How Long Is the MCAT?

One of the first questions prospective examinees ask is, “Just how long is the MCAT?” The answer: much longer than most standardized tests. Understanding the exam’s length can help you prepare mentally and physically for test day.

Total seat time vs. testing time

The MCAT is composed of four sections with a total testing time of 6 hours 15 minutes. When you include breaks, check‑in procedures and the optional tutorial, total seat time approaches 7 hours 30 minutes. That makes it one of the longest admissions exams.

Section durations

• Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: 95 minutes
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): 90 minutes
• Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: 95 minutes
• Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior: 95 minutes

Including 10‑minute breaks between sections and a 30‑minute lunch break, the schedule adds up quickly.

Question volume

The MCAT contains 230 questions. Each science section has 59 questions, while CARS has 53. When combined with the timing, this works out to roughly 1 minute 30 seconds per question in the science sections and slightly less in CARS—requiring efficient reading and critical thinking.

Why the length matters

The long duration demands stamina. Being prepared for the exam’s length and complexity helps manage fatigue and anxiety. You need to maintain focus for multiple hours across different subjects, which means mental and physical endurance are just as important as content knowledge.

Building endurance

1. Take full‑length practice exams. Complete practice tests under timed conditions to experience the fatigue that sets in after several hours. Identify when your concentration wanes and adjust your pacing.
2. Develop a break routine. Use the scheduled breaks strategically—eat nutrient‑dense snacks, hydrate and do light stretches to revive yourself.
3. Simulate test day. Wake up at the same time you will on test day, eat the same meals and follow the same schedule during practice. This trains your body’s rhythm and reduces surprises on the actual day.
4. Train your mind. Build focus through meditation or mindfulness exercises. Learning to bring your attention back when it wanders will help you during long passages and calculations.
5. Stay physically healthy. Regular exercise and adequate sleep improve cognitive performance and resilience. Avoid heavy caffeine or sugar loads that may lead to energy crashes mid‑exam.

Takeaway

The MCAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Knowing that you’ll be at the testing center for more than seven hours and planning accordingly will help you maintain performance from start to finish. By building endurance and designing a break strategy, you can turn the test length from a weakness into a strength.