II MCAT Test Structure
The MCAT test is administered through computerized format and consists of four sections that have to be completed with a fixed time frame. the fours sections are:
- The Verbal Reasoning section
- Physical Sciences (77),
- Biological Sciences (77 multiple-choice questions), and a
- Writing Sample (2 essays, 30 minutes each).
The verbal reasoning section consists of 60 multiple-choice questions that have to be completed within the time frame of 85 minutes. Premedical students do not generally study the topics covered under this section. Students are provided with 500-600 word passages that they are expected to read and understand and then answer the questions listed below the passages.
Both the physical science section and the biological science section have a time limit of 100 minutes each, within which the students have to complete the 77 multiple-choice questions. The topics covered under the Physical Sciences section are Physics and Inorganic Chemistry, while the Biological Sciences covers topics in Biology and Organic Chemistry. The students are expected to make use of their knowledge on these topics and along with the information provided in the format of 250 word short passages, answer the questions listed.
The writing sample section requires the students to write 2 essays within the provided time frame of 30 minutes per essay. The Verbal Reasoning, Physical Sciences and Biological Sciences are graded on a scale point of 1-15, with 15 being the highest, and the writing sample is graded on an alphabetical scale ranging from J-T with T being the highest.
All the questions carry equal marks and the scores are awarded based on the number of questions the student had answered correctly, hence there is no negative grading.