Sample Questions

MCAT Sample Questions

6 practice questions with complete answer explanations.

Sample Questions

Question 1physics-kinematics

A ball is dropped from a height of 20 m. Ignoring air resistance, what is its velocity just before hitting the ground? (g = 10 m/s²)

A.10 m/s

B.15 m/s

C.20 m/s✓ Correct

D.25 m/s

Explanation

v² = u² + 2as → v² = 0 + 2(10)(20) = 400 → v = 20 m/s.

Question 2chemistry

Which of the following compounds is the strongest acid?

A.Acetic acid (pKa 4.76)

B.Phenol (pKa 9.95)

C.Hydrochloric acid (pKa -7)✓ Correct

D.Water (pKa 15.7)

Explanation

Lower pKa = stronger acid. HCl with pKa -7 is much stronger than the others.

Question 3biochemistry

Which of the following is NOT a product of glycolysis?

A.ATP

B.NADH

C.Pyruvate

D.FADH2✓ Correct

Explanation

Glycolysis produces 2 ATP, 2 NADH, 2 pyruvate. FADH2 is produced in the citric acid cycle, not glycolysis.

Question 4genetics

A point mutation changes a codon from UCU to UCC. Both code for serine. This is an example of a(n):

A.missense mutation

B.nonsense mutation

C.silent mutation✓ Correct

D.frameshift mutation

Explanation

Silent mutation: the amino acid is unchanged due to codon degeneracy.

Question 5psychology

A student who repeatedly skips class because it helps avoid social anxiety is demonstrating:

A.positive reinforcement

B.negative reinforcement✓ Correct

C.positive punishment

D.negative punishment

Explanation

Negative reinforcement: removing an aversive stimulus (anxiety) INCREASES the behavior (skipping).

Question 6cars

In the passage, the author most likely uses the anecdote about Galileo to: (Passage: discusses how scientific consensus often resists new ideas.)

A.argue that scientific institutions are always wrong

B.illustrate that breakthrough ideas often face initial rejection✓ Correct

C.suggest that modern science has abandoned empirical methods

D.praise the Catholic Church's role in science

Explanation

Anecdotes illustrate claims. 'Initial rejection of breakthrough ideas' matches the passage's theme.

Test-Taking Tips

1.Build content knowledge first with a structured course (Kaplan, Princeton Review, or UWorld).
2.Do 500+ CARS passages specifically — no shortcuts for this section.
3.Use AAMC official practice materials exclusively in the last month — they're the most representative.
4.Review wrong answers deeply. Understand WHY each is wrong.
5.Sleep and exercise matter — MCAT is an endurance test.
6.Take 5+ full-length practice tests, including 2–3 AAMC ones.

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