Statistics are based off a survey submitted by MCAT test takers in 2016.
The information presented is compiled from a post-MCAT survey administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) that is submitted only by individuals who have taken the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT). The data below presents information from the 2016 Post-MCAT Survey.
1. How much time did you spend preparing for the MCAT exam (excluding time taking regular courses)? Approximate number of weeks:
| Time (weeks) | Percent |
| 0-8 weeks | 29% |
| 9-12 weeks | 31% |
| 13-16 weeks | 18% |
| More than 16 weeks | 23% |
2. How much time did you spend preparing for the MCAT exam (excluding time taking regular courses)? Average number of hours per week:
| Time (hours per week) | Percent |
| 0-10 hours per week | 23% |
| 11-20 hours per week | 27% |
| 21-30 hours per week | 21% |
| More than 30 hours per week | 29% |
3. What kinds of resources did you use to prepare for the MCAT exam?
| Name of Resource | Percent |
| The Official MCAT content list | 45% |
| The Official Guide to the MCAT Exam | 45% |
| MCAT preparation book (paper version) published by a commercial company | 70% |
| MCAT preparation book (electronic version or e-book) published by a commercial company | 29% |
| MCAT practice tests published by the MCAT program | 64% |
| MCAT practice tests published by a commercial company | 66% |
| The Official MCAT Self-Assessment Package | 23% |
| Materials (e.g. handouts, online modules) from an MCAT test preparation course produced by a commercial company | 66% |
| Materials (e.g. handouts, online modules) from an MCAT test preparation course produced by a university, medical school, or post-baccalaureate program | 12% |
| Khan Academy | 61% |
| Other educational materials that are not specifically labeled for MCAT preparation (e.g., textbooks, course notes, online modules) | 29% |
4. In addition to the resources previously mentioned for each of the following areas, what other activities did you do specifically to get ready for the MCAT exam?
| Activity | Subsections correspond to different areas tested | Percent |
| Read on my own about this topic | Natural Sciences | 73% |
| Behavioral and social sciences | 76% | |
| Humanities | 61% | |
| Research/statistics | 56% | |
| Not Applicable | 14% | |
| Participated in a study group about this topic area | Natural Sciences | 19% |
| Behavioral and social sciences | 15% | |
| Humanities | 10% | |
| Research/statistics | 11% | |
| Not Applicable | 76% | |
| Took an online course in the topic area | Natural Sciences | 22% |
| Behavioral and social sciences | 24% | |
| Humanities | 18% | |
| Research/statistics | 15% | |
| Not Applicable | 69% | |
| Volunteered in a setting that exposed me to this topic area | Natural Sciences | 28% |
| Behavioral and social sciences | 27% | |
| Humanities | 16% | |
| Research/statistics | 25% | |
| Not Applicable | 48% | |
| Volunteered or worked in a research lab that exposed me to this topic area | Natural Sciences | 41% |
| Behavioral and social sciences | 16% | |
| Humanities | 5% | |
| Research/statistics | 43% | |
| Not Applicable | 40% |