The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section of the MCAT is often considered one of the most challenging parts of the exam—and for good reason. Unlike the science-based sections, CARS doesn’t test your knowledge of biology, chemistry, or physics. Instead, it evaluates your ability to analyze complex passages, interpret arguments, and think critically under time pressure. But what exactly is a good CARS score, and how does it impact your chances of getting into medical school? In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about CARS scores, including what’s considered competitive, how to improve your score, and why it matters for your medical school application. Whether you’re just starting your MCAT prep or looking to boost your CARS performance, this guide will help you navigate this unique section with confidence.

I. Understanding the MCAT CARS Section

The CARS section is the second part of the MCAT and consists of 9 passages with 53 questions to be completed in 90 minutes. The passages are drawn from humanities and social sciences, covering topics like philosophy, ethics, sociology, and art history. You don’t need any prior knowledge of these subjects; your task is to read, analyze, and answer questions based solely on the information provided in the passages.

The CARS section is scored on a scale of 118 to 132, with the median score typically around 125. Since CARS makes up 25% of your total MCAT score, performing well here can significantly boost your overall results. But CARS isn’t just about scoring points; it’s designed to assess your critical thinking skills, reading comprehension, and ability to apply information from the passage to new contexts. These are the same skills you’ll need as a doctor when interpreting research, evaluating patient cases, and making sound decisions.

Why does this matter? Medical schools want to see that you can think critically, analyze complex information, and communicate effectively—skills that are essential for success in medicine. So, while CARS might feel intimidating at first, it’s actually a chance to demonstrate the qualities that make a great physician.

Want to test your skills? Try these MCAT CARS Practice Questions to assess your skills and advance your journey to CARS mastery.

II. What is Considered a Good CARS Score?

A "good" CARS score is one that aligns with the expectations of your target medical schools and positions you as a competitive applicant. While the median CARS score is 125, to stand out in the competitive medical school admissions process, you’ll want to aim higher. Here’s what you need to know:

125-127: This range is considered average, placing you around the 50th percentile. While it won’t disqualify you from most programs, it may not make your application stand out at highly competitive schools. If your score falls here, ensure the rest of your application—your GPA, extracurriculars, and personal statement—is exceptionally strong.
128-130: Scores in this range are above average, placing you in the 70th to 90th percentile. This is a strong score that will make you a competitive candidate at most medical schools. A score here demonstrates solid critical thinking skills and the ability to analyze complex passages effectively.
131-132: These are exceptional scores, placing you in the top 10% of test-takers. A score in this range will significantly strengthen your application, especially at elite medical schools. It showcases your ability to excel in reading comprehension, reasoning within the text, and reasoning beyond the text—skills that are highly valued in medical education and practice.

For Canadian medical schools, which place a heavy emphasis on the CARS section, a score of 128 or higher is often essential to remain competitive. In the U.S., while many schools consider the overall MCAT score, a strong CARS score can still set you apart, particularly in programs that value critical analysis and communication skills.

Ultimately, your CARS score is more than just a number—it’s a reflection of your ability to think critically, analyze complex information, and make sound decisions. These are the same skills you’ll rely on as a doctor, which is why medical schools place such importance on this section. Whether you’re aiming for a competitive score or striving for the top percentile, every point counts.

III. Common Challenges in the CARS Section

The CARS section is widely regarded as one of the most challenging parts of the MCAT, and for good reason. Here are the four most common challenges students face in CARS:

Complex and Abstract Passages: CARS passages are often dense, abstract, and filled with unfamiliar terminology. These passages require you to interpret the author’s perspective and identify subtle arguments, even if the subject matter is outside your comfort zone. The complexity of the content can make it difficult to grasp the main idea and tone, leading to confusion and slower reading.
Time Pressure: With only 90 minutes to complete 53 questions, time management is a major hurdle in CARS. On average, you have about 10 minutes per passage, which includes reading and answering 5-7 questions. Many students struggle to read and analyze passages quickly enough, often running out of time before they can answer all the questions.
No Outside Knowledge: Unlike other MCAT sections, CARS doesn’t allow you to rely on prior knowledge. All answers must be based solely on the information provided in the passage. This means you need to extract key details and arguments without making assumptions or bringing in outside information, which can be difficult when the passage covers unfamiliar topics.

By acknowledging and mastering these challenges, you’re not just preparing for the MCAT—you’re building the foundation for your future career in medicine.

IV. How to Improve Your CARS Score

Improving your CARS score requires a combination of strategy, practice, and critical thinking. Here are some proven tips to help you succeed:

Practice Active Reading: Engage with the text by summarizing each paragraph and identifying the author’s main argument and tone. Ask yourself questions like, “What is the author trying to convey?” and “How does this paragraph support the main idea?” This will help you stay focused and retain key information.
Focus on Timing: Aim to spend no more than 4-5 minutes reading each passage and 5-6 minutes answering the questions. Use a timer during practice sessions to simulate real test conditions and improve your pacing.
Review Mistakes: After each practice session, analyze your incorrect answers to identify patterns and areas for improvement. For example, if you consistently miss questions related to the author’s tone, focus on practicing passages that emphasize tone and rhetorical strategies. Keeping a mistake journal can help you track your progress and avoid repeating the same errors.
Engage with Diverse Content: To build your reading comprehension skills, read articles from a variety of disciplines, such as philosophy, sociology, and art history. This will help you become more comfortable with the types of passages you’ll encounter on the MCAT. For example, reading editorials from The New York Times or essays from The Atlantic can help you practice analyzing complex arguments and identifying key points.

Learn how to analyze and review CARS passages with our expert guide: How to Review CARS Section MCAT.

V. How to Reach a Competitive CARS Score

To achieve a competitive CARS score, you’ll need to develop strong critical thinking and reading comprehension skills. Here’s how:

Consistent Practice: Aim to complete 3-5 full-length CARS passages daily. Gradually increase the difficulty of the passages as you improve. Consistent practice will help you identify patterns in the questions and improve your accuracy over time. For example, if you notice that you struggle with “Reasoning Beyond the Text” questions, dedicate extra practice to applying passage ideas to new contexts.
Use High-Quality Resources: Practice with AAMC materials and other reputable CARS prep resources to simulate real test conditions. These resources often include detailed explanations for each question, which can help you understand why certain answers are correct or incorrect. Additionally, platforms like CARS Booster offer expertly crafted practice passages and detailed answer explanations to help you refine your skills.
Seek Expert Guidance: Consider enrolling in a CARS prep course to learn proven strategies and techniques. Many students find that working with an experienced instructor can help them identify their weaknesses and develop a personalized study plan. For example, a good CARS course will teach you how to quickly identify the author’s tone, analyze argument structures, and eliminate incorrect answer choices.

Attaining a competitive CARS score requires more than just practice—it demands a strategic approach, consistent effort, and the right resources.

VI. Success Stories: How Students Increased Their CARS Score

Many students have successfully improved their CARS scores with the right approach, proving that even the most challenging section of the MCAT can be mastered. For example, one student increased their score from 124 to 130 by focusing on active reading techniques, such as summarizing each paragraph and identifying the author’s tone, while using a timer to improve pacing. Another student went from 126 to 131 by practicing with timed passages and keeping a mistake journal to track recurring errors and adjust their strategy. A third student, who started with a 122, improved to a 128 by practicing daily with AAMC materials, focusing on identifying main ideas and argument structures, and gradually increasing the difficulty of passages to build confidence and accuracy. These stories show that with dedication, consistent practice, and the right strategies, a high CARS score is within reach.

VII. Improve Your CARS Score with Expert Guidance

Expert guidance can make all the difference, helping you identify your weaknesses, learn effective strategies, and develop a personalized study plan tailored to your needs. For example, a good CARS course will teach you how to quickly identify the author’s tone, analyze argument structures, and eliminate incorrect answer choices—skills that are essential for tackling complex passages and tricky questions under time pressure.

Ready to take your CARS prep to the next level? CARS Booster offers expert strategies, realistic practice passages, and detailed answer explanations to help you master this challenging section. With structured lessons and personalized feedback, CARS Booster provides the tools and support you need to build confidence and achieve your target score. Start your journey to CARS mastery today with CARSBooster!

VIII. Final Thoughts

Reaching a competitive CARS score is within your reach, but it requires dedication, strategy, and the right resources. While the definition of a "good" CARS score varies by medical school, a score of 127 or higher is generally considered competitive for top programs, while a 124-126 can still keep you in the running for many schools. Regardless of where you currently stand, improvement is always possible with the right approach. CARS isn’t about memorization—it’s about understanding arguments, evaluating perspectives, and applying logic under time pressure. These are the same skills that great doctors use every day when diagnosing patients, analyzing research, and making clinical decisions. With tools like CARSBooster, you’ll have access to expert strategies, realistic practice passages, and detailed answer explanations to guide you every step of the way. Your MCAT success—and your future as a doctor—starts with a single step. Start your journey to CARS mastery today, and take one step closer to achieving your dream of becoming a physician.

IX. FAQ

Q: What is a good CARS score for medical school?
A: A good CARS score depends on your target schools, but generally, 128 or higher is considered competitive, placing you in the 70th to 90th percentile. For top-tier programs, aim for 131 or higher, which puts you in the top 10%. Canadian medical schools often require a CARS score of 128 or higher due to their emphasis on this section.

Q: How many CARS questions are on the MCAT?
A: The CARS section consists of 53 questions based on 9 passages, to be completed in 90 minutes. Each passage is followed by 5-7 questions, testing your ability to analyze and reason through complex texts.

Q: Is it possible to improve my CARS score in a short time?
A: Yes, it’s possible to improve your CARS score in a short time with focused practice and effective strategies. Dedicate time daily to practicing passages, reviewing mistakes, and improving time management. While significant improvement often takes weeks or months, even small adjustments can lead to noticeable progress.

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