Is there any calculus on the MCAT?

Asked by: Darius Krajcik  |  Last update: September 3, 2023
Score: 4.3/5 (24 votes)

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 .

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.

Does MCAT physics require calculus?

While the MCAT does not have calculus, most pre-medical students still have to take the class as part of the prerequisite courses for admissions to medical school. The general requirement is a year of math, which can be two semesters of calculus or one semester each of calculus and statistics.

What is the hardest thing on 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.

Is there no math in MCAT?

There is no math section on the MCAT, rather, MCAT math will show up during the Chemical and Physical Foundations of the Biology section. This section tests your ability to solve problems and understand complicated concepts in a short time.

MCAT SCORE REACTION 2023

39 related questions found

Do you need calculus for med school?

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.

How hard is the MCAT actually?

The MCAT requires more substantive, specific knowledge and is heavy on critical reasoning. The MCAT is also a very long exam, nearly twice as long as the GMAT and LSAT. So with respect to whether the MCAT is harder than other entrance exams, the answer is likely yes, but depends on the type of student you are.

How bad is a 500 MCAT score?

The highest MCAT score possible is 528. The MCAT scale is centered so that a 500 represents the mean score. AAMC recommends that med school admission committees consider applicants near the center of the range, rather than placing the most emphasis on the higher end of the scale.

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.

What is the lowest competitive MCAT score?

Anything lower than 490 is very unlikely to be acceptable. It should be noted, though, that very few test-takers score in this range. According to the data from the most recent years of MCAT test-takers, the average MCAT score overall is around 506.5.

What level of calculus is on the 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 .

What GPA do you need for medical school?

The average GPA for med schools overall is 3.64 for science and a 3.71 overall. Most medical schools require candidates to have a 3.0 or higher GPA to even apply, and many require 3.5 or higher.

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.

What percent of the MCAT is Chem?

Exam content will draw from*:

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

What is 100% on the MCAT?

What is the highest MCAT score? 528 is the highest possible MCAT score, 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.

What is the average MCAT score?

MCAT Score Statistics

The average MCAT total score is 502 with a standard deviation of 10.8, while the 90th percentile score is 515. As of 2023, there are 44,565 men and 51,890 women in medical school according to the AAMC. In the graphic below, we highlight some important MCAT score statistics.

Has anyone gotten a 528 on the MCAT?

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.

How bad is a 490 MCAT score?

Is 490 a bad MCAT score? in, and most importantly, your individual section scores. Attaining a score of 490 on the MCAT means you performed in the 20% percentile. An even distribution for the section scores is preferred.

Has anyone gotten a 45 on the MCAT?

But Graham Wehmeyer, a senior microbiology major, was walking into the dreaded MCAT, or Medical College Admission Test, completely prepared. Seven and a half hours later, Wehmeyer became one of the few examinees to receive a perfect 45 on the MCAT.

Can a high GPA make up for low MCAT?

The bottom line is this – if you have a low MCAT, you must do your best to balance it with a high GPA. While these stats are not the be-all and end-all of medical school admissions, some schools will not continue the review of your application if you do not demonstrate a strong academic history via your GPA and MCAT.

How rare is a 525 MCAT?

The answer depends on several factors including what type of medical school (MD vs DO vs Canadian) you're interested in, and most importantly, your individual section scores. Attaining a score of 525 on the MCAT means you performed in the 100% percentile.

Is the MCAT a lot of 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.

What is harder LSAT or MCAT?

If you're an experienced test-taker used to memorizing complex facts and information ahead of time, the MCAT may be a bit easier for you. Meanwhile, the LSAT could be the simpler option for proficient readers and writers with logical, analytical minds.

How long does the average person 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.