How much math is on the MCAT?

Asked by: Kamryn Krajcik MD  |  Last update: September 7, 2023
Score: 5/5 (33 votes)

The MCAT is primarily a conceptual exam, with little actual mathematical computation. Any math that is on the MCAT is fundamental: just arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry. There is absolutely no calculus on the MCAT.

How hard is the math on MCAT?

MCAT Math can be tough – there's no doubt about that. But there are some actionable strategies to help you solve math questions quickly and accurately: Make sure you understand the question. Read it carefully, and identify any keywords or concepts that will help you solve the equation.

Does MCAT include calculus?

The MCAT is a conceptual exam that requires little mathematical computation. Any such requirements are based only on fundamental mathematical concepts, which include arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry. There is no calculus involved.

How much physics and math is on the MCAT?

Physics is somewhere between 20-30 percent of the MCAT Chem / Phys section, one of the four MCAT sections. Therefore, we can expect 12 to 18 physics questions (out of 230) across the MCAT. This is about 5 to 8 percent of the exam.

What math subjects are on the MCAT?

Math on the MCAT
  • Basic arithmetic. You'll have to be prepared for addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, fractions, proportions, ratios, percentages, and estimations of calculated values.
  • Basic algebra. ...
  • Conversions. ...
  • Exponents. ...
  • Exponentials. ...
  • Trigonometry. ...
  • Coordinate geometry. ...
  • Basic statistics.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED to do MATH w/o Calculator for MCAT (exponents, logs, percent, estimation)

40 related questions found

What is the hardest portion of the MCAT?

The Most Difficult MCAT Test Section

Many students report that the most difficult section is CARS, and the average scores reported by AAMC back that up. The lowest average section scores overall and for matriculants are in CARS.

What percent of the MCAT is Chem?

Exam content will draw from*:

Introductory biology, 5% General chemistry, 30% Organic chemistry, 15% Introductory physics, 25%

Do math majors do well on the MCAT?

Based on the GPA and MCAT data, students who major in physical sciences or math and statistics may be higher academic achievers in general. These achievement differences may explain to some extent their higher admissions rates.

Is MCAT physics heavy?

Physics will represent somewhere between 20-30 percent of your MCAT Chem/Phys section, which is one of four MCAT sections. Hence, you can expect to see 12 to 18 physics questions (out of 230 total questions) on the entire MCAT—about 5 to 8 percent of the exam.

Can you study too much for the MCAT?

It might seem logical to spend as much time as possible studying for the MCAT — one year, even two. However, spending too much time studying won't do much to improve your score and will probably even lead to burnout. So, how much time should you spend? Ideally you should spend three to six months studying for the MCAT.

Can you pass MCAT without prerequisites?

Preparing for the MCAT Without Prerequisites

Nevertheless, I have seen some students walk into an MCAT practice test without much prep and do very well. And you could be one of them. All this being said, you might not need all of the prereqs to do well on the MCAT as long as you prep for it appropriately.

Why doesn t the MCAT allow calculators?

In general, students who put in enough practice should have little trouble answering all of these questions. Additionally, because the MCAT exam is not specifically designed to assess students' mathematical proficiency, it is another reason why calculators are not permitted.

Do med schools see every MCAT?

Med Schools See All Your MCAT Scores

For those of you new to the medical school application process, the American Medical College Application Service (AMCAS) requires students to report all MCAT scores unless a score has been voided.

Is it easy to get 500 in MCAT?

Attaining a score of 500 on the MCAT means you performed in the 53% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

How rare is a perfect MCAT?

0.021% of 273,860 students brings us to our final answer: 58 students. Since this method is not perfect, we'll leave you with a range; between 30 and 70 students every year achieve a perfect 528 MCAT. This is out of the nearly three hundred thousand students who take the exam.

Is the MCAT the hardest graduate exam?

Well, there's no reason to sugar coat it – the MCAT is an extremely difficult exam. In fact, it is perhaps the toughest graduate school entrance exam in the US. However, the good news is that while difficult, it is manageable. The average score for students admitted to medical school is 510 to 511.

What is the most heavily tested subject on the MCAT?

On the MCAT, biology (at 65% of the Bio/Biochem section) will be by far the most important of the four “classic” MCAT subjects, followed in importance by general chemistry (30% of the Chem/Phys section); physics (25% of the Chem/Phys section); and finally organic chemistry (15% of the Chem/Phys section).

Is the MCAT exhausting?

The MCAT is a stressful and demanding exam. Some students struggle to stay motivated when studying, particularly when the end appears so far away. During MCAT preparation, it's easy to let oneself slip into a state of mental and physical exhaustion, leading to burnout.

What grade is passing the MCAT?

Your MCAT total score will be in the range of 472-528 with an average score of 500. Each of the four MCAT sections is scored between 118-132 with an average score of 125. Applicants accepted to allopathic (MD-granting) medical schools for the 2021-2022 year had an average MCAT score of 511.9.

Do you have to be smart to do well on the MCAT?

If you've shown that you can work hard enough, study hard enough, and grind hard enough. if you can put in the work to study and sacrifice, then you are doing what you need to do. You do not need to be a genius to get into medical school. You do not need to be a genius to get a good score on the MCAT.

Is med school a lot of math?

The majority of medical schools (M.D. and D.O.) with a math requirement will look for between one and two semesters of math. Most of them would expect a semester of calculus and a semester of statistics. No health professions schools require multivariable calculus.

Do med schools look at your highest MCAT?

While medical schools will see all your MCAT scores, admissions committees will use multiple scores in different ways, including: Considering your highest score only. Considering the average of every score. Considering all scores, but weighing your recent score most heavily.

What is a 75% on the MCAT?

To have scored in the 75th percentile, you must have scored higher than a 509. To have an MCAT score in the 50th percentile, you must have scored greater than 501.5. Scoring 493 or below means you are in the 25th percentile or below.

What is 70% MCAT score?

Approximately 70% of test takers are expected to score between 493 and 507.

What percent of MCAT is memorization?

MCAT Memorization Strategies. Memory questions make up 25% of science questions on the MCAT.