The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a critical step for anyone aiming to get into a U.S. or Canadian medical school. It’s a long, complex exam that evaluates a student’s readiness for the demands of medical education. One common question that often comes up among pre-med students is: “Is analytical physics on MCAT?”
This question deserves a clear and well-informed answer. Let’s break it down in a way that helps you understand exactly what role physics plays in the MCAT and what kind of questions you should expect, especially regarding analytical concepts.
What Does Analytical Physics Mean?
Analytical physics refers to a methodical, math-based approach to understanding physical phenomena. Instead of just memorizing facts, this approach focuses on breaking down problems using logic, formulas, and mathematical tools.
You might have experienced analytical physics in college when you worked on problems that required step-by-step mathematical derivations. It often includes:
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Using calculus and algebra to solve motion and energy problems
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Applying Newtonian mechanics to complex systems
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Building conceptual models before plugging in numbers
But is this the same kind of physics tested on the MCAT?
Does MCAT Test Analytical Physics?
The short answer is yes, but not in the way it’s traditionally taught in many university-level physics courses. The MCAT does test physics, and it certainly includes analytical thinking, but the depth and mathematical complexity are limited.
The MCAT is not a math-heavy physics test. You won’t be asked to perform long calculus-based derivations. In fact, calculus is not tested at all. Instead, the test focuses on physics concepts that are important for understanding the human body and biological systems. That includes basic algebra-based problem solving and the ability to think through physical principles.
So while analytical thinking is necessary, the physics content is tailored to be relevant to medical science. It’s more about applying logic to solve simple problems than about mastering hardcore mathematical physics.
What Kind of Physics Is on the MCAT?
The MCAT includes a section called Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems. This section contains questions from:
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General chemistry
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Organic chemistry
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Biochemistry
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Physics
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Biology
Physics questions generally cover topics such as:
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Kinematics and Newton’s Laws
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Work and Energy
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Fluid dynamics
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Electrostatics and circuits
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Thermodynamics
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Sound and waves
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Light and optics
All of these require analytical reasoning, but again, not the same level of math used in upper-level physics courses. You’ll often be asked to:
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Interpret graphs and data
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Estimate values
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Use simple equations like F=ma or V=IR
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Understand how physical principles apply to the human body (e.g., blood flow in arteries)
How Analytical Do You Need to Be?
Let’s clarify what kind of analytical skills you actually need.
1. Conceptual Reasoning
You must understand the concepts behind formulas. If a question involves pressure in a fluid, you need to grasp what pressure means, how it changes with depth, and what happens when variables shift.
2. Equation Application
You’re expected to know key physics equations and be able to manipulate them. For instance, solving a problem that involves potential energy means understanding the formula and knowing how to plug in values, rearrange terms, or estimate answers without a calculator.
3. Graph Interpretation
Often, MCAT questions involve graphs or tables. You need to be comfortable interpreting trends and drawing conclusions from visual data.
4. Critical Thinking
Some questions are passage-based. These provide you with an experiment or situation and ask multiple questions based on that. This is where your analytical ability really gets tested—connecting different ideas, making inferences, and selecting the best answer based on context.
Do You Need to Study Analytical Physics Separately?
You don’t need to take a separate “analytical physics” course to succeed on the MCAT. Standard algebra-based physics taught in introductory college classes is more than enough. The key is how you study.
Here are some simple, actionable tips:
Focus on Application, Not Just Memorization
Don’t just memorize formulas. Work on understanding what each variable represents and how they connect to real-world situations, especially in biological systems.
Practice MCAT-Style Questions
Many students struggle not because they don’t know physics, but because they’re unfamiliar with how the MCAT asks questions. Use official AAMC practice material and reputable MCAT prep books to get used to the style.
Review Weak Areas Regularly
Physics builds on itself. If you struggle with forces, you’ll probably struggle with circular motion too. Identify weak spots and revisit them with focused practice.
Use Dimensional Analysis
The MCAT rewards students who can use units to eliminate wrong answers or confirm correct ones. This is a classic analytical skill that’s surprisingly useful in test scenarios.
Is Physics a Major Part of the MCAT?
Physics doesn’t dominate the test, but it does play a significant role in one of the four main sections. Expect about 15–20% of your questions in the Chemical and Physical Foundations section to be physics-based.
While that might sound small, every question matters on a test like the MCAT. Your physics knowledge could easily make or break a strong section score.
Should You Worry About Analytical Physics?
No, but you should prepare wisely.
If you’ve taken an algebra-based physics course and understood the concepts, you’re already on solid ground. You don’t need graduate-level math or deep theoretical knowledge. What you need is:
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Comfort with core concepts
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Ability to apply them to new situations
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Confidence in solving multi-step problems
The MCAT doesn’t care if you can derive Maxwell’s equations. It cares if you understand how voltage, resistance, and current affect a nerve signal or how pressure differences influence blood flow.
Mastering Analytical Physics for MCAT Success
So, is analytical physics on the MCAT?
Yes, but it’s not advanced in the mathematical sense. You will be tested on physics topics that require logical, analytical thinking, but the math is kept simple and accessible.
Your job is to focus on core concepts, practice applying them, and stay calm under pressure. With the right approach, the physics section can actually become one of your strongest areas.
If you’re just starting your prep, take some time to review the AAMC content outline. Then, start working through passage-based questions. That’s where your analytical thinking will really start to grow—along with your confidence.
Let your preparation be strategic, focused, and clear. That’s the real key to mastering physics on the MCAT.
