MCAT Exam Sections Breakdown and Study Strategies for 2025

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a rigorous standardized exam required for entry into most medical schools in the U.S., Canada, Australia, and the Caribbean. It assesses a range of competencies including scientific knowledge, analytical reasoning, and the ability to think critically under pressure.

For future physicians mastering the structure of the MCAT is an important step in preparing for a medical career.

This guide breaks down each MCAT section and offers key insights to help you study smarter and perform with confidence on test day.

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What Are the Four Sections of the MCAT?

The MCAT is divided into four main sections:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/BioChem)
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)

Each section is approximately 90 to 95 minutes long and contains 53 to 59 questions. The full exam takes about 7.5 hours, including optional breaks.

Chem/Phys Section: Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

Time: 95 minutes
Questions: 59

This section tests your understanding of physical and chemical principles as they apply to biological systems and human physiology.

Disciplines Covered:

General Chemistry (30%)
Physics (25%)
Biochemistry (25%)
Organic Chemistry (15%)
Introductory Biology (5%)

Core Concepts:

Functions of organs and tissues through the lens of chemistry and physics
Molecular interactions and chemical reactions in living systems
Use of mathematical equations and data interpretation

Skills Tested:

Scientific reasoning and problem-solving
Research design interpretation
Data-based and statistical analysis

CARS Section: Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

Time: 90 minutes
Questions: 53

CARS is unique in that it does not require scientific knowledge. Instead, it evaluates your ability to comprehend complex texts and analyze arguments—skills essential for navigating ethical and philosophical dimensions of healthcare.

Disciplines Covered:

Humanities (50%)
Social Sciences (50%)

Skills Tested:

Understanding and analyzing written arguments
Applying reasoning to unfamiliar contexts
Evaluating logic, tone, and assumptions

Success in CARS often requires consistent reading practice in philosophy, ethics, political theory, and literature. Many students find this section challenging, so start early.

Bio/BioChem Section: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

Time: 95 minutes
Questions: 59

This section focuses on biological systems, genetics, molecular biology, and how organisms function at a cellular level.

Disciplines Covered:

Introductory Biology (65%)
Biochemistry (25%)
Organic Chemistry (5%)
General Chemistry (5%)

Core Concepts:

Molecular basis of cellular processes
Genetic information flow and regulation
Bioenergetics and metabolism
Organ systems and their coordination

Skills Tested:

Integration of biology and chemistry knowledge
Application of scientific principles to biological scenarios
Interpreting experimental results and data

Psych/Soc Section: Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

Time: 95 minutes
Questions: 59

This section evaluates your understanding of behavioral sciences and the sociocultural determinants of health. It’s increasingly relevant in today’s healthcare landscape, especially for future clinicians working in global health settings.

Disciplines Covered:

Introductory Psychology (65%)
Sociology (30%)
Biology (5%)

Core Concepts:

Behavior, cognition, and identity
Cultural and social influences on health
Health disparities and access to care
Psychological and biological development

Skills Tested:

Scientific reasoning and principles
Understanding research design
Statistical interpretation

How Long Is the MCAT?

In total, the MCAT takes around 7 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks and optional tutorials. You’ll face:

Four 90-95 minute test sections
Two 10-minute breaks
One 30-minute lunch break
Pre-test tutorial and post-test survey

Has the MCAT Changed?

Yes. The MCAT was updated in 2015 to reflect the evolving demands of medicine. It now places more emphasis on sociocultural awareness, ethical reasoning, and interdisciplinary thinking—all of which are essential for the modern physician.

Studying for the MCAT helps you prepare not only for test day, but for the intellectual rigor of medical school and clinical decision-making.

Can International Students Take the MCAT?

Absolutely. International students are eligible to register and sit for the MCAT. Additional fees may apply, and registration policies can vary.

How to Prepare for the MCAT

Success on the MCAT requires more than memorization. You need a strategic approach that includes:

A long-term study schedule (ideally 3–6 months)
Full-length practice exams
Reviewing core scientific concepts
Reading widely to strengthen CARS skills
Practicing data interpretation and research analysis

To enhance your preparation, consider combining MCAT study with some clinical experience. Students who participate in international clinical internships—such as those offered through Go Elective—often report improved confidence in navigating patient scenarios and a clearer understanding of why they’re pursuing medicine.

Final Thoughts

The MCAT is a gateway to medical school, but it’s just one part of a holistic application. At Go Elective, we support your journey by offering immersive, real-world internships that help reinforce classroom learning with global healthcare exposure.

Whether you’re preparing for the MCAT or exploring options for your gap year, our programs in Kenya and Tanzania offer you a meaningful, medically focused experience that can enhance both your knowledge and your application.

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