How hard is the physics on the MCAT?

MCAT physics is challenging for many students, not because of overwhelming depth, but due to its application-heavy, equation-based nature in the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (C/P) section, requiring strong conceptual understanding, unit mastery, and algebraic application, especially in areas like electricity, fluids, and optics, even though it's a smaller part of the overall exam (around 15 questions out of 230). Many find it harder than other sciences due to less intuitive connections and reliance on math, but mastering key formulas and focusing on high-yield topics makes it manageable.

What level of physics is on the MCAT?

The MCAT includes both Physics 1 and Physics 2. The focus is more on Physics 1, but since the physics section is weighted heavily on the test, it is in your best interest to take Physics 2.

Are the physics questions on the MCAT hard?

Comments Section When I took the test, the physics questions were very easy. Usually just an equation that you've probably seen a million times already (think E = hc/λ, F=ma, V = IR, etc). If there is a more complicated formula, it will usually be given. That's just from my observations, so YMMV. Agree with this.

What is 90% correct on MCAT?

Getting 90% correct on the MCAT usually translates to a score in the 90th percentile (around 515+ total), meaning you scored better than 90% of test-takers, with scores of 128-130 per section, though exact raw scores vary by section difficulty and test date due to statistical equating. Achieving this means answering most questions correctly, often around 44-48 questions per section, placing you as a very competitive applicant for medical school. 

What is the hardest topic on the MCAT?

Hardest MCAT Questions and How to Tackle Them

• Biology & Biochemistry: Mechanisms of Enzyme Action.
• Physics: Forces and Motion.
• Psychology/Sociology: Social Theories and Behavior.
• Chemistry: Equilibrium and Le Chatelier's Principle.
• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

MCAT Physics: Top Study Strategies from a 528 Scorer

How bad is a 487 MCAT score?

A 487 MCAT score is generally considered below average and unlikely to be competitive for most U.S. MD programs, placing you around the 11th-14th percentile, well below the average matriculant score of ~501-510+. While some DO programs or specific circumstances might be possible, you'll need a very strong application (GPA, experiences) and should strongly consider a retake to achieve scores in the low 500s (e.g., 500+) for better chances. 

What is a 78% on the MCAT?

A 78% on the MCAT generally translates to a total score of 510, placing you in the 78th percentile, meaning you scored better than 78% of test-takers, which is a strong, competitive score for many medical schools, often above average for MD programs. While not in the highest tiers (like 90th percentile+), it's a very solid score that makes you competitive, especially when combined with a strong GPA and experiences. 

What is a top 1% MCAT score?

A top 1% MCAT score generally starts around 517-518+, with the highest percentile being the perfect 528, but scores in the low 520s (like 521-522) already put you in the 98th percentile or above, meaning you're scoring better than nearly everyone else and firmly in that elite tier for top medical schools, though a 528 is statistically extremely rare.
 

Is the 99th percentile the top 1%?

Yes, the 99th percentile is effectively the top 1% because it signifies you scored better than 99% of the population, placing you in the highest-scoring group, which is the top one percent. If 100 people are ranked, the person at the 99th percentile is above 99 of them, making them the top performer alongside those in that highest bracket. 

Is 512 MCAT too low?

No, a 512 MCAT score is not bad; it's a strong, competitive score, generally around the 84th percentile, meaning you scored better than most test-takers and are competitive for many MD programs, with averages often around 511-512 for admitted students, though higher scores (515+) boost chances for top-tier schools. It's a solid score that allows for broad applications, but consider your overall profile (GPA, experiences) and target schools, as very selective programs may prefer scores above 515. 

How heavy is physics on MCAT?

Physics makes up 25% of the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section of the MCAT. This equates to roughly 15 questions, or 33 points out of the section's possible 132.

Is the MCAT just memorization?

If acing the MCAT is your goal, you're well aware of the importance of memory. Beyond memorizing facts, the exam demands a deep understanding of complex concepts and the ability to recall and apply that knowledge under pressure.

What is the most heavily tested subject on the MCAT?

The biological and biochemical sciences are the most heavily tested subjects on the MCAT. While other subjects like chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology are also important, the biological and biochemical sciences remain consistently prominent and heavily tested on the MCAT.

How many questions can I miss on the MCAT to get a 520?

To get a 520 on the MCAT, you generally need to miss very few questions, perhaps only a handful across the entire test, but the exact number isn't fixed because scoring is scaled and depends on the test's overall difficulty and other test-takers' performance, meaning you could miss a few and still score high (around 97th percentile) or need near perfection. You can miss one or two questions per section and still score a perfect 132 on that section, but hitting a 520 (which requires high section scores like 130+) means extreme accuracy, often under 10 errors total for the whole exam. 

What level of math is on the MCAT?

Any math that is on the MCAT is fundamental: just arithmetic, algebra, and trigonometry. There is absolutely no calculus on the MCAT. Math-based problems will appear mostly in the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section .

What is considered a low MCAT score?

According to the AAMC, the median MCAT score for all applicants is 506.1, while the median for matriculants is 511.8. In practical terms, anything below 506 is considered low, and to be truly competitive, you should aim for 512 or higher.

What IQ puts you in the 99th percentile?

An IQ score in the 99th percentile means you scored higher than 99% of people, with the score typically around 135 or higher, indicating exceptionally high intelligence, often classified as "Gifted" or "Very Advanced," though exact scores can vary slightly by test and definition. This places individuals in the top 1% of the population, a level that qualifies for high-IQ societies like Mensa (around 130) and Intertel (around 135).
 

Is 200 marks enough for 99 percentile?

While the focus is often on the score, achieving a 99+ percentile typically requires a student to score between 190 and 210 marks, depending on the shift's toughness. This range serves as a benchmark for students aiming for elite performance.

Is the 95th percentile the top 5%?

Yes, the 95th percentile is the same as the top 5%, meaning that 95% of the data points fall below that value, and only 5% fall above it, indicating excellent standing in most contexts like test scores or performance metrics. It marks the point where you've surpassed almost everyone, excluding the highest outliers.
 

What is a good MCAT score in Canada?

There are 2 answers to this question. Answer #1: in most recent medical school application cycles, a score of 510-511 and above would be considered a good MCAT score. A good MCAT score would not have any section scores below 127. Anything above 520 is exceptional.

What MCAT score DO I need for Harvard?

Harvard Medical School (HMS) is extremely competitive, with recent average MCAT scores for matriculants hovering around 520-521, though there's no official minimum score, and acceptance relies on holistic review. While scores in the 512-528 range are common for accepted students, achieving a 515+ score is generally needed to be competitive for top-tier schools like HMS, reflecting rigorous standards.
 

Can I get into med school with a 507 MCAT?

Whilst it's certainly possible to get into a medical school with a 507 or below (and there have been cases of students accepted with sub-500 scores), it's unlikely – especially if you're applying for a more competitive college. In general, it's difficult to get accepted with an MCAT score below 500.

Was the old MCAT easier?

The old MCAT is a lot easier to approach since you can apply the same method you used for studying in your classes. The new MCAT requires a lot more critical thinking and reading comprehension, especially as it relates to reading scientific passages.

What if my child is in the 97th percentile?

In the 3rd percentile to below the 85th percentile is at a healthy weight. In the 85th percentile to the 97th percentile is overweight. Above the 97th percentile to the 99.9th percentile is obese. Above the 99th percentile is severely obese.

Is 129 cars good?

The average MCAT score for the CARS section was 124.6 in 2025-2026. To land in the 90th percentile, you need a score of 128 or higher.