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The Daily Insight

What kind of physics is on the MCAT?

Author

Ava Bailey

Updated on June 08, 2026

Chemistry and Physics Subjects on the MCAT
General Chemistry subjects to study for the MCAT:
Atomic Structure The Periodic Table Bonding and Chemical Interactions
Physics subjects to study for the MCAT:
Units and Dimensional Analysis Kinematics Work and Energy
Fluids Waves and Sound Light and Optics

Subsequently, one may also ask, is physics on the MCAT hard?

MCAT physics is pretty difficult in terms of the way they address the question, which is in some unique, bizarre version which may leave you scratching your head (or panicking). Physics in college is more straightforward in terms of what you'd expect but also more indepth, more math-intense.

Additionally, how do I study for physics on the MCAT? How to Prepare for MCAT Physics Questions

  1. Remember, it's not as scary as it looks.
  2. Know your units.
  3. Flashcards and memorization.
  4. Practice, practice, practice.
  5. Explain physics concepts to others.
  6. Get a tutor for MCAT physics.

Beside above, what type of physics is in the MCAT?

Chemistry and Physics Subjects on the MCAT

General Chemistry subjects to study for the MCAT:
Atomic Structure The Periodic Table Bonding and Chemical Interactions
Physics subjects to study for the MCAT:
Units and Dimensional Analysis Kinematics Work and Energy
Fluids Waves and Sound Light and Optics

Is physics important on MCAT?

According to the AAMC, you only need an introductory level of knowledge of physics, biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, biochemistry, psychology and sociology for the MCAT. Some passages may describe upper-division topics, but correctly answering the questions will not require upper-division knowledge.

Related Question Answers

Is there a lot of physics on MCAT?

Physics will represent somewhere between 20-30 percent of your MCAT Chem/Phys section, which is one of four MCAT sections. Hence, you can expect to see 12 to 18 physics questions (out of 230 total questions) on the entire MCAT—about 5 to 8 percent of the exam.

Is getting a 510 on the MCAT hard?

How hard is it to get a 510 on the MCAT? While the exam is challenging, the short answer to that question is “no.†Each and every year, students do well on the MCAT, making them even stronger candidates for medical school.

Is there calculus 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 the highest MCAT score?

528

Can you pass the MCAT without taking physics?

Bottom line: you dont need to complete physics before the MCAT. TPR will teach you everything you need to know.

Is 511 a good MCAT score?

A "good" MCAT score is one that puts you near or above the average percentile for matriculants at your target medical schools. For comparison, the average MCAT score for students admitted to an MD program in the United States in 2017–2018 is between 510 and 511, with an average GPA of 3.71.

Is physics II on the MCAT?

What are the actual prerequisite courses for the MCAT? All students need to take Physics 1 and 2 – without exception.

Do you need to memorize formulas for MCAT?

The simple answer is that you should not spend your time trying to memorize every single equation that might show up on the MCAT. Because more often than not, the MCAT will give you the equation you need to solve the problem. This doesn't mean you won't need to have some equations memorized though.

Can you self study physics for the MCAT?

Yes, you can do it. I didn't have Physics 2, but studied optics, circuitry, and other things from the guidebooks (EK and Kaplan) and was fine (129 CP). Figure out the topics and put in the work, it can be done.

Is the MCAT all multiple choice?

The official MCAT is given entirely through a computer interface. All questions are multiple-choice. The first section of the exam is the Physical Sciences section, followed by the Verbal Reasoning section, followed by the Biological Sciences Section.

How much Orgo is on the MCAT?

You likely spent one or two entire semesters studying organic chemistry, but the MCAT will ask you only about 6 to 12 questions on organic chemistry out of 230 total questions.

How much Biochem is on the MCAT?

Biochemistry is about 25% (plus or minus 5%) of the C/P and B/B sections. These sections have 59 questions each, meaning that you may see between 24 and 35 biochemistry questions. That's a big part of your score, so understanding the content and correctly applying it will be massively valuable.

Can you take the MCAT without physics 2?

Full Member. I took the MCAT without physics two and it wasn't a problem, just spend a week or two memorizing in reviewing the Kaplan book on physics, and you'll be fine.

Do you need physics 2 for med school?

From the general premed requirements, the only classes i need to take is PHYSICS 2, ORGO 2, and BIOCHEM. I will take biochem in my last semester (spring). But, I really don't want to take physics and orgo. The only reason, I might consider taking them is for the med school admissions.

Is physics required for med school?

Medical School Requirements

Most schools agree on the basic elements for pre-medical education. Minimum course requirements include one year each of biology, general (inorganic) chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and related lab work for each.

Is MCAT harder than SAT?

With a total exam day test time of seven hours and 30 minutes, the MCAT is more than twice as long as the ACT or SAT. That number dwarfs even the more ambitious college-entrance exam prep schedules. Minasi recommends that students spend 300-plus hours of prep time and spread it out over three to five months.

What is the lowest MCAT score possible?

MCAT scoring These 4 MCAT scaled scores are combined to create a total score that will range from a lowest possible score of 472 to a highest possible score of 528, with a midpoint of 500.