Is biochemistry needed for MCAT?

Yes, biochemistry is essential for the MCAT, heavily tested in the "Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems" section and crucial for connecting biology, chemistry, and physics concepts, even though only introductory knowledge is required, making it a key part of building a strong science foundation for the exam. While you don't have to take a class, it's highly recommended because it's a content-heavy, high-yield subject that helps you understand the complex, passage-based questions.

Is biochemistry important for MCAT?

The MCAT is primarily a test of critical reasoning skills. Knowing how to use biology and biochemistry information to interpret and solve more difficult problems is the key to a great MCAT score.

Do you need to take biochem before MCAT?

Essential #4: Biochemistry

Seeing the connections between fields is essential for the MCAT, where most of the questions are passage based and may require you to juggle chemistry, biology, and physics in one passage. I recommend taking this one or two semester before the test.

Does the MCAT have biochem?

The Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem) section of the MCAT evaluates your knowledge of core biological and biochemical principles, as well as your ability to apply scientific reasoning to complex passages and questions.

Can I get into med school without biochemistry?

Classes Often Required for Medical School

Biochemistry: Biochemistry has gotten a lot more attention since receiving an increased emphasis on the MCAT. Some schools make it a prerequisite, while others simply assume you have the knowledge if you studied for the MCAT.

500 ➡️ 518 On The MCAT In 24 Days: How I Did It!

What courses are needed for the MCAT?

All of the content on the MCAT exam is covered in introductory courses at most colleges and universities, including introductory biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and first-semester psychology, sociology, and biochemistry.

Is a 3.7 too low for med school?

No, a 3.7 GPA is not bad for medical school; it's generally considered competitive, often around the average or slightly below for highly selective MD programs, but strong enough for many schools, especially with an upward trend and a good MCAT score. A 3.7 combined with a strong BCPM (Science) GPA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Math) and compelling extracurriculars makes you a viable applicant, though lower GPAs might need more exceptional scores or experiences to compensate. 

What percent of MCAT is biochemistry?

Academic disciplines: First-semester biochemistry, 25% Introductory biology, 65% General chemistry, 5%

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. 

Is MCAT biochemistry hard?

MCAT biochemistry could be difficult for some test-takers. It is because there are lots of terms, definitions, properties, and structures to memorize and remember. However, if you employ an effective and proven strategy and technique, studying for the MCAT biochemistry isn't too difficult.

Can you self learn Biochem for MCAT?

Yes, you can study for the MCAT biochemistry on your own. You can use MCAT prep books and take free MCAT prep courses while preparing for the MCAT. You can also utilize the online MCAT practice questions, flashcards, and practice exams.

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. 

Is a B+ in orgo bad for med school?

A B+ in organic chemistry (Orgo) is generally not considered bad for medical school, but it's not ideal either; while a strong overall GPA, excellent MCAT, clinical experience, and research can offset it, a B+ signals good, not excellent, performance in a key pre-med weed-out course, so focus on excelling in other sciences and demonstrating strong problem-solving skills. 

Can you pass MCAT without biochem?

Biochemistry encompasses a vast amount of content.

Hence, understanding it is not only crucial for related MCAT questions but also for enhancing overall reasoning skills. It provides valuable insights into other concepts on the exam, even those not explicitly categorized as biochemistry.

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.

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. 

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. 

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.
 

How common is it to fail the MCAT?

The MCAT is not a pass/fail exam, and scores are ranked as a percentile among other test-takers in the same testing year. While there are other factors that play a role in medical school admissions, having a good MCAT score strongly improves admission chances.

Is biochemistry good for med school?

A degree in Biochemistry allows you to complete the prerequisites for medical school, while gaining hands-on lab experiences to set you apart from the crowd.

What's the hardest section of the MCAT?

The hardest MCAT section is subjective, but many test-takers find CARS (Critical Analysis and Reading Skills) the most difficult due to its non-scientific, logic-based nature and need for rapid comprehension, while others struggle with the dense content and complex problem-solving in the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys) section, especially physics and organic chemistry concepts, and some find the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc) section's nuanced theories challenging.
 

What is the lowest GPA for Harvard Medical School?

Harvard Medical School's overall median GPA is 3.97. HMS does not have a minimum GPA requirement. Harvard Medical School's median GPA is 3.97, but its mean GPA is 3.94. In 2025-2026, all medical school applicants and matriculants had an average overall GPA of 3.64.