How many CARS passages are on the MCAT?

If you’re preparing for the MCAT, one of the first questions you might ask is: how many CARS passages are on the MCAT? The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section is often considered the most unique and mentally demanding part of the exam. Unlike the science-based sections that test content knowledge, the CARS section evaluates your reading comprehension, reasoning skills, and ability to analyze unfamiliar material drawn from the social sciences and humanities.

This article will walk you through the structure of the MCAT CARS section, how many CARS passages you’ll face, and why understanding this format is essential for effective time management and high performance. Whether you're deep into your MCAT prep or just getting started, knowing how the section is structured can make a real difference in your approach.

I. What Is the MCAT CARS Section?

The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section is one of four sections on the MCAT and plays a unique role in evaluating your readiness for medical school. Unlike the science sections, which assess knowledge in biology, chemistry, and physics, the MCAT CARS section focuses exclusively on your ability to think critically, analyze arguments, and interpret complex texts. It doesn’t test content—it tests cognition.

CARS passages are drawn from disciplines like ethics, literature, philosophy, and social sciences, often using unfamiliar topics to ensure a level playing field for all test takers. The goal isn’t to memorize facts, but to apply reasoning skills, detect assumptions, and synthesize information strictly from the passage itself.

Each passage is followed by 5 to 7 questions targeting various aspects of reading comprehension, logical reasoning, and inference. These questions are designed to measure your ability to identify the author's argument, understand their tone and intent, and evaluate how the ideas are structured.

Because the skills required in the CARS section reflect those used daily by physicians—such as interpreting patient narratives, understanding complex medical literature, and making evidence-based decisions—admissions committees place considerable emphasis on your MCAT CARS score. In fact, strong performance in this section can be a key differentiator, especially for applicants with otherwise science-heavy profiles.

Ready to strengthen your critical thinking and prep with intention? Explore CARSBooster’s full MCAT CARS prep resources for high-yield strategies, analytics, and expertly crafted practice materials.

II. How Many CARS Passages Are on the MCAT?

On the MCAT, the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section contains 9 passages, with a total of 53 questions. These passages are taken from a variety of topics in the humanities and social sciences, and they are specifically designed to test your ability to think critically, analyze arguments, and understand complex texts. This section must be completed in 90 minutes, giving you approximately 10 minutes per passage to read, analyze, and answer the associated questions.

Each passage is followed by 5 to 7 questions that target essential reasoning abilities—such as identifying the main idea, interpreting the author's intent, analyzing logical structure, and applying information beyond the text. For most test takers, this section is not only time-sensitive but also mentally demanding, as it requires intense focus and fast processing without relying on outside knowledge.

Understanding how many passages in CARS MCAT there are—and how they are structured—plays a critical role in building your timing strategy and pacing. Unlike content-heavy sections, the CARS section is purely skills-based, making reading comprehension, critical thinking, and reasoning skills your greatest assets.

For students aiming for a competitive MCAT score, mastering the pacing and structure of the CARS passages is essential. Your performance here reflects your ability to synthesize complex material and think independently—skills highly valued by admissions committees at top medical schools.

III. Structure of CARS Passages - What to Expect?

To perform well on the MCAT CARS section, it’s essential to understand the unique format of the CARS passages. Each passage is typically 500 to 600 words and is followed by 5 to 7 questions, making up a total of 9 passages and 53 questions to complete in 90 minutes.

The content of these passages is drawn from diverse social sciences and humanities fields—ranging from philosophy and ethics to history, art criticism, and literature. Unlike the science sections of the exam, CARS does not assess specific content knowledge. Instead, it evaluates how well test takers can interpret complex material, assess arguments, and apply critical analysis to unfamiliar topics.

The questions that follow require a blend of reading comprehension, reasoning skills, and attention to detail. You may be asked to identify the main idea, detect tone shifts, evaluate the strength of an argument, or apply the author’s perspective to a new scenario.

What makes the CARS section particularly challenging is that the writing style can be abstract, the language dense, and the ideas nuanced. Recognizing structural cues like transitions, contrasts, and rhetorical devices can help you navigate each passage more effectively. Familiarity with the structure and pacing of CARS passages will not only improve your accuracy but also help you allocate time wisely—an essential skill for anyone aiming for a high MCAT CARS score.

IV. How to Effectively Prepare for CARS?

Effective MCAT prep for the CARS section requires more than just repetition—it demands strategy, reflection, and the development of core analytical habits. Unlike science sections where content memorization plays a major role, CARS preparation focuses on building strong reading comprehension and critical thinking skills through deliberate practice.

Start by incorporating a wide range of reading materials into your daily routine—editorials, essays, philosophy articles, and humanities texts. These genres mirror the tone and structure of real CARS passages, helping you become comfortable with abstract and unfamiliar content.

As you practice, treat every passage like a diagnostic opportunity. Don’t just check for the correct answer—examine why you got a question right or wrong. What was your reasoning? Did you misread the author’s intent or fall for a trap answer? Keeping a journal of practice questions and reviewing your decision-making process will sharpen your awareness over time.

A strong MCAT CARS strategy also includes simulating real test day conditions. Set aside 90-minute blocks to complete full-length CARS sections, track your pacing, and work on endurance. Learning how to manage time under pressure is just as important as answering accurately.

Ultimately, the most effective preparation isn’t about doing more—it’s about practicing with purpose. Focused, reflective study habits will take you much further than simply completing dozens of passages without review. Check out our full guide on How to Review CARS Section MCAT for a step-by-step strategy to get the most out of every passage. 

V. What Is Considered a Good CARS Score?

A strong MCAT CARS score can make a significant impact on your overall medical school application. While scoring well across all four MCAT sections is important, CARS often receives special attention because it evaluates your ability to think independently, interpret complex ideas, and reason under pressure—skills critical to success in medicine.

So, what’s considered a good score? Most medical schools consider a CARS score of 127–129 to be competitive. However, for more selective programs and top-tier institutions, applicants often aim for 130 or above. While there’s no single benchmark, your target should align with the median test scores of accepted students at your desired schools.

It’s also worth noting that admissions committees may weigh your CARS section performance more heavily than other sections, especially if your GPA is science-heavy. That’s because CARS offers a distinct window into how you’ll handle the intellectual demands of clinical reasoning and lifelong learning.

Remember, a “good MCAT score” is one that not only meets your school list goals but also reflects consistent preparation. Even if you're stronger in the sciences, underestimating the importance of CARS can affect your overall competitiveness. 

VI. Additional Resources and Practice Materials

Consistent, high-quality practice is the most reliable path to CARS success. While strategy and mindset are critical, the right tools can dramatically accelerate your progress and boost your confidence heading into test day.

Start with CARSBooster, a comprehensive MCAT prep platform built specifically for the CARS section. You’ll get access to expertly written CARS passages, real-time analytics, targeted drills, and custom-timed practice sessions that closely mimic the actual exam environment.

In addition to Booster resources, make sure to incorporate:

• AAMC Official CARS Practice Questions – The most representative of what you'll see on the actual MCAT.
• Free resources – CARSBooster offers a selection of free diagnostic tools, sample passages, and strategy guides to jumpstart your preparation.
• Reading lists – Explore philosophy essays, critical reviews, and humanities texts to expand your comfort with CARS-style content.

Ready to take your CARS prep to the next level? Explore CARSBooster, the most comprehensive MCAT CARS resource available. With expertly written passages, performance analytics, and timed drills, you'll develop the skills and confidence to master the most challenging section of the MCAT.

VII. Conclusion

The MCAT CARS section features 9 passages and 53 questions, challenging students to demonstrate advanced reading comprehension, reasoning skills, and the ability to navigate abstract, unfamiliar material under pressure. With only 90 minutes to complete the section, time management and a strategic approach are crucial.

Knowing how many CARS passages you’ll face—and understanding their structure—gives you the clarity needed to build effective pacing strategies, boost your confidence, and make your practice more purposeful. Whether you’re just beginning your MCAT prep or aiming to refine your timing, this insight lays the groundwork for long-term improvement.