The CARS section of the MCAT is 90 minutes long.
The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section is one of four sections on the MCAT exam. It tests reading comprehension, critical thinking, and reasoning abilities through passages from various disciplines. Test-takers must answer 53 passage-based questions within the 90-minute time limit, averaging about 1.7 minutes per question.
MCAT Section Timing Comparison
| Section | Time Limit | Number of Questions | Time per Question |
|---|---|---|---|
| CARS | 90 minutes | 53 | 1.7 minutes |
| Chemical/Physical | 95 minutes | 59 | 1.6 minutes |
| Biological/Biochemistry | 95 minutes | 59 | 1.6 minutes |
| Psychological/Sociological | 95 minutes | 59 | 1.6 minutes |
Effective CARS Test-Taking Strategies
- Read actively and annotate key points in the passage
- Identify the main idea and author's tone before answering questions
- Eliminate obviously wrong answer choices first
- Watch the clock to ensure you complete all questions
- Skip difficult questions and return if time permits
Common CARS Passage Topics
- Humanities (literature, philosophy, art)
- Social sciences (economics, sociology, political science)
- Ethics and philosophy
- Cultural studies
Scoring for CARS Section
The CARS section is scored on a scale from 118 to 132, with the median score typically around 125. This score contributes to your overall MCAT score, which ranges from 472 to 528. Strong performance in CARS demonstrates critical thinking skills valued by medical schools.