How Many CARS Passages on the MCAT? Here’s What to Expect and How to Prepare | MedSchoolBro
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Let’s be honest: CARS feels like a different beast. If you’ve been wondering how many CARS passages are on the MCAT, you’re not just trying to count questions—you’re trying to get ahead of one of the trickiest sections on the test.
Good. Because mastering CARS doesn’t happen by chance. It happens when you walk in knowing exactly what’s coming—and how to approach it with strategy, not stress.
Why This Question Matters
You’re not just asking how many CARS passages on MCAT to fill in a number on a spreadsheet. You’re trying to plan your prep time wisely. CARS isn’t content-heavy like the sciences. You can’t memorize your way through it. That’s why knowing the structure is step one to mastering it.
So, How Many CARS Passages Are There?
Here’s what you’re up against:
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There are 9 CARS passages on the MCAT
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These passages include 53 questions total
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You’ll have 90 minutes to complete the section
Each passage usually includes 5–7 questions. Topics are drawn from the humanities and social sciences—think philosophy, ethics, literature, and history. No background knowledge is required, but sharp reading and reasoning skills are absolutely essential.
Why CARS Deserves a Spot in Your Study Plan
The CARS section often gets ignored until the last minute. Big mistake. It’s a major score differentiator—especially for students aiming for top medical schools. Strong CARS performance signals that you can think critically, analyze arguments, and communicate effectively. It’s also a skill that translates far beyond the exam room.
If you’re preparing for the MCAT, your strategy shouldn’t just ask how many CARS passages on MCAT? It should ask: how am I training to tackle them with confidence?
What Actually Helps You Improve
CARS prep isn’t about reading faster. It’s about reading smarter.
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Practice regularly. Treat CARS like a muscle—it grows with consistency.
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Review with intention. Don’t just see which questions you got wrong—ask why.
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Learn patterns. CARS passages follow a rhythm. Get familiar with the kinds of reasoning the AAMC rewards.
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Stay calm under pressure. CARS tests focus, not just comprehension. Build stamina with timed practice.
Tools That Make CARS Click
Med School Bro’s MCAT collection includes resources built to help you study smarter—visual guides, strategy tools, and structured practice materials that break down complex content in ways that stick.
When you’re planning how to approach those 9 CARS passages on the MCAT, we’ve got the tools to make every minute count.