GRE vs. MCAT: Which Is Harder?

Choosing between graduate school and medical school often comes with a crucial first step—tackling a standardized test that can make or break your application. For most graduate programs, it’s the GRE (Graduate Record Examination). For medical school, it’s the MCAT (Medical College Admission Test). While both exams aim to evaluate your readiness for advanced studies, they do so in entirely different ways, testing distinct skill sets, knowledge bases, and mental endurance.

But which one is harder? The answer isn’t as straightforward as you might think. It depends on several factors: the scope and depth of content, test length, type of reasoning required, and even the level of preparation expected. Some find the GRE challenging because of its heavy emphasis on vocabulary and abstract reasoning, while others struggle with the MCAT’s intense science focus and marathon-like duration.

This article dives deep into a head-to-head comparison of the GRE and MCAT, breaking down their structure, content, difficulty level, and preparation demands. Whether you’re deciding which path suits your strengths or just curious about how the two tests stack up, this guide will give you a clear, practical perspective.

Key Takeaways

The GRE is a general test focusing on verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing, typically requiring high school to early college-level skills.
The MCAT is highly specialized for medical school admissions, demanding deep knowledge in sciences like biology, chemistry, and physics, as well as critical thinking across long passages.
The MCAT is significantly longer (7.5 hours vs. 3.75 hours for the GRE) and requires greater mental stamina.
Preparation for the MCAT often takes 3–6 months of intense study, while the GRE can often be tackled in a few weeks to a few months, depending on your background.
Which test feels “harder” depends on your academic strengths: verbal/math skills (GRE) vs. science mastery and endurance (MCAT).

By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how each exam tests you, what challenges they bring, and which one might demand more from you.

Understanding the Purpose of Each Exam

Before assessing which test is harder, it’s essential to understand the distinct roles the GRE and MCAT play in graduate and medical school admissions. Their purpose shapes the content, format, and skills they assess, which ultimately influences how challenging candidates find them.

What Is the GRE Designed to Assess?

The Graduate Record Examination (GRE) is a standardized test broadly used by thousands of graduate programs worldwide. According to ETS (Educational Testing Service), which administers the GRE, the exam is intended to measure a candidate’s readiness for graduate-level academic work across a diverse range of disciplines, including business, engineering, social sciences, natural sciences, humanities, and the arts.

The GRE primarily evaluates three core areas:

Verbal Reasoning: This section assesses your ability to analyze and evaluate written material, understand relationships between words and concepts, and interpret meaning from context. It often includes reading comprehension, sentence equivalence, and text completion questions. Strong vocabulary and critical reading skills are essential here.
Quantitative Reasoning: This section tests basic mathematical skills and your ability to reason quantitatively and solve problems using arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The math content is generally at a high school to early college level, focusing more on problem-solving and logical reasoning than advanced calculus or statistics.
Analytical Writing: This section measures your ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and effectively, support ideas with relevant reasons and examples, and examine claims and evidence critically. You will write two essays: one analyzing an issue and one analyzing an argument.

The GRE is widely accepted by over 1,200 business schools and more than 1,000 graduate programs across the globe. This broad acceptance means the exam tests skills that are transferable across disciplines, focusing on reasoning and communication abilities that are essential in a variety of academic and professional contexts.

What Is the MCAT Designed to Assess?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), administered by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), is a specialized exam explicitly designed for prospective medical students. It assesses not only your mastery of scientific content but also your critical thinking, problem-solving, and reasoning skills in contexts relevant to the medical field.

The MCAT evaluates knowledge across four broad sections:

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems: This tests understanding of biological and biochemical concepts fundamental to living organisms and health.
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems: This covers general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and biochemistry as they apply to biological systems.
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior: This unique section assesses knowledge of psychology and sociology principles, emphasizing the social determinants of health and behavior.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): Similar to the GRE’s verbal reasoning but arguably more challenging, this section tests comprehension and analytical skills using passages from the humanities and social sciences. It focuses on your ability to evaluate arguments and interpret complex texts under time pressure.

Unlike the GRE’s generalist approach, the MCAT demands deep and integrated scientific knowledge. According to the AAMC, over 90% of medical schools in the U.S. and Canada require the MCAT for admissions, underscoring its critical role in shaping future physicians.

How Their Purposes Influence Exam Format and Difficulty

Because the GRE and MCAT serve fundamentally different purposes, their format and difficulty reflect that:

The GRE emphasizes broad cognitive skills and reasoning across various academic fields, making it versatile for many graduate programs. It tests your ability to think critically, comprehend complex texts, and apply quantitative reasoning, but the content is often less specialized.
The MCAT, on the other hand, is a rigorous filter specifically for medical education. It requires a strong foundation in multiple scientific disciplines, the ability to synthesize interdisciplinary knowledge, and the stamina to sustain focus over a much longer exam.

This difference explains why direct comparisons can be tricky. While the GRE tests your general academic aptitude, the MCAT challenges your preparedness for the intense scientific and ethical complexities of medical school.

Content and Structure: Breadth vs. Depth

One of the most important factors in evaluating the difficulty of the GRE and MCAT lies in the scope and depth of their content. While both tests aim to assess your readiness for rigorous academic work, they approach this goal from very different angles.

GRE: A Broad Range of General Academic Skills

The GRE General Test evaluates a wide array of cognitive abilities rather than specialized subject knowledge. It consists of three main sections:

Verbal Reasoning: Includes reading comprehension, text completion, and sentence equivalence. Passages span topics from the humanities and social sciences to natural sciences. A major challenge is the GRE’s sophisticated vocabulary, which demands mastery of high-level English words and the ability to decipher complex sentence structures.
Quantitative Reasoning: Covers arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis. The math is equivalent to high school and early college levels, but the GRE’s emphasis is on problem-solving and quantitative reasoning rather than rote calculation.
Analytical Writing: Requires test-takers to construct two essays—“Analyze an Issue” and “Analyze an Argument”—within tight time limits. This section assesses critical thinking and the ability to articulate and support complex ideas effectively.

Each section is designed to evaluate how well you can apply reasoning skills in diverse contexts rather than memorized knowledge. According to ETS, the average GRE Verbal Reasoning score is 150.61 and Quantitative Reasoning is 154.34 (out of 170), highlighting the moderately challenging nature of these sections.

While the GRE’s content breadth means you need to be versatile across verbal and quantitative reasoning, the required depth is relatively modest. Most concepts can be mastered within a few months of focused preparation, even for those returning to academics after a gap.

MCAT: A Deep Dive into Science and Critical Analysis

The MCAT is a much more specialized exam designed to assess readiness for medical school. Its structure includes four main sections:

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

These sections test knowledge of biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology. The MCAT isn’t just about recalling facts—it expects you to integrate concepts across disciplines and apply them in complex scenarios, mimicking the kind of critical thinking required in medical practice.

For example, a passage might describe a biochemical pathway and ask you to predict the physiological consequences of a specific enzyme inhibition, requiring knowledge from biology, chemistry, and physics. The CARS section introduces another layer of challenge by presenting dense humanities and social sciences passages, testing your ability to analyze, interpret, and evaluate arguments without needing outside content knowledge.

The depth of scientific understanding expected on the MCAT is substantial. According to AAMC data, the average total MCAT score in 2023 was 501.3 out of 528, but competitive medical schools often expect scores closer to 510–515, which places candidates in the 80th percentile or higher.

Breadth vs. Depth: A Clear Distinction

The GRE requires a wide but shallow skill set. It rewards adaptability and general cognitive skills across diverse academic areas. Success depends on verbal reasoning, agility, and quantitative literacy rather than extensive subject mastery.
The MCAT demands focused expertise in the sciences and critical reasoning. Success depends not only on memorization but also on the ability to synthesize complex ideas under time pressure.

In essence, the GRE challenges your versatility, while the MCAT challenges your depth of knowledge and scientific problem-solving abilities. For students with strong science backgrounds, the GRE may feel more accessible, but for those less comfortable with the sciences, the MCAT represents a significant intellectual and endurance challenge.

Exam Length and Stamina: The Mental Marathon Factor

When comparing the GRE and the MCAT, one of the most significant factors affecting difficulty is exam length and the stamina required to maintain focus and performance throughout the test. Standardized tests not only challenge your knowledge and reasoning abilities but also your endurance, mental resilience, and time management skills. How long you need to stay mentally sharp can influence your overall experience and performance more than you might expect.

GRE Exam Duration and Structure

The GRE General Test lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes, including two scheduled breaks. The exam is divided into multiple sections: verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, and analytical writing. Specifically, the format includes:

Two verbal reasoning sections (30 minutes each)
Two quantitative reasoning sections (35 minutes each)
One analytical writing section consisting of two essays (30 minutes total)
Unscored and research sections that vary in length, but are not timed separately

These breaks—usually one after the third section and another after the fourth—allow candidates brief moments to rest, recalibrate, and refocus. The breaks are important because the test requires you to shift between verbal and quantitative reasoning, which can be mentally taxing but manageable within the shorter overall test duration.

For context, the Educational Testing Service (ETS), which administers the GRE, designs the exam to test not only knowledge but also critical thinking and adaptability under time pressure. Because the sections are relatively balanced in length and the total time is under four hours, many candidates find the GRE’s endurance demands reasonable, though still challenging for those less accustomed to standardized testing.

MCAT Exam Duration and Structure

In stark contrast, the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a true endurance test, lasting approximately 7 hours and 30 minutes, including breaks, nearly double the length of the GRE. The MCAT is split into four sections, each testing different scientific disciplines and critical reasoning skills:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (95 minutes)
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) (90 minutes)
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (95 minutes)
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (95 minutes)

In addition to the section times, the exam schedule includes three mandatory breaks totaling about 30 minutes. There’s also an optional 10-minute break after the third section, meaning that the total time spent at the testing center can extend to nearly eight hours.

According to the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC), which administers the MCAT, this extended length reflects the test’s comprehensive nature, covering complex scientific knowledge, reasoning, and integration of multiple disciplines under a continuous, high-pressure environment. Many students report that the MCAT’s length is among its most daunting challenges, requiring not only mastery of material but also exceptional mental stamina and concentration.

A survey conducted by Kaplan Test Prep found that 70% of MCAT test-takers rated the length of the exam as one of their biggest hurdles, often citing fatigue and difficulty maintaining focus during the final sections. This extended duration demands that test-takers develop strategies for pacing, nutrition, hydration, and mental endurance well in advance.

Why Stamina Matters: Mental Fatigue and Test Performance

Extended testing sessions increase the likelihood of cognitive fatigue, which can degrade reasoning ability, memory recall, and problem-solving skills over time. According to a 2017 study published in Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, mental fatigue from prolonged cognitive tasks impairs attention and decision-making, which directly affects performance on demanding exams like the MCAT.

The GRE’s shorter duration and frequent breaks help reduce this fatigue, allowing test-takers to maintain consistent performance throughout. However, the MCAT’s length means that managing energy becomes a skill as important as mastering the content. Candidates often practice with full-length, timed practice exams to build endurance and simulate real testing conditions.

Difficulty of Questions: Reasoning vs. Memorization

One of the most significant factors that shape how difficult a test feels is the nature of the questions, specifically, whether they primarily assess reasoning skills or rely heavily on memorization. This distinction is crucial when comparing the GRE and MCAT, as each exam evaluates very different cognitive abilities and knowledge bases.

GRE: Emphasis on Reasoning, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving

The GRE is designed to measure your ability to think critically and analytically across a variety of contexts. Its questions emphasize logical reasoning, pattern recognition, and problem-solving rather than recalling specific facts from memory.

Verbal Reasoning: This section tests your ability to understand, analyze, and evaluate written material. It involves interpreting meaning, drawing conclusions, and identifying relationships between words and concepts. While vocabulary is important, the GRE tends to focus more on how well you can infer meanings from context and analyze arguments rather than simple word memorization. According to ETS (the test maker), the GRE Verbal section has a significant focus on reading comprehension passages, which account for about 50% of the verbal questions.
Quantitative Reasoning: The math questions typically involve arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and data analysis at roughly a high school to early college level. However, instead of memorizing formulas or facts, the GRE challenges you to apply mathematical concepts to solve problems logically. You may face questions involving quantitative comparisons, data interpretation, and word problems, all of which require analytical thinking.
Analytical Writing: This section assesses your ability to construct clear, logical arguments and critique complex ideas, further highlighting the GRE’s emphasis on reasoning skills.

Overall, while some memorization, like basic math formulas and vocabulary, is necessary, the GRE largely rewards flexible thinking and reasoning skills. This is why many test takers find that sharpening critical thinking and practicing problem-solving strategies is more effective than rote memorization.

MCAT: Heavy Reliance on Memorization and Application of Scientific Knowledge

The MCAT presents a starkly different challenge. It is explicitly designed to test knowledge essential for medical school, so memorization of detailed scientific facts forms the foundation of many questions. However, memorization alone is insufficient; candidates must also apply that knowledge to new and complex scenarios.

Content Depth: The MCAT covers four main sections: Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS). The exam tests a detailed understanding of topics ranging from cellular processes and biochemical pathways to social science concepts. According to the AAMC MCAT Official Guide, the test requires mastery of hundreds of scientific concepts and vocabulary terms.
Memorization Load: Unlike the GRE, the MCAT demands extensive memorization of facts, formulas, and processes from multiple science disciplines—biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Students often spend months reviewing textbooks and lecture notes to retain this large volume of information. For example, understanding the Krebs cycle or neurotransmitter functions requires not just memorization but deep comprehension to apply in different question contexts.
Application and Integration: Importantly, the MCAT isn’t just about recalling facts. It tests your ability to apply knowledge to novel problems, often presenting experimental data, scientific research summaries, or clinical scenarios. This means candidates must not only memorize but also interpret, analyze, and synthesize information rapidly under timed conditions. The ability to make connections across disciplines—such as linking biochemical reactions to physiological functions—is essential for success.
Critical Analysis: The CARS section measures reading comprehension and reasoning, but in a more specialized way than the GRE verbal section. It requires understanding complex passages often related to ethics, philosophy, or social sciences, demanding higher-order thinking skills that go beyond memorization.

What This Means for Test Takers

This fundamental difference in question style leads to distinct experiences:

The GRE rewards broad, flexible analytical skills. You’re expected to reason your way through problems, understand relationships, and construct arguments without needing to rely heavily on memorized content. If you excel at critical thinking, problem-solving, and can quickly decipher complex texts, the GRE will align well with your strengths.
The MCAT, meanwhile, demands that you build a solid foundation of scientific knowledge through memorization and then apply that knowledge accurately in complex scenarios. The volume and detail can be overwhelming, requiring not only memorization but also sustained practice in applying concepts under pressure.

Supporting Data and Test Taker Feedback

According to ETS data, the average GRE Quantitative score hovers around 150–155 (out of 170), reflecting a moderate difficulty level for math questions centered on reasoning rather than advanced concepts.
The AAMC reports that the MCAT has a mean score around 500 (out of 528), but many test takers report that mastering content is the most time-consuming and challenging aspect, with an average preparation time of over 300 hours (about 4-6 months of dedicated study).

The MCAT’s steep memorization requirement combined with application skills makes it widely regarded as more difficult by most test takers, especially those without a strong science background.

Preparation: How Much Is Enough?

Understanding the amount of time and effort required to prepare for the GRE and the MCAT is crucial when deciding which test might be harder for you and how to plan your study schedule effectively.

GRE Preparation: Flexible but Focused

The GRE assesses general academic skills and reasoning, so many test-takers already have some familiarity with its content from their undergraduate studies. Individual background and goals largely determine how much time test-takers spend preparing for the GRE.

Typical Preparation Duration: According to data from Kaplan Test Prep, most students dedicate anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks of preparation. Some may only need a few weeks if they have strong verbal and quantitative skills, while others may require several months to build up vocabulary and math skills.
Self-Study Options: The GRE is well-supported by numerous independent study resources, including official guides from ETS—the GRE’s creator, free practice tests, mobile apps, and extensive prep books such as those from Manhattan Prep and Princeton Review. This makes self-paced study very feasible for many candidates.
Study Intensity: Candidates often balance GRE prep with other responsibilities, such as work or coursework. Many find a steady routine of 1–2 hours a day effective. The flexibility in preparation is one reason why the GRE is often considered less daunting in terms of time commitment compared to the MCAT.
Practice Exams: Taking at least 2 to 3 full-length practice tests during your study timeline is recommended to familiarize yourself with the test format, pacing, and question types.

MCAT Preparation: Intense and Extensive

By contrast, people widely regard the MCAT as one of the most challenging standardized exams because it covers a vast amount of complex material and has a long testing duration.

Typical Preparation Duration: Surveys from organizations like the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) and prep companies such as The Princeton Review consistently report that most successful MCAT test-takers spend 3 to 6 months preparing, often dedicating 300+ hours of study. Some students start even earlier, especially if their undergraduate coursework was taken years before.
Content Breadth and Depth: The MCAT covers biology, general and organic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, sociology, and critical analysis, requiring both memorization of detailed scientific facts and the ability to apply these concepts to complex problem-solving scenarios.
Study Resources: Due to the test’s difficulty, many students invest in structured study programs or courses offered by providers like Kaplan, Next Step Test Prep, or the AAMC’s materials. Comprehensive preparation includes reviewing textbooks, completing practice questions, and taking numerous full-length practice exams that mimic the test’s length and rigor.
Mental and Physical Stamina: Preparing for a 7.5-hour exam requires building endurance as much as mastering content. This is often a major hurdle for MCAT candidates. Many incorporate timed full-length practice exams on weekends to simulate test day and improve concentration and pacing.
Study Intensity: Successful candidates often study 20 or more hours per week, sometimes balancing preparation alongside other commitments like coursework or employment. Because the MCAT is a prerequisite for medical school, the stakes—and thus motivation—are very high.

The Time Investment Gap

While students can adapt GRE preparation to shorter, more flexible study plans, the MCAT requires them to invest substantial time and energy over a longer period. According to the AAMC, the average MCAT examinee spends significantly more hours preparing than the typical GRE candidate.

In essence, the MCAT’s specialized content, length, and high stakes make it a marathon of preparation, whereas the GRE is often more like a sprint or middle-distance race, depending on your starting skills.

If you’re planning your timeline, it’s wise to honestly assess your existing knowledge and available time. Starting early, especially for the MCAT, and adopting a consistent study routine with plenty of practice exams can greatly improve your chances of success.

Which Is Harder?

Determining whether the GRE or MCAT is harder is not a straightforward decision—it hinges on several personal factors, including your academic background, test-taking abilities, and long-term career aspirations. Both exams are designed to rigorously evaluate candidates, but their formats and focus areas differ significantly, influencing perceived difficulty.

MCAT vs GRE – Which one is better to get into PA School?

Academic Background Matters

If you come from a strong science background—perhaps you majored in biology, chemistry, or a related field—the MCAT’s scientific sections may feel more manageable. The MCAT demands detailed knowledge in biology, organic and inorganic chemistry, physics, biochemistry, psychology, and sociology, all at a level that typically aligns with undergraduate coursework. For science-savvy students, the challenge lies not in understanding the material itself but in the ability to quickly recall and apply it across complex, interdisciplinary passages.

On the other hand, the GRE’s verbal reasoning and quantitative sections require strong skills in vocabulary, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and basic to intermediate-level math. If your academic strength is more aligned with the humanities or social sciences, the GRE may come more naturally. However, if science isn’t your strong suit, the MCAT’s heavy scientific content and detailed memorization demands can feel overwhelming.

Test-Taking Skills and Mental Stamina

Another critical factor influencing difficulty is your test-taking endurance and strategy. The MCAT is an endurance test, lasting about 7.5 hours, including breaks, making it one of the longest standardized tests. It requires sustained focus and mental stamina to navigate through four extensive sections, each requiring both factual recall and higher-order critical analysis. According to AAMC data, the average MCAT test-taker spends approximately 300–350 total hours preparing, underscoring its demanding nature.

In contrast, the GRE lasts about 3 hours and 45 minutes, with shorter sections and more frequent breaks. While it still tests critical thinking and problem-solving skills, its duration and intensity are generally less taxing than the MCAT. This difference in length and pacing means that if you struggle with long testing sessions or fatigue, the MCAT could feel considerably more difficult.

The Role of Content Depth and Breadth

The MCAT covers a much deeper and broader range of topics within the sciences compared to the GRE’s more general approach. The GRE’s quantitative section primarily tests high school to early college-level math concepts, such as algebra, geometry, and basic data interpretation, without requiring advanced science knowledge. The verbal section focuses on vocabulary, critical reading, and analytical writing skills, which emphasize reasoning over memorization.

By contrast, the MCAT requires mastery of dense scientific concepts, many of which require memorization of detailed facts alongside the ability to apply knowledge in novel contexts. This dual demand for memorization and reasoning, coupled with the test’s integrated approach—combining biology with chemistry or psychology with sociology—raises the bar significantly for many students.

What Do Test-Takers Say?

Anecdotal evidence from thousands of candidates and various prep forums such as Reddit’s r/MCAT and r/GRE often highlights the MCAT as more difficult overall. The reasons cited include its exhaustive scientific content, the length and intensity of the exam, and the complexity of questions requiring both memorization and analytical skills.

Surveys by educational platforms like Kaplan and Princeton Review have reported that over 70% of MCAT test takers find the exam more challenging than any other standardized test they have taken, while GRE test takers tend to rate it as moderately difficult but more approachable due to its shorter duration and broader content base.

Career Goals Influence Perception

Ultimately, the perceived difficulty also ties closely to your motivation and long-term goals. For someone aiming for medical school, investing time and effort into mastering the MCAT’s content feels purposeful and aligned with career aspirations, potentially making the challenge more motivating despite its difficulty. Conversely, for those pursuing graduate degrees in varied fields, the GRE’s focus on reasoning and writing might resonate better with their academic strengths and professional objectives.

While the GRE and MCAT each present unique challenges, many agree that the MCAT is generally harder due to its:

Greater content depth and breadth across multiple scientific disciplines
Longer exam duration requiring sustained mental endurance
Necessity for both memorization and complex reasoning
Higher preparation time commitment, often 3 to 6 months of intensive study

However, your academic strengths, test-taking skills, and career path will ultimately determine which exam feels more difficult for you. Understanding these nuances will help you tailor your preparation strategy and approach your test with greater confidence.

Final Thoughts: GRE vs. MCAT

Both the GRE and MCAT present their unique challenges, but they cater to different types of academic strengths and career aspirations. The GRE evaluates broad analytical and reasoning skills with a focus on verbal and quantitative abilities, making it more approachable for a wide range of students. On the other hand, the MCAT demands deep scientific knowledge, critical thinking, and exceptional endurance to manage its length and complexity.

If you’re aiming for medical school, the MCAT is unavoidable and widely regarded as the more rigorous of the two due to its specialized content and extended duration. For most other graduate programs, the GRE, though challenging, offers a more general test of aptitude that requires a different type of preparation.

Ultimately, the question of which is harder depends on your academic background and personal strengths. Recognizing the differences between these tests will allow you to approach them with the right mindset and preparation strategy, setting you up for success no matter which path you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which is more time-consuming to prepare for: the GRE or the MCAT?
The MCAT typically requires more preparation time—usually 3 to 6 months of dedicated study—because of the volume and complexity of scientific content. The GRE, while still demanding, can often be prepared for in 1 to 3 months, depending on your verbal and quantitative skills.

2. Is the GRE or MCAT harder for someone without a science background?
The MCAT would be significantly harder for someone without a strong science background because it requires in-depth knowledge of biology, chemistry, physics, and biochemistry. The GRE focuses more on general reasoning and analytical skills, making it more approachable for non-science majors.

3. Which exam is longer, and how does that affect difficulty?
The MCAT is much longer—lasting about 7.5 hours, including breaks—compared to the GRE’s 3 hours and 45 minutes. This length adds a layer of difficulty to the MCAT, requiring greater mental stamina and focus throughout the day.

4. Can I use the GRE for medical school applications?
Generally, no. Medical schools in the United States and most other countries require the MCAT specifically for admission. The GRE is accepted by a wide range of graduate programs, but not medical schools.

5. Which test has a higher failure rate or lower average scores?
The MCAT tends to have a higher perceived difficulty, reflected in lower average percentile scores for many test-takers. The GRE does not have a strict “passing” score, but competitive programs expect scores well above the 50th percentile. The MCAT’s role as a key gatekeeper for medical school makes it feel higher stakes for most applicants.

Best MCAT Prep Courses