MCAT Sample Questions: All You Need to Know
There are many helpful (and free) MCAT sample questions available online. Students applying to medical school should use the many resources available to them to thoroughly prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). Use the links below to access AAMC format MCAT sample questions for all sections of the MCAT, including daily CARS practice questions.
Medical College Admission Test
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized exam comprised of over 200 multiple choice questions. The MCAT is required for admission to most medical schools in both the United States and Canada.
The MCAT is infamous for its difficulty. Of the students that take the MCAT, about 50% are unsatisfied with their results and decide to take the test again.
The key to success on the MCAT is preparation. And lots of it.
MCAT Sample Questions
Khan Academy Passages
Use these MCAT Passages from the Khan Academy. They are all in AAMC format and are completely free to use.
Daily CARS MCAT Question Of The Day
Subscribe to receive a free MCAT Question of the Day, emailed straight to you daily. These practice questions will help you excel at the CARS portion of the MCAT, and they are completely free.
MCAT Practice Questions AAMC
You can purchase AAMC MCAT® Official Prep Products online. These practice products are written by the developers of the actual MCAT exam, but they come with a fee. There’s an Official Guide to the MCAT Exam, the AAMC MCAT Official Prep Section Bank, and various bundles, including the MCAT Official Prep Complete Bundle.
MCAT Practice Questions Reddit
The medical school subreddits do not contain practice questions, but you can get a lot of information from students who have taken the MCAT already. Read their stories to see how they studied and how they improved their MCAT scores.
- How I went from 500 to 521 in 6 weeks
- From 496 to 521: A Story of Redemption
- I got a 522, here’s what I wish I knew at the beginning of this journey
💡 Learn How Top Students Use MCAT Reddit to Score Well.
Answering Your Questions About the MCAT
What Kinds of Questions Are on the MCAT?
The questions on the MCAT are wide-ranging.
The MCAT is not only a test of your memory but a test of your critical thinking skills. You must use your knowledge of the biological, physical, and social sciences as well as chemistry to extrapolate solutions to complex problems.
It’s crucial to remember that medical school admission officers look most closely at the CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning) section of the MCAT.
Is the MCAT all Multiple Choice?
Yes, the MCAT is entirely comprised of multiple choice questions. There is no written portion of the MCAT.
It’s also important to note that there is no penalty for wrong answers. This means it’s imperative for anyone taking the MCAT to take a stab at a question even if you’re not entirely sure of the answer.
How Many Questions Are on the MCAT?
There are 230 questions on the 2019 MCAT.
- Chem/Phys: 59 questions
- Bio/BioChem: 59 questions
- Psych/Soc: 59 questions
- CARS: 53 questions
What is a Good Score on the MCAT?
Each of the 4 sections of the MCAT is scored from 118-132, with the mean and median at 125. The combined score ranges from 472-528, with the mean and median at 500.
Very good to excellent scores on the MCAT range from 508-528. A score between 500-507 is considered above average, but not necessarily competitive.
Remember that your MCAT is only one piece of many that are required to apply to medical school. Your complete application will be reviewed in its totality, so although a high MCAT score helps, it is not the only qualification for medical school.
What is a Perfect MCAT score?
The highest score attainable on the MCAT is 528.
Do Medical Schools see all MCAT Scores?
Yes, all schools you designate to receive your MCAT scores will see how you did, unless you void the exam once you are finished your testing session.
If you reach the end of your testing session believing you bombed it completely, you have the opportunity to void the test; it will not be graded, so no results will be shown to the schools you are applying to. It’s important to note that voiding the test still counts toward the number of times you can take the MCAT in your lifetime.
Each time the test is graded, those scores are sent to the medical schools that you have previously selected.
How Many Times Can You Take the MCAT?
The MCAT can be taken 7 times over the course of your lifetime.
In a 1-year period, the MCAT can be taken up to 3 times. In a consecutive 2-year period, the exam can be taken up to 4 times.
Build A Medical School Application That Stands Out
The medical school admissions process is confusing, tedious, and time-consuming due to the many variables required. The subjective nature of the application often leaves applicants frustrated and unsure of their results.
Whether it’s studying for your MCAT, preparing for CASPer, or writing a personal statement, we can help you navigate the process every step of the way. We help our students reach their full potential on every aspect of the application.
Our team of editors and advisors (including Jack) have years of experience and are ready to help you overcome any challenges big or small.
Join the Waitlist for Medical School Admissions with Jack Westin.