How Long Is the MCAT and What to Expect on Test Day
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If you’re preparing for medical school, you’ve probably already heard horror stories about how long the MCAT feels. And while it’s true that it’s one of the longest standardized tests out there, knowing exactly what to expect can help you manage your time, energy, and nerves like a pro. So, how long is the MCAT really—and what should you expect on the big day? Let’s break it down so you can plan, prepare, and perform your best.
How Long Is the MCAT? The Simple Answer
The MCAT lasts about 7 hours and 30 minutes in total, including optional breaks. The actual testing time, excluding breaks, is 6 hours and 15 minutes spread across four main sections:
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Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (95 minutes)
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Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) (90 minutes)
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Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (95 minutes)
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Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (95 minutes)
Between each section, the AAMC allows short optional breaks and a longer lunch break halfway through the test. The total time includes check-in, pre-test tutorials, and post-test surveys.
The MCAT by Section: Time and Focus Breakdown
Understanding the timing per section helps you plan your stamina and pacing strategy.
1. Chemical and Physical Foundations (95 minutes)
This section tests your knowledge of general chemistry, physics, biochemistry, and organic chemistry applied to biological systems. With 59 questions, you get just under 1 minute and 36 seconds per question.
Tip: Time yourself during practice tests and avoid overanalyzing complex calculations—approximation often works faster.
2. CARS (90 minutes)
The CARS section is all about reasoning and reading comprehension. You’ll face 9 passages and 53 questions in total.
Tip: This is the only section that doesn’t test science knowledge, so focus on strategy—practice reading dense text under time pressure and stay calm when answers seem ambiguous.
3. Biological and Biochemical Foundations (95 minutes)
This section emphasizes biology and biochemistry, with some organic and general chemistry mixed in. It’s also 59 questions, similar in length and pacing to the first science section.
Tip: Don’t get stuck rereading passages—highlight key terms and move efficiently.
4. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations (95 minutes)
This final section tests how behavior, culture, and social processes affect health and biology. It also contains 59 questions.
Tip: Fatigue often peaks here. Plan your meals and breaks earlier to avoid crashing during this section.
Adding It All Up: Total MCAT Duration
Here’s how the day looks when you factor in breaks and administrative steps:
The process begins with a Check-in & Tutorial period lasting 30 minutes. Following this, the first major segment, Section 1, requires 95 minutes to complete. An optional Break is then provided for 10 minutes before the test continues.
The second major segment, Section 2, is allocated 90 minutes. This is followed by an optional Lunch Break of 30 minutes. The afternoon continues with Section 3, which is allotted 95 minutes, followed by another optional Break of 10 minutes. The final major segment, Section 4, is also set for 95 minutes.
The final administrative step is a Post-Test Survey, which takes 5 minutes. When all these components are combined, the Total Duration of the entire process is estimated to be about 7 hours and 30 minutes.
It’s a long day—comparable to a full work shift—but remember, mental preparation and pacing make all the difference.
What to Expect at the Prometric Test Center
Before test day, it’s smart to know exactly what the environment will be like. The MCAT is administered at Prometric centers, which follow strict security procedures.
Here’s what you can expect:
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Arrival and Check-In: You’ll present your ID, sign digital agreements, and have your photo and palm vein scanned. Arrive 30 minutes early to avoid delays.
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Storage: You’ll be assigned a locker for personal items—no phones, watches, or notes are allowed inside the testing room.
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Testing Room: You’ll be seated at a computer station with noise-canceling headphones and scratch paper.
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Monitoring: Proctors monitor you via cameras at all times to maintain exam integrity.
Be prepared for periodic breaks outside the room, where you can stretch, eat, or use the restroom. Just remember that the clock resumes after your designated time.
How to Stay Sharp for All 7+ Hours
The MCAT is as much a test of endurance as it is of knowledge. Here are strategies to help you stay mentally strong from start to finish:
1. Simulate Test Day in Practice
Don’t just study the content—recreate the timing. Take full-length practice exams at the same time of day as your actual test. Sit through all sections with realistic breaks. This helps your body adjust to the physical and mental demands of a long test day.
2. Plan Your Nutrition
Eat a balanced meal before the test, rich in protein and complex carbs. During breaks, pack light, energy-sustaining snacks—like nuts, bananas, or protein bars—to keep your energy steady. Avoid heavy or sugary foods that could cause fatigue later.
3. Train Your Focus
Practicing mindfulness or deep breathing can train your brain to recover quickly after stressful moments. Between sections, take slow, deliberate breaths to reset your focus.
4. Manage Your Breaks
Don’t skip them! Even short breaks make a difference. Stretch, hydrate, and take your eyes off the screen for a few minutes before returning.
Common Mistakes to Avoid on Test Day
Even the best-prepared students can trip up if they overlook logistics. Avoid these common pitfalls:
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Arriving Late: Being late can result in denied entry. Plan your route to the Prometric center ahead of time.
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Skipping the Tutorial: It may seem repetitive, but the short pre-test tutorial helps you settle your nerves before the real questions begin.
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Rushing Through Breaks: You’ll need every ounce of energy by the final section—use breaks strategically.
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Neglecting Sleep: Cramming the night before doesn’t help. Go to bed early, and arrive well-rested.
It’s Long, But You’re Ready
So, how long is the MCAT? It’s long enough to test not only your knowledge but also your discipline, patience, and endurance. But with smart preparation—timed practice, good nutrition, and a calm mindset—you can make those seven and a half hours count.
Remember: the MCAT is designed to test future doctors under pressure. And if you can manage that, you’re already one step closer to thriving in medical school.
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