MCAT Scoring Guide
How scores are calculated, what they mean, and how to reach your goal score.
Scoring Overview
Each section (CPBS, CARS, BBLS, PSBS) is scored 118–132. Total composite is 472–528. The median is 500; competitive MD applicants score 510+. Top medical schools see median MCATs of 520+. Each section uses equating to ensure comparability across test dates.
Score Scale
| Section | Duration | Max Score |
|---|---|---|
| Chemical & Physical Sciences | 95 min | 132 |
| Critical Analysis & Reasoning | 90 min | 132 |
| Biological & Biochemical Sciences | 95 min | 132 |
| Psychological, Social & Biological Foundations | 95 min | 132 |
Section Breakdown
cpbs
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems. 59 questions, 95 min. Covers gen chem, physics, biochem.
cars
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. 53 questions, 90 min. The ONLY section with no outside content knowledge — pure reading comprehension.
bbls
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems. 59 questions, 95 min. Cell bio, molecular bio, biochem, organic.
psbs
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior. 59 questions, 95 min.
Key Facts
- Length
- 7h 30m total (6h 15m test time)
- Questions
- 230 MCQ across 4 sections
- Score range
- 472–528
- Cost
- $345 USD
- Validity
- 2–3 years (varies by school)
- Retake limit
- 7 lifetime, 4 in 2 years, 3 in 1 year
Study 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.