By Ela Matters Staff 
If you’re struggling with the CARS section of the MCAT, you’re not alone. Many test takers find it challenging to boost their CARS score consistently, even after hours of practice. Fortunately, there are proven strategies that can help you improve your performance and increase your confidence. In this guide on how to improve CARS score MCAT, we’ll explore the key techniques that actually work—covering everything from CARS passage breakdowns to answer choices logic.
For a detailed step-by-step breakdown, see our full guide on how to improve CARS score MCAT.
Why the CARS Section Matters
The CARS section (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) is one of the most unique and difficult parts of the section of the MCAT. Unlike other sections, it doesn’t test memorized science facts. Instead, it challenges your critical thinking, reading comprehension, and ability to identify the author’s argument within a single passage.
Most medical schools consider the MCAT CARS score a key indicator of your future performance in clinical reasoning and decision-making. That’s why a good CARS score can strongly boost your application.
Understand the Structure of CARS
Each CARS passage typically includes 500–600 words, often centered around topics in the social sciences and humanities. You’ll be asked 5–7 CARS questions per passage, totaling 9 passages and 53 questions.
The goal is not to memorize, but to understand the main idea, tone, and arguments in each passage. The test writers intentionally insert wrong answers that appear plausible, so interpreting aamc logic is essential.
Proven CARS Strategies That Work
1. Don’t Read to Memorize—Read to Understand
Your objective isn’t to retain facts but to capture the main idea, the structure of the argument, and how supporting points relate to each other. Comprehension is more important than speed.
2. Practice with Purpose
Randomly going through CARS passages won’t help unless you have a review system. For each question:
- Identify why the correct answer is right
- Understand why each wrong option fails
- Ask yourself if you made the same mistake before
3. Work on One Passage at a Time
Start with untimed practice. Focus on accuracy and comprehension skills. As you improve, transition to timed practice to simulate test day.
4. Avoid Outside Knowledge
Your background info might be tempting to rely on, but CARS requires staying within the passage. Relying on outside knowledge often leads to wrong answers.
5. Answer in Your Own Words First
Before looking at the answer choices, try to predict the right answer based on what the passage actually says. This helps you avoid being swayed by tricky wording.
Identify and Learn from Mistakes
1. Track Patterns in Errors
Create a mistake journal where you log:
- Misread question types
- Misidentified main idea
- Fell for small detail traps
- Took too much time rereading the passage
By reviewing patterns, you’ll see where your comprehension breaks down.
2. Use a CARS Diagnostic Tool
Tools like the CARS diagnostic tool on CARSBooster can help you spot weak areas by showing where you consistently miss certain answer choices.
3. Don’t Repeat the Same Mistake
After identifying mistakes, make a plan to avoid them. If you struggle with complex passages, start with shorter ones and build up to more difficult content.
Mastering Time Management
1. Set Section Timing Goals
You have 90 minutes for 9 CARS passages. That’s 10 minutes per passage including answering questions. Use timers during practice to build your internal clock.
2. Practice Under Time Pressure
Once you feel confident, integrate timed practice to mimic the reading section on test day. Stay calm under time pressure and avoid overthinking a single question.
3. Know When to Move On
If a passage confuses you, don’t let it drain your energy. Flag the difficult CARS questions and revisit them if time allows.
Strengthen Critical Thinking and Reasoning
1. Read Challenging Texts
The best way to build critical thinking skills is to read dense material—philosophy, ethics, history, or social sciences. Summarize the main idea, tone, and line of reasoning.
2. Work with AAMC Material
Practicing with AAMC CARS passages gives insight into the exact exam content and aamc logic used by test writers. Reviewing this material carefully enhances your intuition.
3. Deconstruct the Author’s Argument
Focus on recognizing the author’s position, supporting points, and what assumptions are present. Good CARS strategies include mentally mapping the passage as you read.
Smart Review Methods That Make a Difference
1. Use Review Sheets for Tough Passages
After each CARS passage, write out:
- What was the main idea?
- What was the author’s tone?
- What were the wrong answers and why?
This builds pattern recognition over time.
2. Practice with Corresponding Questions
Instead of jumping around, focus on a single passage and its corresponding questions. This reinforces targeted comprehension and reasoning.
3. Focus on High-Yield Topics
Themes in ethics, law, and sociology show up frequently. Build comfort with these areas to feel prepared no matter what type of passage appears.
Additional Strategies for Higher Scores
- Review only one CARS passage per day, but with full analysis
- Don’t fall into the trap of “fast reading” without understanding
- Use annotation or mental notes to keep track of structure
- Revisit difficult passages after a break to see them with fresh eyes
The Role of Practice and Discipline
Improving your MCAT CARS score is about consistency. It’s not just the quantity of practice, but the quality. Slow, thoughtful reading comprehension work leads to stronger results than rushing through multiple CARS passages with little review.
Platforms like CARSBooster allow you to practice different CARS-focused reading skills, target specific question types, and track your score gains with real feedback.
Final Thoughts
Improving your CARS score takes time, reflection, and the right mindset. Whether you’re starting with low accuracy or looking to move from a 125 to a 128, the key lies in deliberate practice, strong comprehension, and learning from each mistake.
To take your prep further and access high-yield resources, visit https://boosterprep.com/cars. With the right approach, you’ll learn not just to survive the CARS section—but to master it.