MCAT: syllabus, pattern, fees, scores and preparation
Medical College Admission Test, run by AAMC. Used for admission to medical schools in the us, canada, the caribbean and a few in australia and europe.
What the MCAT is
Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a medical school admission test run by AAMC. It is used for admission to medical schools in the us, canada, the caribbean and a few in australia and europe.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Sections | 4 sections covering sciences, reasoning and psychology |
| Duration | About 7 hours 30 minutes including breaks |
| Score range | 472 to 528 |
| Fee | US$345 (plus international fee of US$120 outside the US and Canada) |
| Results | 30 to 35 days |
| Validity | 2 to 3 years depending on the school |
| Formats | Test centre only |
Types of MCAT
MCAT
A single standard format, offered around 30 times a year from January to September.
Who can take it
Intended for applicants to health professional programmes; you must confirm you are applying to one. No degree is required but most take it in the final year of a science bachelor's. Up to three attempts a year, four in two years, seven in a lifetime.
Not sure which test your course accepts?
Requirements differ by university and by visa route. We check before you book.
Talk to a counsellorSyllabus
| Section | What it tests | Questions | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | General chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry | 59 | 95 minutes |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | Humanities and social science passages | 53 | 90 minutes |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | Biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry | 59 | 95 minutes |
| Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior | Psychology, sociology, biology | 59 | 95 minutes |
Exam pattern
Four sections scored 118 to 132 each, totalling 472 to 528. The test is passage-based, testing how you apply science rather than recall it. It runs for a full day with optional breaks. Scores are released about a month later.
How to register
- Create an AAMC account and complete your profile
- Choose a date and centre; register early as seats fill months ahead
- Pay the fee; fee assistance is available for eligible US applicants
- Study for three to six months with AAMC official materials
- Receive scores and release them to AMCAS or other application services
Scores explained
| Score | Level | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| 518 to 528 | Top 5 percent | Most competitive US MD programmes |
| 511 to 517 | Top 20 percent | Competitive for most MD programmes |
| 505 to 510 | Around the accepted-applicant average | Many MD and most DO programmes |
| 500 to 504 | Average test taker | DO programmes and Caribbean schools such as SGU |
| Below 500 | Below average | Retake advised for US MD applications |
Sit it once, with coaching
Small-group courses with weekly mock tests and one-to-one feedback.
See IELTS classesHow to prepare
- Plan 300 to 400 hours of study over three to six months
- Use AAMC official practice tests as your only score benchmark
- Master CARS with daily timed passages
- Review content with a structured set of books, then move to practice
- Simulate full-length test days at least three times
Books and resources
- AAMC Official MCAT Prep Bundle: Official practice exams and question packs.
- Kaplan MCAT Complete 7-Book Subject Review: Comprehensive content review.
- UWorld MCAT QBank: High-quality practice questions with explanations.
Detailed guides
MCAT pattern and syllabus
The four sections and the science content they draw on.
MCAT dates and fees
Test dates, international fees and registration windows.
MCAT scores explained
Section and total scores, percentiles and school averages.
MCAT registration
How to book and what to bring.
MCAT eligibility
Who can take the MCAT and attempt limits.
Questions about the MCAT
Do UK medical schools require the MCAT?
No. UK schools use UCAT (and formerly BMAT). MCAT is for North American and Caribbean schools.
What MCAT score does St. George's University need?
SGU considers applications holistically; competitive applicants usually score 495 or above, with the average around 500 to 505.
How long should I study for the MCAT?
Three to six months at 20 to 30 hours a week is typical.
How long is the MCAT valid?
Two to three years depending on the school.
Can I take the MCAT outside the US?
Yes, at centres in India, the UK, Australia, the Middle East and elsewhere on selected dates.
Fees, formats and dates are as published by AAMC for 2025/26 and change; confirm on the official site before booking.
Preparing for the MCAT?
Tell us your target score and date. We match you with coaching or point you to the free resources that work.