About the MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, computer-based, multiple-choice examination administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). It is required by many, though not all, Canadian medical schools. Whether the MCAT is required, and how scores are considered, is determined by each school and may change between application cycles. Students should confirm the current position with each school they are considering and consult the AFMC Admission Requirements Guide ↗.
Structure
The examination comprises four sections, with a total seated time of approximately seven and a half hours, excluding check-in and optional breaks.
| Section | Questions | Time | Content |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems | 59 | 95 min | General chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biology, and biochemistry as applied to living systems |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) | 53 | 90 min | Reading comprehension, analysis, and reasoning based on passages from the humanities and social sciences; no specific content knowledge is assumed |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems | 59 | 95 min | Biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry, and general chemistry |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior | 59 | 95 min | Psychology, sociology, and biology as they relate to behaviour and health |
The AAMC publishes a detailed content outline for each section, which is the appropriate reference for the scope of material assessed.
Scoring
Each section is scored on a scale from 118 to 132, with a midpoint of 125. Section scores are combined to produce a total score ranging from 472 to 528, with a midpoint of 500.
Medical schools differ in how they consider MCAT scores — some publish minimum thresholds for particular sections, others consider total scores, and policies regarding multiple attempts and score validity vary. Pathways does not characterize any score as competitive or sufficient for any institution. Score policies should be confirmed directly with each school.
Timing considerations
There is no universally appropriate time at which to write the MCAT. Considerations commonly taken into account include:
- Whether the schools under consideration require the MCAT, and their policies on how long scores remain valid
- Completion of relevant undergraduate coursework in the disciplines assessed
- The time available for sustained preparation alongside other commitments
- Application deadlines, and the interval between a test date and the release of scores
- Whether a subsequent attempt would be feasible, should one be desired, and how schools treat multiple attempts
Preparation
Approaches to preparation vary considerably between individuals. The following general principles are widely applicable:
- Consult the official AAMC content outline to understand the scope of each section
- Complete a diagnostic practice examination early to identify areas of relative strength and weakness
- Develop a study plan that balances content review with passage-based practice under timed conditions
- Make use of the AAMC's official full-length practice examinations, which most closely reflect the format and difficulty of the test
- Review errors systematically, giving attention to the reasoning behind each answer
- Maintain adequate rest and wellbeing throughout the preparation period
Discussing MCAT preparation with a mentor
Pathways mentors can share study tips, general advice on approaching each section, and recommendations regarding preparation resources, drawing on their own experience. This is informal guidance rather than formal tutoring, and no particular outcome is implied or assured. Mentors will not characterize what score may be required by any institution.
Fee assistance
The AAMC operates a Fee Assistance Program that reduces MCAT registration fees and provides access to preparation materials for eligible applicants. Eligibility criteria and application details are published by the AAMC.
Official resources
- AAMC — About the MCAT Exam ↗
- AAMC — What's on the MCAT Exam ↗
- AAMC — MCAT Score Scale ↗
- AAMC — Fee Assistance Program ↗
- AFMC — Admission Requirements Guide ↗
Last reviewed: September 2026 · Primary sources: AAMC, AFMC. Test format and policies are subject to change; the AAMC website is authoritative.