MCAT Test Day Strategy

Format & Scoring

• 4 sections: Chem/Phys (59Q, 95 min), CARS (53Q, 90 min), Bio/Biochem (59Q, 95 min), Psych/Soc (59Q, 95 min)
• Total: 230 questions, ~6 hours 15 minutes with breaks
• Each section: 118-132; Total: 472-528; Median ~500

Study Planning

• 3-6 month timeline typical
• Content review (1-2 months) → Practice passages (2-3 months) → Full-lengths (final month)
• Use spaced repetition (Anki) for high-yield facts
• Track performance by topic to target weak areas

Section Tips

• Chem/Phys: Strong on calculations — practice dimensional analysis
• CARS: Practice daily, at least 1 passage/day
• Bio/Biochem: Most content-heavy — amino acids, metabolism, organ systems are highest yield
• Psych/Soc: Terminology-heavy, often easiest to improve

Test Day

• Bring: valid ID, confirmation, snacks, layers, watch
• Get 8+ hours of sleep the night before
• During breaks: eat, hydrate, stretch — do NOT review material
• Competitive scores: 510+ MD, 505+ DO, 515+ top-25 schools