Is there a lot of math on the MCAT?
Asked by: Reinhold McLaughlin | Last update: December 7, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (68 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?
Although the current MCAT has very few heavy calculations, there are many questions that require you to demonstrate your ability to manipulate some math. This guide covers the essential math concepts, tips, and strategies you need for success.
Is MCAT hard to pass?
Some will find it very tough, while others might be able to breeze through it. Depending on one's skills, knowledge, and level of preparation, the MCAT can prove to be very hard or manageable. Only a few will dare say that it's easy, however.
What is the hardest subject in MCAT?
While the MCAT CARS is often considered the toughest MCAT section, the hardest MCAT subject will vary. One test-taker might find the biology subjects to be harder than chemistry, because of the huge amount of information covered. Or you might struggle more with physics and math than biology subjects.
Do math majors do well on the MCAT?
Over the last eight years, mathematics majors have continually scored higher on the MCAT exam compared to other majors. The increasing trend in scores suggests that the skills developed through mathematical training may lead to better scores on standardized tests.
How I Scored 520+ (99th Percentile) - Complete 2-Month MCAT Study Plan
Is a 90% on the MCAT good?
As mentioned previously, the highest possible total score – 'the perfect score' – for the MCAT exam is 528. However, anything above the 90th percentile would be considered outstanding for the MCAT exam.
What is the easiest pre-med major?
Applicants majoring in the physical sciences make up 8% of all candidates and enjoy a higher-than-average acceptance rate of 50%. So, if you're interested in the physical sciences, this may be the easiest pre-med major for you.
Is a 500 MCAT score hard?
An MCAT score of 500 is considered the average MCAT score, averaging 125 on each of the 4 sections of the test.
Is the MCAT mostly memorization?
You do, of course, need to memorize some things for the MCAT, but by and large, the MCAT is about recall and association: drawing the connections between subjects. This format actually mirrors how memories are organized in the brain: in semantic networks.
How many times can you fail MCAT?
RETAKE POLICIES
MCAT examinees can test up to three times in one calendar year and four times across two calendar years. An examinee cannot take the exam more than seven times in their lifetime. Not showing up for an exam counts as an attempt toward the lifetime limit.
Does taking the MCAT 3 times look bad?
Retaking the MCAT isn't a red flag, and even three attempts may not impact your admissions decision, although we recommend performing your best on the first two tests.
Which is harder, LSAT or MCAT?
The difficulty of the LSAT vs MCAT is subjective and depends on an individual's strengths and interests. Some may find the MCAT more challenging due to its extensive scientific content, while others may struggle more with the LSAT because of its emphasis on logical reasoning and comprehension skills.
How hard is the NCLEX compared to MCAT?
No, the NCLEX isn't harder than the MCAT. The MCAT tests a variety of subjects and needs strong analytical skills, like biology, chemistry, physics, and critical thinking. The NCLEX is more about using nursing knowledge and clinical judgment for patient care.
What level of math is on MCAT?
Any math that is on the MCAT is fundamental: just arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry. There is absolutely no calculus on the MCAT. Math-based problems will appear mostly in the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section .
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.
What is the easiest subject on the MCAT?
The CARS section on the MCAT is often considered the easiest section. This is because it doesn't test any specific knowledge on a particular subject.
Does MCAT correlate to IQ?
Thankfully, the MCAT is not designed to assess your raw intelligence. After all, it's not an IQ test. Rather, the test is designed to assess your ability to succeed in the rigorous environment of medical school. If you take the MCAT thinking your intelligence will carry you through, you will be sorely disappointed.
How long do most people take to study for the MCAT?
So, where should you start? Most people need 10–15 hours per week to study for the MCAT over a period of at least four to six months . In total, you should aim for at least 200 to 300 hours of MCAT study time.
Is there a lot of psychology on the MCAT?
MCAT Psychology & Sociology: Disciplines
Introductory Psychology (65%) Introductory Sociology (30%) Introductory Biology (5%)
What score is 100% on MCAT?
What is the highest MCAT score? 528 is the highest MCAT score possible, which corresponds to the 100th percentile. Anything above a 524 is also a 100th percentile score, and a 522 or 523 is a 99th percentile score.
How to ace the MCAT in 3 months?
- Week 1: Diagnostic Test and Study Plan Setup.
- Weeks 2-3: Intensive Content Review.
- Week 4: First Full-Length Exam.
- Weeks 5-6: Focused Practice and Adaptive Review.
- Week 7: Second Full-Length Exam.
- Week 8: Time for Reflection and Growth.
- Weeks 9-10: Final Content Review and Practice.
What is a bad MCAT score?
What Is a Bad MCAT Score? The majority of medical schools in the US recommend that students score a minimum of 500 on the MCAT, which means scoring 125 in each of the four sections. So, technically speaking, a bad MCAT score would be anything below 500.
Is a 3.7 GPA good for pre-med?
A GPA of 3.7 is far from low and is generally competitive for many medical schools. Remember that medical schools assess various elements of your application, including your MCAT score, extracurriculars, and personal qualities.
What is the easiest degree to become a doctor?
If we use only these categories, family medicine is clearly the easiest medical specialty to enter, and, by extension, the easiest doctor to become.
What's the hardest pre-med course?
What Is the Hardest Pre-Med Course? The hardest course of the pre-med requirements depends on your strengths and weaknesses, but organic chemistry has a reputation for being the most difficult.