AAMC MCAT Exam Format and Strategy

Question 1

How many sections does the MCAT have and what is the total test duration?

Accepted Answer

4 sections; approximately 7.5 hours total including breaks

Answer

The MCAT has four sections and lasts about 7.5 hours including optional breaks and the tutorial, with roughly 6 hours and 15 minutes of actual testing.

Question 2

What is the scaled score range for each MCAT section?

Accepted Answer

118–132 per section; total 472–528

Answer

Each of the four sections is scored 118–132, and the total ranges from 472 to 528, with 500 being the mean score.

Question 3

What does AMCAS stand for?

Accepted Answer

American Medical College Application Service

Answer

AMCAS is the AAMC-administered centralized application service that collects and distributes applicants' materials to participating allopathic MD-granting schools.

Question 4

How many times may a student take the MCAT in a single calendar year?

Accepted Answer

3 times per year

Answer

AAMC policy permits up to 3 attempts per calendar year, 4 in any two-year period, and 7 total lifetime attempts.

Question 5

What is the MCAT 'void' option?

Accepted Answer

Choosing not to score the exam at the end of test day, preventing score reporting

Answer

At the end of the MCAT, test-takers can void their score so no record is kept or reported, though registration fees are not refunded.

AAMC - Association of American Medical Colleges Practice Test

AAMC - Association of American Medical Colleges Practice Test

AAMC MCAT Exam Format and Strategy