How Hard Is the MCAT? Difficulty, Sections & Number of Questions (2025)

The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a long, comprehensive, multiple-choice exam used by medical schools to assess science knowledge, reasoning, and readiness for training. This guide explains how difficult the MCAT really is, why it feels that way, how the test is structured, how many questions you’ll face, and how long you’ll be in the seat.

Is the MCAT Hard?

Yes—most students find the MCAT challenging because it combines broad science content with passage-based reasoning under tight time limits. The good news: with a structured plan, targeted practice, and stamina training, you can make the test predictable and manageable.

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What Makes the MCAT Difficult

I. Breadth + integration: 

Biology, biochemistry, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology—often integrated within a single passage.

II. Applied reasoning: 

Questions prioritize interpretation, logic, data/figure analysis, and experimental design over rote facts.

III. Length + stamina: 

About 7.5 hours including breaks; four long sections demand focus and pacing.

IV. Timing pressure: 

Each section has many passage questions; you must read efficiently and decide quickly.

V. Dense language & figures: 

Technical terms, layered arguments, tables, and graphs are common.

VI. Test stress: 

High stakes can affect pacing and decision-making—plan for mindset and endurance, not just content.

MCAT Sections at a Glance

• Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (C/P) – 59 questions, 95 minutes
• Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS) – 53 questions, 90 minutes
• Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (B/B) – 59 questions, 95 minutes
• Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behavior (P/S) – 59 questions, 95 minutes
  
  

How Many Questions Are on the MCAT?

230 questions total

• C/P: 59
• CARS: 53
• B/B: 59
• P/S: 59

All items are multiple choice (a mix of passage-based and discrete questions).

How Long Is the MCAT?

Plan for ~7 hours 30 minutes including the tutorial and breaks. A typical flow:

• Tutorial (~10 min)
• C/P (95 min) → break (~10 min)
• CARS (90 min) → break (~30 min)
• B/B (95 min) → break (~10 min)
• P/S (95 min) → end-of-exam steps (~5 min)
  
  

Quick Readiness Check

• Content: You can explain core concepts without notes.
• Practice: Recent full-lengths under timed conditions land at or near your target.
• Pacing: You finish sections on time without rushing the final passage.
• Review: You know your recurring errors and have fixes that work.
• Stamina & mindset: You can sustain focus across four sections and manage nerves.
  
  

FAQs

#1. Is it hard to score a 510 on the MCAT?

A 510 is around the 80th percentile. It’s challenging but attainable with consistent content review, full-length practice (6–10 exams), and disciplined post-test analysis.

#2. How hard is the MCAT compared to the GRE?

They measure different things. The MCAT is more content-dense and passage-driven across sciences; the GRE emphasizes general verbal/quantitative reasoning. Most premeds find the MCAT more demanding.

#3. What MCAT score is considered “good”?

Context matters, but ~510–515 is broadly competitive; 518+ is strong for many top-tier programs. Always compare to each school’s typical matriculant ranges.

#4. Is the NCLEX harder than the MCAT?

They’re hard in different ways. The MCAT stresses science integration and reasoning; the NCLEX focuses on clinical judgment and safe nursing practice.

Final Thoughts

The MCAT feels tough because it blends content, reasoning, and endurance. Make it systematic: master high-yield foundations, practice with full-lengths under test-day conditions, and review mistakes ruthlessly. With a steady plan, you can turn a daunting exam into a predictable challenge and hit the score your school list demands.

Article Details

Categories

Recent Articles , Pre-health, MCAT/MSAR/USMLE,

Author: Go-Elective Abroad

Date Published: Sep 15, 2025