Understanding the MCAT Scoring System
The MCAT assesses skills and knowledge across several domains. Understanding its structure and scoring can help students plan their preparation effectively.
Structure of the MCAT
The MCAT 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
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Each section is scored from 118 to 132, resulting in a total score range of 472 to 528. These scores are standardized for question difficulty. This ensures a fair evaluation, regardless of the test version.
Percentile Scores
MCAT scores come with percentile rankings. They show how a test-taker performed compared to others. For instance, scoring in the 90th percentile means outperforming 90% of test-takers. Most top medical schools expect scores in the 80th percentile or higher. Specific requirements vary.