MCAT Sections & Subjects
Understand What the MCAT Really Tests, and Build a Smarter Study Plan
The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a comprehensive, standardized exam required for admission to most U.S. and Canadian medical schools. More than a content test, it is designed to assess how well you can apply scientific knowledge, analyze arguments, and think critically, skills you will rely on throughout medical school and your career.
This guide breaks down the four exam sections, the seven subject areas tested, and how the AAMC structures the exam to reflect real-world health science applications.
What Subjects Does the MCAT Cover?
The MCAT is based on introductory-level coursework typically completed in the first three years of college. The content spans seven major subjects:
- Biology
- Biochemistry
- General Chemistry
- Organic Chemistry
- Physics
- Psychology
- Sociology
In addition, the MCAT tests your reading comprehension and reasoning skills through a verbal section that draws from humanities and social science texts.
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MCAT Exam Format Overview
The MCAT includes four timed sections, each testing a specific group of topics. Three sections focus on science; one section focuses on critical thinking and reading comprehension.
| Section | Subjects Covered | Number of Questions | Time Allotted |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (CPBS) | Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry | 59 | 95 minutes |
| Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) | Humanities, Social Sciences | 53 | 90 minutes |
| Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (BBLS) | Biology, Biochemistry, Organic Chemistry | 59 | 95 minutes |
| Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (PSBB) | Psychology, Sociology, Biology | 59 | 95 minutes |
Detailed Section Breakdown
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Focus: Processes in living organisms, from DNA replication to immune responses
Subjects: ~65% Biology, 25% Biochemistry, 5% General Chemistry, 5% Organic Chemistry
Skills Tested: Experimental analysis, biological reasoning, and understanding core concepts of living systems
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Focus: Application of physical sciences to biological processes
Subjects: General Chemistry (~30%), Physics (~25%), Biochemistry (~25%), Organic Chemistry (~15%), Biology (~5%)
Skills Tested: Use of equations, interpretation of lab data, and integration of scientific concepts in human systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Focus: How psychological and sociocultural factors affect health
Subjects: ~65% Psychology, 30% Sociology, 5% Biology
Skills Tested: Understanding behavior, cultural influence, health disparities, and social systems
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Focus: Reading comprehension and logical reasoning
Subjects: Humanities and social science passages (no background knowledge needed)
Skills Tested: Interpreting arguments, evaluating assumptions, identifying tone and structure
What Math is on the MCAT?
While you will not need calculus, the MCAT requires you to be comfortable with:
- Basic algebra and arithmetic
- Proportions, exponents, and scientific notation
- Unit conversions and dimensional analysis
- Basic statistics and probability
- Data interpretation through graphs and tables
There is no calculator, so quick math skills and estimation are essential.
To help you track your progress while studying, we created a downloadable PDF checklist of all MCAT-tested topics, organized by section.
Use it to:
- Check off what you’ve already reviewed
- Identify gaps in your prep
- Set focused weekly goals
Download Your MCAT Topic Checklist