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The SAT/ACT, MCAT, and the USMLE: A Comparison Table
HSAFP Executive Team April 29, 2025
Below is a table comparing the SAT/ACT, MCAT, and USMLE exams by the purpose, subjects, length of test, when you take the test typically, and how each test is scored.
SAT/ACT vs. MCAT vs. USMLE Comparison Chart
| SAT/ACT | MCAT | USMLE (Just Step 1 & Step 2) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Purpose | College admissions (undergraduate programs) | Medical school admissions (MD/DO programs) | Medical licensing (required to practice in the U.S.) |
| Subjects Tested | SAT: Reading, Writing & Language, Math (No Calculator & Calculator Sections) ACT: English, Math, Reading, Science, Optional Writing | Biological & Biochemical Foundations Chemical & Physical Foundations Psychological/Social/Biological Foundations of Behavior Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills (CARS) | Step 1: Basic Sciences (Anatomy, Biochemistry, Pharmacology, etc.) Step 2: Clinical Knowledge (Diagnosis, Treatment, Patient Management) |
| Test Length | SAT: 2 hrs 14 min (no essay) ACT: 2 hrs 55 min (no writing) | About 7 hours total | Step 1: About 8 hrs Step 2: About 9 hrs |
| When Taken | High school (typically 11th grade or early 12th grade) | Typically 3rd year of college (pre-med) or after prerequisites | Step 1: After 2nd year of med school Step 2: During 3rd/4th year of med school |
| Scoring | SAT: 400–1600 (Math + Reading/Writing) ACT: 1–36 (average of 4 sections) | MCAT scoring is between 472–528 (4 sections, each 118–132) | Step 1: Pass/Fail Step 2: Scores are between 198-300 |
