Medical Sciences Program

Faculty of Science

MCAT Information

What does the MCAT look like?

1. According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC):

The Medical College Admission Test® (MCAT®) is a standardized, multiple-choice, computer-based test. The MCAT exam tests the skills and knowledge that medical educators, physicians, medical students, and residents have identified as key prerequisites for success in medical school and practicing medicine. The content is divided into four sections:

  • Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
  • Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
  • Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
  • Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

The AAMC develops the MCAT exam and administers it multiple times each year, from late January through September, at hundreds of test sites throughout the United States and Canada and in select locations throughout the world.

2. Length of test:

  • The test now takes approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes to complete. Practice is key!

3. Scoring:

You will receive five results from your MCAT exam—one for each of the four sections and one combined total score.

  • Section scores - Each of the four section scores will range from 118 to 132. Test takers will receive scores for each of the four sections.
  • Total score - Scores for the four sections are combined to create a total score. The total score ranges from 472 to 528.

    Scores typically are reported 30–35 days after your exam date.

To gain more information about the MCAT, please visit the MCAT/AAMC website Taking the MCAT Exam

Dalhousie and the MCAT

To be considered for admission, your MCAT score must meet the minimum requirement for the applicant category to which you are applying. 

Residents of NS, NB, and PEI - Minimum TOTAL score of 499 AND a minimum score of 124 in each section.

  • Any section score of 123 or less is not eligible for application.

Residents of all other Canadian provinces and territories - Minimum TOTAL score of 503 AND a minimum score of 124 in each section.   

  • Any section score of 123 or less is not eligible for application.

MCAT scores are eligible for five years from the date written. If, at the time of application, your scores are older than 5 years you will be required to rewrite the MCAT. Find out our MCAT testing date deadlines.

Make sure you indicate in Step 1 of your Dal med school application which set of MCAT scores you want used for assessment. Scores must all be from the same test date.

MCAT practice tests and test registration is done through the Medical College Admission Test website.

For the most up-to-date information about Dalhousie Medical School and its admission requirements, please visit the school website.

Other schools

For information about admissions to medical schools across Canada, please select the school of interest from the list below. If you plan on applying to one of these medical schools upon completion of your Medical Sciences degree, talk to the Medical Sciences Program Coordinator (medsci@dal.ca)to discuss the appropriate course-selection plan to help you prepare.