Many medical schools in the USA and Canada require their applicants to take the MCAT as part of their admission process. So, if you are planning to pursue medical courses or enroll in med school, you should take the MCAT.
If you want to pursue law, business school, and other graduate school programs, then the GRE is the best one for you. The MCAT and GRE are two standardized examinations for higher educational programs.
However, many are still confused about whether or not to take both exams. Is it okay to only take either the MCAT or GRE, regardless of what profession you want to pursue?
In this article, we will go over the differences and similarities of MCAT and GRE based on their exam structure, contents, and other characteristics.
These details will help you understand better these two exams and will also help you choose the right exam for you.
What is the MCAT?
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized test for medical schools primarily based in the USA and Canada. It is a computerized multiple-choice exam specially designed for upcoming medical students.
Also, this exam is the primary requirement for admission to these medical schools. The MCAT’s objective is to measure students’ and test-takers' knowledge of Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Psychology, and Sociology, which are the fundamental sciences for the field of medicine.
Aside from that, it also tests one’s reasoning and critical analysis skills.
The exam contains four main test sections. The test runs for approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes total, and each test section contains 50+ test questions. The MCAT is conducted and developed by the Association of American Medical Colleges or the AAMC.
The four test sections of the MCAT are:
What is the GRE?
The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized exam commonly used by graduate schools and other institutions offering higher degree programs such as Doctoral Degrees, Master’s Degrees, Juris Doctor degrees (JD), and more.
It is accepted in the USA, Canada, United Kingdom, Europe, Singapore, Australia, and other English-speaking countries worldwide. And the GRE is recommended for individuals who want to pursue any graduate programs.
The GRE measures one’s readiness to enroll in a graduate school and assesses the individual’s cognitive thinking, writing skills, and quantitative reasoning.
It is also a computer-based test containing three exam sections, including an analytical writing assessment, a quantitative section, and a verbal test section. The duration of this exam is approximately three hours and 45 minutes.
The GRE Test Sections are:
MCAT vs.GRE: What are the Similarities?
The MCAT and GRE are both standardized tests generally used for admission to higher degree educational programs after finishing an undergraduate course such as those in medical schools, law schools, and other graduate school programs.
These two exams are computerized and have a specific time limit for each test section.
The MCAT and GRE are also designed to measure the student’s readiness to take up a higher degree program and to identify if they have enough knowledge and skills to be successful in the field.
Exam Format and Structure: MCAT vs. GRE
The MCAT and GRE have different exam formats and structures. For example, there are four test sections in the MCAT, while the GRE contains only three test sections.
If we compare the two exams in terms of their duration period, the MCAT takes longer to finish compared to GRE, which only takes about 3 hours and 45 minutes for the test-taker to complete the exam.
The MCAT and GRE have different exam frequencies. For example, MCAT offers 35 testing dates in a year, from the month of January up to September.
On the other hand, GRE can be taken three times a year if you prefer to take its paper-based test, and if you choose the computerized version, you can only take the exam once every 21 days.
Exam Format and Structure | MCAT | GRE |
|---|---|---|
Test Sections | -Biological and Biochemical Foundations -Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems -Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior -Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | -Analytical Writing -Verbal Reasoning -Quantitative Reasoning |
Test Duration | Duration per test section: 90 to 95 minutes each Overall: 7 hours and 33 minutes, including break times. | Approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes |
Test Frequency | 35 testing dates annually from January to September. | Paper-based GRE: Three times a year on specific months Computer-based GRE: It can only be taken once every 21 days |
Test Delivery Mode | Computer-Based Test | GRE Computer-Based Test GRE Paper-Based Test GRE at Home Test |
Scoring: MCAT vs. GRE
The MCAT and GRE have different scoring methods for their tests. The MCAT provides individual scoring for each test section that ranges from 118 to 132 points. These individual test section scores will have corresponding percentile ranks.
The percentile ranks for each test section’s scores are correlated with the scores from the previous test-takers results. It will give you an idea of the standing of your scores in each test section and whether you belong to the lower or higher percentile ranks.
The percentile rank ranges from 100% to 1%. Aside from the four individual test scores, test-takers will receive a summary of all the accumulated scores ranging from 472 to 528 points.
On the other hand, the GRE has different scoring scales for its respective test sections. For example, the quantitative and verbal test section has a scoring scale between 170 and 130. And its analytical writing section has a scoring scale of 6 to 0.
MCAT Scoring | GRE Scoring |
|---|---|
Score Range Per Test Section: 118 to 132 Overall Score Range: 472 to 528 | Quantitative & Verbal Section Scoring Scale: 170 to 130 points Analytical Writing Section Scoring Scale: 6 to 0 points |
This is the MCAT Percentile Rank from May 1, 2021, to April 30, 2022. The table below shows the MCAT overall scores with their corresponding percentile ranks.
Overall MCAT Score | Percentile Rank | Overall MCAT Score | Percentile Rank | Header | Overall MCAT Score | Percentile Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
472 | <1% | Cell | 491 | 19% | Cell | 510 | 78% |
473 | <1% | Cell | 492 | 21% | Cell | 511 | 81% |
474 | <1% | Cell | 493 | 24% | Cell | 512 | 84% |
475 | <1% | Cell | 494 | 27% | Cell | 513 | 86% |
475 | 1% | Cell | 495 | 29% | Cell | 514 | 88% |
477 | 1% | Cell | 496 | 32% | Cell | 515 | 90% |
478 | 1% | Cell | 497 | 35% | Cell | 516 | 92% |
479 | 2% | Cell | 498 | 38% | Cell | 517 | 94% |
480 | 3% | Cell | 499 | 42% | Cell | 518 | 95% |
481 | 4% | Cell | 500 | 45% | Cell | 519 | 96% |
482 | 4% | Cell | 501 | 48% | Cell | 520 | 97% |
483 | 6% | Cell | 502 | 52% | Cell | 521 | 98% |
484 | 7% | Cell | 503 | 55% | Cell | 522 | 99% |
485 | 8% | Cell | 504 | 58% | Cell | 523 | 99% |
486 | 9% | Cell | 505 | 62% | Cell | 524 | 100% |
487 | 11% | Cell | 506 | 65% | Cell | 525 | 100% |
488 | 13% | Cell | 507 | 69% | Cell | 526 | 100% |
489 | 15% | Cell | 508 | 72% | Cell | 527 | 100% |
490 | 17% | Cell | 509 | 75% | Cell | 528 | 100% |
Test Requirements: MCAT vs. GRE
The MCAT and GRE have different test requirements. Even though they are both used as admission tests in educational institutions, they do not have similar test requirements and differ in their registration process.
For example, for the GRE, you need to present valid and recent proof of your identification as part of their registration requirements. They do not accept photocopies and electronically issued IDs.
On the other hand, the MCAT has a different requirement when it comes to the types of IDs they accept. It also requires you to submit supporting educational documents and transcripts of records of your undergraduate courses.
Here’s a comprehensive table below to learn more about the different test requirements for each exam.
MCAT Test Requirements | GRE Test Requirements |
|---|---|
For Online Application -Make an account on the AAMC website. -Fill out the application questions and prompts on their website. -Go to MCAT registration systems and follow the instructions given. Present the following upon registration: 1. Any government-issued IDs (must be valid and not expired) 2. ID must contain a clear photo of you. 3. ID must be in English. 4. Accepted IDs include:
-Driver’s license -Passport -Permanent Resident Card (Green Card) -Employment Authorization Document -Canada Health Car (For Ontario and British Columbia only) -Consular ID -Canadian Aviation Card 5. Submit your academic transcripts (applicable for high school, undergraduate, and any post-graduate education). Also, it accepts unofficial transcripts but must reflect your full name. | For Registration Process: For registration, you can either register online at their official website. Also, accept walk-in registration at their testing centers. Present the following upon registration: 1. Original and not expired proof of identification. A physical ID should reflect your full name, recent photo, and signature. 2. Photocopied and electronically issued IDs are not accepted. 3. Accepted IDs include:
-Government-issued (National/State/Province Identity Card) -Supplemental ID (Student ID Card) -Confirmation of Identity Letter No Equipment Requirements Needed |
Test Costs: MCAT vs. GRE
The MCAT costs USD 310, while the GRE costs around USD 205 to 213. Both exams differ in their mode of payment.
The MCAT only accepts payments made through credit or debit cards. The GRE, on the other hand, offers several payment options for its test-takers, including credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and more. However, they do not accept cash as payments.
Here’s a comprehensive table reflecting their cost differences and payment options.
MCAT Fee | GRE Fee |
|---|---|
PAYMENT MODES: -Only accepts credit or debit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard) | PAYMENT MODES: -Accepts payment through credit cards and debit cards (American Express, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Rupay, Global, UnionPay, and Visa) -PayPal -E-check services (US Bank accounts only -Money order/certified check/voucher -Western Union Quick Pay -Personal Paper Check Note: Cash is not accepted. |
USD 310 | USD 205 to USD 213 |
Test Recognition: MCAT vs. GRE
The MCAT and GRE are highly recognized and trusted by various educational institutions worldwide. Most medical schools in the United States and Canada use the MCAT as a basis for admission, including this as part of their admission requirements.
The GRE is among the top choice entrance examination by most graduate schools, business schools, law schools, and other higher-level educational institutions.
Especially those located in English-speaking countries, including the United States, Canada, Europe, Singapore, and Australia. It is also accepted in over 190 countries worldwide.
Below are some medical schools that recognize and accept the MCAT.
Below are some graduate schools, universities, and colleges recognize and accept the GRE.
Which is Easier: MCAT vs. GRE
The MCAT and GRE have different difficulty levels. Even if they do not have the same exam structures and contents, the MCAT is considered more complex compared to GRE.
The MCAT is much more challenging and requires intensive preparation as it focuses on various branches of science, which are the basic fundamentals for studying medicine.
One factor that affects its difficulty is the length of the exam, as it covers many topics and contains complex questions.
While the GRE assesses the general knowledge such as verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, critical thinking, and analytical writing skills of an individual and one’s readiness to take up graduate-level programs.
Should You Take the MCAT or the GRE?
Plan to enroll in any graduate school to pursue any MBA programs, business schools, law schools, and more. You should take the GRE since it is the recommended exam for those who want to continue a higher education program.
And if you're going to pursue any medical course, then you can take the MCAT since it is designed especially for medical school admission.
However, you can also take the GRE and the MCAT because most medical schools require their applicants to present standardized exam results.
Summary Table of Differences: MCAT vs. GRE
Below is the table of differences between the MCAT and GRE.
MCAT | GRE | |
|---|---|---|
Test Sections | -Biological and Biochemical Foundations -Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems -Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior -Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills | -Analytical Writing -Verbal Reasoning -Quantitative Reasoning |
Test Duration | 7 hours and 33 minutes, including break times. | 3 hours and 45 minutes |
Test Frequency | 35 testing dates from January to September. | Paper-based GRE: Three times a year on specific months Computer-based GRE: Can be taken once every 21 days only |
Exam Cost | USD 310 | USD 205 to USD 213 |
Mode of Payment | Only accepts credit or debit cards (American Express, VISA, MasterCard) | -Accepts payment through credit cards and debit cards (American Express, Diners Club International, Discover, JCB, MasterCard, Rupay, Global, UnionPay, and Visa) -PayPal -E-check services (US Bank accounts only) -Money order/certified check/voucher -Western Union Quick Pay -Personal Paper Check Note: Cash is not accepted. |
Scoring | Score Range Per Test Section: 118 to 132 Overall Score Range: 472 to 528 With percentile ranks | Quantitative & Verbal Section: 170 to 130 scoring scale Analytical Writing: 6 to 0 |
Additional FAQs – MCAT vs. GRE
Is the GRE Harder than the MCAT?
Thus, we cannot fully provide the degree of difficulty comparison for the GRE and the MCAT. Note that institutions highly recognize and trust these exams to provide quality test results.
Some will say that GRE is harder than MCAT and vice versa, but you should also keep in mind that the difficulty levels of each individual who took the test are different and highly subjective.
Can the MCAT Substitute for the GRE?
The MCAT is required for medical school admissions. Educational institutions that require GRE scores will not honor and accept MCAT scores as a replacement.
Do Med Schools Require the GRE?
Instead, they need their applicants to take the MCAT, which is designed for med school since it serves as the standardized admission test for all medical schools.
To help you achieve your goal MCAT score, we take turns hosting these 
