MCAT Tips, Study Plans and Practice

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PREP FOR THE MCAT
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Learn about the MCAT

Learn the basics about the MCAT–including what to expect on Test Day.

What’s a good MCAT score?
The MCAT is scored on a 118-132 scale in each section. You’ll receive scores for each of the four sections. The total score for the MCAT ranges from 472-528. Read More >
How should I study for the MCAT?
To do your best on the MCAT, research shows that you’re likely to need to study about 25 hours per week for up to 3 months. How do you know how to spend that time? Preparing for the MCAT will likely be keeping you quite busy for a few months, which is not an easy prospect when you’re likely busy with other schoolwork or a job. Read More >
How do I register for the MCAT?
The MCAT is offered 25 times throughout the year. To register for and schedule your MCAT, use one of the following options… Read more >
What is tested on the MCAT?
The MCAT is composed of 230 questions over 6 hours and 15 minutes. Three of the four sections on the MCAT test your basic science content knowledge by requiring you to critically use the information rather than just provide individual scientific facts. The last section, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, is a unique part of the exam in that it is a pure test of critical thinking. Read More >

Take a Free Practice Test for the MCAT®

Studying for the MCAT

On the MCAT, each section is scored from 118-132 points. Three sections (chemical and physical foundations; biological and biochemical foundations; and psychological, social, and biological foundations) are scored based 59 questions. These 59 questions are based on 10 passages with 4-7 questions each and 15 discrete questions. The critical analysis and reasoning skills (CARS) section is based on 53 questions from 9 passages. The overall MCAT score range is 472-528.

MCAT Study Plans
Ace the MCAT with expert help from Kaplan’s instructors. Learn what your strengths and weaknesses are on the MCAT. Then, learn to target your weaknesses while also building on your strengths.
- 30 day MCAT study plan
- 90 day MCAT study plan
The Week before the MCAT: What to Know
The week before the MCAT is the time to put the finishing touches on your preparation. It’s also time to taper off so you are completely rested and ready for Test Day. Learn more >
QUIZ: How would you score on the MCAT?
Take a 15-minute, 10-question quiz and get your predicted score range. Learn more >
What’s on the MCAT: Chemistry and Physics
The Chemical and Physical Foundations of Living Systems section of the MCAT requires you to solve problems based on knowledge of chemistry, physics, and organic chemistry. The content on this section of the test also includes biochemistry and a small amount of biology. In addition, you’ll need to be familiar with basic math, which must be managed without a calculator. Learn more >
What’s on the MCAT: Biology
The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section of the MCAT requires you to solve problems based on knowledge of biological and biochemical concepts combined with scientific inquiry and reasoning skills. The undergraduate courses that are reflected in the Bio/Biochem section of the MCAT are introductory Biology (65%), introductory General Chemistry (5%), introductory Organic Chemistry (5%), and first-semester Biochemistry (25%). Learn more >

MCAT Prep Courses

Allow yourself at least 300-350 hours of preparation time. Even though you’re capable of doing anything you set your mind to, you have to do the work first. This is a very difficult exam. Take enough time to practice, prepare, and build confidence for Test Day.

MCAT Prep – Live Online
Kaplan’s live, instructor-led online courses provide the benefits of a classroom experience with the flexibility of attending from wherever you are. Learn more >
MCAT Prep – In Person
Kaplan’s In Person option is your perfect blend of in-class instruction with expert MCAT faculty and comprehensive resources for out-of-class, realistic practice. Learn more >
MCAT Prep – Self-Paced Online
Want test prep on your terms? Prefer working on your own from home? With Kaplan’s self-paced online courses, you can work at your own place, at your own pace—wherever you are, at whatever time suits you. Learn more >
One-on-One Tutoring for the MCAT
Kaplan’s one-on-one tutoring course for the MCAT® is more than a teacher and a curriculum. It’s a robust study system with a MCAT master as your personal guide. Learn more >
MCAT Intensive Study Programs
The MCAT Summer or Winter Intensive Program offers over 500 hours of available resources and 6 weeks of live, customized MCAT immersion for the most concentrated prep experience ever. Find out if it’s right for you. Learn More >
MCAT Prep Books
Study proven strategies, boost your math skills, practice your pacing, and become an expert in the exam’s computerized format with online practice tests. Learn more >
Prep Packs for the MCAT
Get even more realistic practice with Kaplan’s full-length practice tests for the GRE® and access to the 2,500-question Quiz Bank. Learn more >