Mastering MCAT Timing: How to Stay on Track During Every Section

February 10, 2025 · San Diego, CA

Time management can make or break your MCAT score. You could know every amino acid and every psych term cold—but if you can't finish the exam, none of that matters. One of the biggest hurdles for students isn't content—it's timing. So let's break it down. Below is a detailed minute-by-minute MCAT timing strategy designed to help you stay on pace in all four sections of the exam.

Why Timing Matters

The MCAT is a grueling 7.5-hour exam. Pacing yourself isn’t just about finishing on time—it’s about keeping your brain from frying halfway through. If you spend too long on a passage early on, you’ll feel the stress snowball later. That’s why WozPrep teaches every student to stick to a strict but doable timing schedule—so when you practice, you’re not just doing questions. You’re simulating the real thing.

Timing for Science Sections: C/P, B/B, P/S

Each of these science-heavy sections gives you 95 minutes to answer 59 questions, spread across 10 passages and 15 discrete questions. Here’s our breakdown:

  • Passage 1 – 8 mins (1:35 → 1:27)
  • Passage 2 – 8 mins (1:27 → 1:19)
  • Discrete 1 – 4 mins (1:19 → 1:15)
  • Passage 3 – 8 mins (1:15 → 1:07)
  • Passage 4 – 8 mins (1:07 → 0:59)
  • Passage 5 – 8 mins (0:59 → 0:51)
  • Discrete 2 – 4 mins (0:51 → 0:47)
  • Passage 6 – 8 mins (0:47 → 0:39)
  • Passage 7 – 8 mins (0:39 → 0:31)
  • Passage 8 – 8 mins (0:31 → 0:23)
  • Discrete 3 – 4 mins (0:23 → 0:19)
  • Passage 9 – 8 mins (0:19 → 0:11)
  • Passage 10 – 8 mins (0:11 → 0:03)
  • Discrete 4 – 3 mins (0:03 → 0:00)

Stick to this breakdown religiously during full-length practice exams. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s learning how long you spend reading vs answering and knowing when to move on.

Timing for CARS: The Real Mental Marathon

CARS is 90 minutes long and contains 53 questions across 9 passages. It’s the highest-pressure section for timing because there are no discrete questions—just passage after passage. Many students make the mistake of overanalyzing early passages, then rushing through the rest. Here's the fix:

  • Passage 1 – 10 mins (1:30 → 1:20)
  • Passage 2 – 10 mins (1:20 → 1:10)
  • Passage 3 – 10 mins (1:10 → 1:00)
  • Passage 4 – 10 mins (1:00 → 0:50)
  • Passage 5 – 10 mins (0:50 → 0:40)
  • Passage 6 – 10 mins (0:40 → 0:30)
  • Passage 7 – 10 mins (0:30 → 0:20)
  • Passage 8 – 10 mins (0:20 → 0:10)
  • Passage 9 – 10 mins (0:10 → 0:00)

Pro Tip: Don’t spend more than 4 minutes reading the passage. Focus on main idea, tone, and argument structure. Then dive into the questions with purpose.

For more information on CARS, check out our guide on how to get better at CARS.

How to Apply These Timing Strategies

These numbers mean nothing if you’re not applying them under test conditions. That’s why it’s so important to practice with full-length exams and high-quality question banks that simulate real MCAT pressure.

Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Check out our companion article on the best MCAT practice materials to use these timing strategies effectively. Whether you’re using AAMC, UWorld, or third-party tests, the goal is the same: practice like it’s real so you’re ready when it is.

WozPrep’s Takeaway

At WozPrep, we don’t just help you memorize. We help you strategize. Timing is a skill—and just like every other MCAT skill, it can be trained. Use this breakdown, stick to it, and watch your score—and confidence—skyrocket.