Overview of the MCAT

The MCAT is a 7.5-hour exam that consists of four sections:

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Section
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems Section
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Section
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Section

Important Dates

MCAT Dates 2022

Jan 13, 14, 19, 27

March 11, 24

April 14, 15, 28, 29

May 12, 13, 18, 26

June 3, 16, 17, 23, 24, 29

July 15, 28

August 4, 19, 25, 26, 31

September 1, 8, 9

Scores are reported 30-35 days after your test date

Retrieved from https://students-residents.aamc.org/register-mcat-exam/us-mcat-calendar-scheduling-deadlines-and-score-release-dates-0

Study Resources

Content Review (i.e. Books, Videos)

  • Kaplan Books
  • Examkrackers Books
  • Princeton Review Books
  • Khan Academy videos (made in partnership with AAMC)

https://www.khanacademy.org/test-prep/mcat

Practice Exams

  • AAMC

Offers 1 Free exam (https://students-residents.aamc.org/prepare-mcat-exam/free-planning-and-study-resources)

  • Blueprint

Offers 1 Free exam: (https://blueprintprep.com/mcat/free-resources/free-mcat-practice-bundle)

  • Examkrackers

https://examkrackers.com/product/5-1-full-length-simulated-mcat-exams/

  • Princeton Review

Offers 1 Free Exam: https://www.princetonreview.com/medical/free-mcat-practice-test#!practice

  • Kaplan

Offers 1 Free Exam: (https://www.kaptest.com/mcat/free/mcat-free-practice-test)

  • Altius

Offers 1 Free Exam: (https://altiustestprep.com/practice-exam/free-exam/)

Practice Questions (QBanks, Anki Decks, etc)

  • Jackwestin

https://jackwestin.com/

  • AAMC

https://store.aamc.org/aamc-mcat-section-bank-online.html

  • UWorld

https://gradschool.uworld.com/mcat/?gclid=Cj0KCQiApL2QBhC8ARIsAGMm-KGCkIn0Bf1a1jaS094h31f-IS6A1NJ8F7fzguJFcPIQXUv2EqjLw8AaAuiyEALw_wcB

  • Anki Decks

https://www.reddit.com/r/Mcat/comments/e7797r/best_anki_decks/

  • Kaplan

Free QBank (230 questions along with the free practice test [See Above])

General Tips

Top MCAT Study Tips:

1) Make space for the MCAT and be consistent in your studying

2) Don't just study for the MCAT – strike a balance. Otherwise, you risk burning out!

3) Self-reflection is key!

4) Plan out your study blocks.

5) Use practice questions with your content review.

6) Use multiple practice tests to build endurance, and space them out!

  • The AAMC materials are gold standard for studying because they are the makers of the MCAT and are most representative of what you would see on the MCAT.
  • When taking practice tests, try to take them fully and at the same time as you would take your actual exam.
  • Don't spend so much time on content review that you aren't able to take practice exams. For some, doing the practice exams can be more helpful than heavily focusing on content review.