Dr. Coon 👨‍⚕️
MCAT

Absolutely! Here's a breakdown of everything you need to know about the
MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) —
especially geared toward someone like you, who already has an advanced degree
and is pivoting toward becoming a doctor in psychiatric medicine.

🧠 What is the MCAT?

The MCAT is a standardized, computer-based exam
required for admission to nearly all MD and DO medical schools in the U.S. and Canada. 

It's designed to test both scientific knowledge
and critical thinking skills that you'll need to succeed in medical school.

📚 What Does the MCAT Cover?

The MCAT has four sections, each scored from 118 to 132
(with a total score range of 472 to 528). Here's what each section tests:

1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)

   • Biology, biochemistry, organic chemistry

   • Focuses on how cells and organ systems work
     
     

2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)

   • General chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry

   • How physical sciences apply to biological systems (e.g., lungs, blood flow)
     
     

3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)

   • Psychology, sociology, mental health concepts

   • Emphasis on behavioral science and social determinants of health

(You would likely shine in this section given your mental health background!)

4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

   • Reading comprehension

   • Humanities and social science passages (no prior content knowledge needed)

Like the SAT/ACT reading section, but more analytical

⏱️ Timing and Structure

• Total test time: ~7.5 hours (including breaks)

• Total number of questions: 230 multiple-choice

• You can take the MCAT up to 3 times a year, 7 times in a lifetime

📈 What’s a Competitive Score?

• The average score for medical school matriculants is around 511

• Each school has different expectations. More competitive programs may want 515+

• DO schools generally accept slightly lower MCAT scores than MD schools

🧪 When Should You Take the MCAT?

You’ll want to:

• Take it no later than April–May 2026 if you want to start medical school Fall 2027

• Start studying 6–12 months in advance, depending on your science background

If you’re doing a post-bacc, most people take the MCAT after the first year, once you’ve finished the core prerequisites (bio, chem, org chem, physics).

📚 How Do You Study?

You can study:

• On your own using prep books (Kaplan, Princeton Review, etc.)

• With online courses or tutors (Blueprint, Altius, Khan Academy)

• Or through MCAT prep offered by your post-bacc program (many include it)

The key is consistency—most successful students study for 300–500 hours total.

💵 How Much Does It Cost?

• $335 for registration (as of 2024)

• Fee assistance is available through AAMC if you qualify (big discounts)
  
  

Site Created on 4/24/2025  1317

Updated on 4/24/2025  2005

 4/24/2025  1317