The thought of studying for and taking the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) can be overwhelming. There’s so much content to cover, and it can be challenging to figure out where to start (more on this to come). Before we get ahead of ourselves on how to prep for the MCAT, let’s look at what topics does the MCAT test.
The Topics on the MCAT
The MCAT exam tests you on the following topics and skills:
- Introductory Psychology
- Introductory Sociology
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Introductory Physics
- First-Semester Biochemistry
- Introductory Biology
- Basic Research Methods and Statistics
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning
Additionally, the MCAT will test you on the following four scientific inquiry and reasoning skills:
- Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles
- Scientific Reasoning and Problem-Solving
- Reasoning About the Design and Execution of Research
- Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning
Thankfully, the AAMC provides a detailed breakdown for each MCAT exam section and a list of the topics it covers. For your convenience, we’ve extracted some of the most important information from this 100+ page AAMC document. Read on for a brief overview encompassing everything MCAT test takers need to know about the exam’s sections and topics.
MCAT Sections
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
The Chem/Phys section will have 59 questions consisting of:
- 25% First-Semester Biochemistry
- 5% Introductory Biology
- 30% General Chemistry
- 15% Organic Chemistry
- 25% Introductory Physics
Here is a short list of some topics the MCAT tests in this section:
| Work and Energy | Solubility |
| Electrochemistry | Kinematics |
| Fluids | Radioactive Decay |
| Kinetics | Stoichiometry |
| Circuits | Waves |
| Lenses and Mirrors |
Translational Motion |
| Magnetism | Thermodynamics |
| Acids/Bases | Periodic Trends |
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
The CARS section is unique. Unlike the other sections, no background content knowledge is necessary for this part of the MCAT. Instead, CARS rewards well-developed reading comprehension, critical thinking skills, and test-taking strategies, meaning that ample practice with CARS-style passages is critical to scoring well.
You may be wondering why this MCAT section even exists at all—we’re going to be treating patients, not dissecting philosophy passages, right? But being a physician is more than just having science and medical knowledge; doctors must comprehend, interpret, and synthesize large amounts of information (and not just scientific information) to make effective clinical decisions.
Half of the CARS passages you’ll see come from the humanities and the other half from the social sciences. You’ll face nine passages, each with five to seven associated questions, 53 in total. Developing an effective CARS strategy will help you get through this section. Each question tests you on a variety of skills, including:
- 30% Comprehension
- 30% Reasoning Within the Text
- 40% Reasoning Beyond the Text
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
The Bio/Biochem section will have 59 questions composed of:
- 25% First-Semester Biochemistry
- 65% Introductory Biology
- 5% General Chemistry
- 5% Organic Chemistry
As its name suggests, this MCAT section focuses on living systems, so you’ll need to be familiar with the body and how it functions. We’ve listed some of the tested Bio/Biochem section topics:
| DNA | Reproductive System |
| Genetics | Nervous System |
| Enzymes | Endocrine System |
| Metabolism | Evolution |
| Circulatory System | Amino Acids and Proteins |
| Digestive System | Lipids |
| Muscular and Skeletal Systems |
Meiosis and Mitosis |
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
The Psych/Soc section will have 59 questions broken down as:
- 65% Introductory Psychology
- 30% Introductory Sociology
- 5% Introductory Biology
Some of the tested topics in this MCAT section may not necessarily help you diagnose a patient. However, they can help you understand your future patients’ behavior and circumstances, which is often equally important.
Here is a short list of topics the MCAT might test in this section:
| Cognitive Functions | Conditioning |
| Emotion and Stress | Central Nervous System |
| Memory | Bias, Prejudice, and Discrimination |
| Sleep | Psychological Development |
| Social Change and Inequality |
Psychological Disorders |
Your MCAT Test Prep Plan
Your undergraduate (and possibly graduate) coursework will cover many MCAT topics. However, you may not entirely master the material the first time around. You’ll need in-depth understanding to excel on test day, and we can help you get there.
If you’re just starting your MCAT prep, you’ll want to begin by taking an MCAT diagnostic test. Take advantage of Blueprint’s free, half-length MCAT diagnostic, complete with detailed analytics that will evaluate where you currently stand and which content areas and skills you need to work on to reach your goal score.
Once you’re ready, you’ll need to decide on your MCAT game plan. Whether you need the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, the instruction of a live 515+ Course, or the 1:1 attention of a private MCAT tutor, Blueprint MCAT has the MCAT prep option that works for your learning style!
Not sure which option is right for you? Schedule a free consultation with our Enrollment Advisors using the form below. No obligation, just expert advice.
