time if they decide to retake the exam to get a higher score.

However, remember that your test results will be visible to medical schools, and there are set testing time limits. The MCAT can only be taken three times in a calendar year, four times in two years, and seven times overall.

Requirements for the MCAT

You should satisfy one of the requirements listed below-

• You want to begin a veterinary, allopathic, osteopathic, or podiatric medicine career.
• You are a graduate of the MBBS program or a current international student.
• You need permission from the AAMC to take the exam if you are not pursuing medicine.

MCAT exam evaluation

Section-by-section and overall scoring are components of the MCAT exam’s scoring structure. The following few points clarify the scoring pattern-

• A raw score is calculated by adding the correct answers to each of the four multiple-choice questions.
• The calculated raw scores are scaled up to a measure, with the lowest value being 118 and the highest value being 32. Equating is used in the scaling process, which also considers the different levels of difficulty of the exam questions.
• The sum of the section scores yields a final score that ranges from 472 to 528.
• A percentile rank is also reported based on the overall scores, indicating the percentage of candidates who scored higher or lower than the subject candidate.

Key takeaways

• The MCAT is used to get admission to medical schools in the United States, Australia, Canada, and other countries.
• According to the MCAT’s scoring methodology, each correct answer will be worth one point, and there will be no negative grading in the exam.
• You should also be aware that the MCAT exam results are valid for three years.

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FAQs

Question 1. How long should I wait before taking the MCAT exam again?

Answer. Only after at least 24 hours have passed since your exam can you register for the MCAT exam.

Question 2. How long does it take to get the results of the MCAT?

Answer. After the test day, it takes between 30 and 35 days to send the results to the candidates. Test takers can submit any concerns regarding the exam administration or the testing environment during this time.

Question 3. When is the best moment to take the MCAT test?

Answer. It is highly recommended to take the MCAT exam by September of 2022, at the very least, if you intend to enroll in medical school in the fall of 2023.