Medical College Admissions Test® (MCAT®)

The Medical College Admissions Test® (MCAT®) is an important part of your medical school candidate profile. As you apply to medical schools, they will use your MCAT scores to determine your candidacy.

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Preparing for the MCAT

The MCAT isn’t designed to simply assess your ability to memorize facts—rather, it tests your understanding of key medical concepts and your ability to apply them to scenarios you’d encounter as a practicing physician.

If you had a solid grasp of your medical school prerequisites, you’re already on the right track for performing well on the MCAT. The rest of your MCAT preparation should include studying, consulting the test information and prep materials, and taking plenty of MCAT practice exams.

Preparing a Strong Med School App

What to Expect

The MCAT is taken in one long day and will likely take you about 7.5 hours to complete. (The total time without breaks and optional sections is 6 hours 15 minutes.)

The only thing you’ll need to bring on test day is your photo identification. The testing center will provide a note board and marker, a storage key, and foam, wireless earplugs.

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MCAT Prep Resources

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AAMC Test Prep

Prepare for the MCAT with official test prep resources written by the test developers at the Association of American Medical Colleges.

Go To AAMC
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Khan Academy

Test yourself with MCAT practice questions developed by the Khan Academy and reviewed by the AAMC.

Go To Khan Academy
KAPLAN MCAT Test Prep

Kaplan’s QBank

Make your study your own with Kaplan’s adaptive QBank. Raise your score with quizzes created by you, interactive 3D images, and detailed score reports.

Go To Kaplan QBank

When should I take the MCAT?

Did you know you can begin your application to Ross Med before you sit for the MCAT? We just need your official scores on file before we review your final application for admission.

Plus, with our flexible start dates in September, January, or May, you can start school when it’s convenient for you. This can offer you more time to study for exams and prepare for your next step.

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MCAT FAQ

What can I expect in the MCAT?

The MCAT exam 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.

MCAT topics not only include natural sciences, but also psychology, sociology and—notably—biochemical sciences. In each section, reading comprehension and data interpretation will be critical in identifying the correct answer.

How is the MCAT scored?

Each of the four sections of the MCAT are scored using a range of 118 to 132, with 125 being the median score. You’ll receive a score for each section as well as an overall score. The overall score is centered at 500, with a range from 472 to 528.

The four sections scored include: 

  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

  • Biological Sciences

  • Physical Sciences

To learn more about the scoring of each section, read our blog post on the subject.

What is the average MCAT score for students admitted to Ross Med?

Ross Med requires MCAT scores to be submitted by all U.S. Citizens, nationals, and eligible U.S. permanent resident applicants prior to the interview. With an average score of 494 for direct admits for the 2022-2023 academic year, there’s a place for all types of learners. We will weigh your score alongside your GPA and other components of your application.  International applicants are not required to submit MCAT scores.

Contact our admissions team to get a better idea of your potential candidacy to Ross Med.

How important is the MCAT for medical school admission?

Research shows that the MCAT can be a reliable predictor of your potential success as a medical school student and as a physician. The exam tests your ability to translate fundamental medical school concepts into courses of action in real-world patient cases.

Ross Med looks at your MCAT performance closely as a part of your medical school application. At the same time, our evaluation for admission is conducted on an individual basis and uses a holistic approach. This means that Ross Med will consider your MCAT scores alongside many other factors, such as your GPA, interviews, volunteer experience, and letters of recommendation.

What is a good MCAT score?

MCAT scores are just one of many factors that Ross Med looks at in determining your admission. There is no minimum score required for admission.

Every application to Ross Med is weighed on an individual basis, and your MCAT score will be weighed alongside many other factors, such as your GPA, interviews, volunteer experience, and letters of recommendation.

How often can I take the MCAT?

You can take the MCAT up to three times in a single testing year, and up to four times in a two consecutive-year period. You cannot take the test more than seven times total.