About the New MCAT

According to the medical school faculty and administrators I’ve spoken to, one of the best predictors of success in medical school, especially during the first year, is the MCAT. That’s why most medical schools place such an emphasis on MCAT scores. So why did the MCAT need to change? At a time when healthcare and the roles of physicians are evolving, the MCAT had to change to adapt to current and future medical training. And as society ages and grows more diverse, it’s only natural that the MCAT needed to include a section on psychology, behavior, and sociology. In addition, some students who did well on the MCAT were not able to apply their knowledge once they got to medical school. The new test involves more reasoning, analytical, and critical thinking skills than it does memorization.

The biggest changes in the new MCAT include (1) an increased emphasis on biochemis-try, (2) a new section that tests knowledge and aptitude in psychological, multicultural, sociological, and behavioral concepts, and (3) a section on critical analysis and reasoning skills. These changes have been implemented to reflect new ways medical schools are currently training doctors of tomorrow and to better screen potential applicants. Not only has the overall content changed by as much as 50 percent, the test is now longer than previous versions in both time and the number of total questions. The seven major changes to the new MCAT are:

1. The exam is approximately two hours longer than the previous version.

2. There are more questions per section.

3. There’s a much greater emphasis on biochemistry.

4. Chemistry and physics topics are more related to biological systems.

5. The writing sample has been eliminated.

6. Natural science and technology topics are not included in the critical analysis and rea-soning skills section.

7. A section on psychology, sociology, and behavioral science has been added.

According to the AAMC, the new MCAT is a much better predictor of medical student success in this new era of medicine and a changing healthcare environment. And because it’s a longer test than previous MCATs, with many more questions, scores are statistically more reliable.

Starting with the 2015 MCAT, scores on the four sections are added for a total score ranging from 472 to 528, with 500 as the average. Individual section scores are centered at 125 with ranges from 118 to 132. For example, if a student scored 120, 122, 125, and 123 on the sections, the total score would be 490, which is below the 50th percentile. Scores of 126, 127, 127, and 130 would give the student a 510 total score, which is competitive. There’s no penalty for guessing, so never leave an answer blank. At the end of the exam, you’ll be asked to choose whether you wish to have the MCAT exam scored or voided. If you don’t choose an option, the exam will automatically be scored. If you void the exam, you will not get a refund, but medical schools won’t know you took the test.

The writing section was eliminated on the 2015 MCAT because it proved to be the least reliable in predicting medical student success. Another big change is that there are about 117 more questions on the new exam, which means that you’ll be sitting in front of a computer for more hours. On the bright side, test-takers will have slightly more time per question than they did on the old exam. Until the class of 2017, students had the option of taking either the new MCAT or the older version, since most medical schools accepted MCAT scores from the last three years.

Since the new MCAT’s introduction was introduced in 2015, it will take a few more years to determine how effective it is in predicting medical student success. However, students should strive to score at least 127 on each section and have an overall score of at least 508 to be as competitive as possible. Based on past admissions statistics, students with scores in the center of the scale are more likely to succeed in medical school and pass their licensure exams on the first try. A complete explanation of the new MCAT and how it’s scored, as well as sample questions, is available on the AAMC website.

From: The New Medical School Preparation & Admissions Guide, 2025, 5th Edition