MCAT - Arete Educational Consulting

The MCAT is a computer-based exam required for admission to medical school.

Many selective medical programs consider the MCAT an essential part of their admissions decision. The MCAT tests would-be doctors’ knowledge of the sciences (chemistry, physics, biology and psychology) along with critical analysis and reasoning skills.

You and your Arete tutor will review and analyze the results of an initial diagnostic test to create the most suitable preparation plan. Your tutor will work with you on substance (i.e. science review), skill sets and test-taking techniques designed to save time, help avoid common MCAT pitfalls, and master the computer-based format. Because the MCAT is all-encompassing, it is essential to pinpoint weaknesses in material and work on test prep strategies.

How long is the test?

Seven and a half hours.

How many months in advance should I start preparing?

We recommend students begin preparing six to ten months in advance. This provides ample time to cover the extensive academic content, get used to the format, and develop strategies to handle the (gulp) five-and-a-half-hour test.

When is the test offered?

Over 20 times a year. The testing calendar is weighted towards Spring and Summer months.

Section	# of Questions	Minutes per Section	Content
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems	59	95	Physics, general chemistry. organic chemistry, and biochemistry
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills	53	90	Passage-based reading comprehension
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems	59	95	Biology and brochemistry
Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior	59	95	Neuroscience. psychology and sociology