The document provides an overview of the MCAT and its upcoming changes in 2015, highlighting the new format that includes four sections and a greater emphasis on multidisciplinary knowledge and real-world applicability. It offers study strategies, preparation resources, and tips for test day, along with guidance on applying to medical school. Key points include the importance of the MCAT in determining future medical careers and the need for students to adequately prepare for its increased difficulty.

1. T
CA ook
M yb
la
P
14
ep's
hPr
Benc
20
The
resou one-st
ever rce f op
ythi
or
ng M
CAT

2. The MCAT is likely the single-most
important factor in your future
medical
career. So rise to the occasion with
, the world’s most advanced
test prep study
tool. Study
thousands of questions, review detailed
explanations, and peruse review material
by top-tier publishers. Follow a study guide
to track your progress, and sync what
you’ve done over the web, your
iPad, or Android
iPhone,
! Leave the heavy
books behind, start studying
instantaneously, and the rest is history.

3. MCAT2015
Between Spring 2014
and January 2015
The MCAT will look a lot different in 2015. Early in 2012, the Association of
American Medical Collegs (AAMC) decided to make radical changes to the
MCAT, aiming to make the test more multidisciplinary and with more real-world
applicability. The MCAT2015 will likely be even more difficult, and will have
different sections from the MCATs of the past.
When will you be
ready to test?
Spring 2015 or later
Current MCAT
MCAT 2015
last test date is Jan. 13, 2015
first test date in early 2015
Structure
3 sections
4 sections
Molecular, Cellular
and Organismal
Foundations of
Living Systems
Verbal
Reasoning
Psychological,
Social, and and
Biological Foundations of Behavior
Physical, Chemical
and Biochemical
Foundations of
Living Systems
Biological
Sciences
Physical
Sciences
Critical Analysis
and Reasoning
Skills
Length
About 5 hours
About 7 hours
Time
Questions
Section
Time
Questions
Section
70 min.
52 questions
Physical Sciences
95 min.
67 questions
Molecular, Cellular, & Organismal
70 min.
52 questions
Biological Sciences
95 min.
67 questions
Physical, Chemical, & Biochemical
60 min.
60 questions
Verbal Reasoning
95 min.
67 questions
Psychological, Social, & Biological
90 min.
60 questions
Critical Analysis and Reasoning
74 W 56 Ba
37 Rb 22 Ti
11 Na 4 Be 1 H 3 Li
73 Ta 41 Nb 12 Mg
Questions generally confined
to specific disciplines
General Scope
Aims to be more multidisciplinary,
with real-world applicability
Which Test Will I Take?
New Verbal Section
New topics include
Depending on whether your med school
accepts MCAT scores from 2 or 3 years back,
you may be able to start med school with an
old MCAT score as late as the 2019 schoolyear.
No passages on technology
or natural science
MORE questions on
biochemistry, psychology,
and sociology.
2015
2016
2017
2018
For up-to-date information about the MCAT2015, check out https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/mcat2015/
2019
2020
http://benchprep.com

4. Table of Contents
5
Ch. 1: MCAT 101
Overview of the MCAT • MCAT Length and
Format • About the Computerized MCAT •
55
Ch. 5: MCAT Test Prep Resources
Overview of MCAT Resources • MCAT Resource
Breakdown • Group Classes and In-Person
Sections of the MCAT • What’s on the MCAT?
Tutoring • MCAT Prep Books • MCAT Book Re-
• Who Designs the MCAT? • How is the MCAT
views: The Top 5• Free Online MCAT Resources
Scored? • What’s the Trial Section? • Where and
• Online Self-Based Learning Programs
When Should I Take the MCAT? • How Much
Does It Cost? • What’s a Good MCAT Score? •
The New MCAT 2015 Format Infographic
20
65
Ch. 6: MCAT Test Day
Know Your Test: Time Structure of the MCAT •
7 Ways to Manage Stress Before the Big Test •
Ch. 2: The Physical & Biological
Sciences Sections
MCAT Test Day Tips • 7 Reasons Why Staying
Overview of the Physical and Biological Scienc-
Test • 5 Things to Bring on MCAT Test Day •
es Sections • Format of the Science Sections •
MCAT Test Day Do’s and Don’ts
Relaxed Will Help You Score Well on the Big
Topics Overview: Math on the MCAT • Topics
Overview: Phyiscal and Biological Sciences
Sections • Types of Passage-Based Questions •
Practice Questions • A Note on the Content of
75
Science Sections
36
Ch. 7: Applying to Med School /
Med School Survival Kit
MCAT Scores Q&A • The Ideal Med School
Application • After the MCAT: Enjoying the
In-Between Days • Med School Survival Kit •
Ch. 3: The Verbal
Reasoning Section
Adjusting to the Med School Workload • Not
Overview of the MCAT Verbal Section • Format
Anymore • Getting Enough Sleep • Dealing with
of the MCAT Verbal • Types of Questions • Pre-
Gross Anatomy
paring for the MCAT Verbal Section • Test-Taking
Tips for Verbal Reasoning • Practice Questions
45
Ch. 4: MCAT Study
Strategies & Tips
Being the Smartest Person in the Classroom
86
Ch. 8: Solutions & Explanations
to Sample Questions
Correct Answers • Detailed Explanations for Every Answer Choice • Most-Common Incorrect
Getting Started on MCAT Preparation • Making
Answers • Average Time Spent on Each Ques-
Study Plans • 6 Strategies for Answering MCAT
tion • Graphs and Charts
Questions • Questions, Questions, Questions!
The Importance of Q&A for MCAT Prep • Which
Extra Courses Should I Consider Taking?
142
Ch. 9: Conclusion
Introduction to BenchPrep’s MCAT Test Prep
Program • BenchPrep Games, Flashcards,
Adaptive Nature and Other Features • How
BenchPrep Can Improve Your MCAT Score •
Special $50 Off BenchPrep Promo Code
BenchPrep | MCAT Playbook 2014 | 4

5. Chapter 1
MCAT 101
Overview of the MCAT
MCAT Length and Format
About the Computerized MCAT
Sections of the MCAT
What’s on the MCAT?
Who Designs the MCAT?
How is the MCAT Scored?
What’s the Trial Section?
Where and When Should I Take the MCAT?
How Much Does It Cost?
What’s a Good MCAT Score?
The New MCAT 2015 Format Infographic

6. Format of the MCAT Test
Computer Tutorial (optional)
70 minutes
PHYSICAL SCIENCES
multiple-choice
questions
52
7 passages with 4-7 questions each,
plus 13 stand-alone questions
Break - 10 min
60 minutes
VERBAL REASONING
multiple-choice
questions
40
7 passages with
5-7 questions each
Break - 10 min
70 minutes
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES
multiple-choice 7 passages with 4-7 questions each,
plus 13 stand-alone questions
questions
52
Break - 10 min
TOTAL
TRIAL SECTION
45 minutes
32 questions
176
245
questions
(4hrs. 5min.)
minutes
Survey - no test content
http://benchprep.com

7. Chapter 2 – The Physical and Biological Sciences Sections
Sample Physical Science Passage
For detailed solutions and analysis of BenchPrep users’ performance on these questions, refer to Ch. 8
Q.01
Read the following and the question.
Information regarding the amounts of substances that actually react to form the
products are of extreme help. Analyzing reactions and having the balanced equations help chemists to determine the correct and optimum proportions of reactants
to be used. There are various other factors besides the amount of reactants, which
determine the efficiency of reactions.
Experiment 1
2 Al + Fe2O3
2 Fe + Al2O3
Student 1 used 40.5 g of aluminum and 80 g of Fe2O3 for Reaction I. A second
student conducted the same reaction with a different amount for one of the reactants. The second student used 40.5 g of aluminum, and 90 grams of Fe2O3. A
third student also conducted the same reaction with 54 g of aluminum and the
same amount of Fe2O3 used by the first student.
Experiment 2
Reaction II involved the production of Al2O3 from aluminum hydroxide This was
done by heating aluminum hydroxide.
2 Al(OH)3 (s)
Al2O3 (s) + product x
Experiment3
Fe2O3(s) + 3CO(g)
heat
2Fe(s) + 3CO2(g)
What is the most likely identity of product x?
A.
B.
C.
D.
aluminum
water
hydrogen
oxygen
BenchPrep | MCAT Playbook 2014 | 28

8. BenchPrep
Presents
YES
When Should I Take The MCAT?
Are you feeling
ready for the test?
TOP MED SCHOOLS
NO
Have you started studying?
Download
the BenchPrep app
& start studying
NOT
YET
Harvard
John Hopkins
University of Pennsylvania
Stanford
University of Chicago
WashU
Yale
Columbia (NY)
Duke
University of California
San Francisco
Facts to Consider
Are you ready now?
YES
THE
MCAT
Magic Score
Time to take the test.
The MCAT is about
When do you want to apply
to med school?
with 3
30
5 hrs. long,
ten minute
optional breaks
The MCAT costs $275
Fall
Summer
Spring
25.2
Winter
The average
MCAT score
Coursework required
3
Take by
March
3
8
6
Take by
June
6
Take by
August
Biology , Chemistry ,
Physics , Organic Chemistry
8
10
Take by
October
Sources
http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-medical-schools/research-rankings
https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/amcas/
In 2015, the MCAT
will undergo a
major revamp.
10
2013
You can expect your results
about 4 weeks after you
take the MCAT

9. Chapter 4 – MCAT Study Strategies and Tips
Which Extra Courses Should I Consider Taking?
A question that often arises among pre-med students is whether they should take
more advanced science courses beyond the core requirements when preparing for
the MCAT, and if so, which ones and when? There is no right answer to this question,
and it depends on your own course schedule
Since most universities offer quite a few potential additions to your academic record, it’s important to have an idea of what they are and why you should consider
taking them.
1. Biochemistry: Biochemistry is, as it sounds, a combination of biology and
chemistry, concerned with the biochemical reactions / metabolism taking
place constantly within the body. Even though this subject has wide impact
and applicability in medicine, the real reason to take it in college is so that
you’ll have seen and experienced it prior to encountering it in medical school.
Biochemistry can be intimidating at first, so having some proficiency in the
language can be invaluable when first acclimating to your new environment.
2. Anatomy and/or Physiology: These are two of the core courses in medical
school, and arguably the two most important basic science courses in terms
of clinical medicine. While you’ll go nowhere near as in-depth in either area,
just having seen the material before will make your life easier when you encounter the real deal. And perhaps even more importantly, you’ll be that
much more well versed in these knowledge bases as you proceed towards
doctorhood.
3. Microbiology: This extra knowledge will help out in med school when you
have to memorize all those small critters. Plus you’ll be amazed to learn
what’s really going on all around us on a smaller scale.
4. Other Science Options: Lots of other elective course could help out out
in med school, and potentially on the MCAT: Genetics, Physical Chemistry
(“P-Chem”), Comparative Physiology, Particle/Quantum Physics, Calculus
BenchPrep | MCAT Playbook 2014 | 53

10. Chapter 6 – MCAT Test Day
5 Things to Bring on MCAT Test Day
On test day, you want to be as comfortable as possible. Unfortunately, strict test
proctors have a tendency to make test-takers really uncomfortable. Make sure you
come to the test center prepared, and knowing what to expect. Here’s what to take
with you:
Comfortable clothes
You’re not going to want to be shivering
or sweating when trying to remember physics properties. Make sure you
bring some layers of long-sleeved
clothes. Testing centers are often chilly.
Photo ID
A driver’s license or
passport should do the trick in the
US. Made sure your ID matches the
name on your registration exactly!
Directions to
the testing center
If you have a smartphone, put
the address in the night before.
Sometimes MCAT testing centers don’t really look like much
on the outside. So it might
even be smart just past beforehand just so you know exactly
where the testing center is,
and where you’ll need to park.
You’ll need to be at the testing
center 30 minutes prior to your
appointment time.
A positive attitude!
A snack and a drink
You’ll have three optional
10-minute breaks during
the test, to use the restroom, drink something, and eat a snack.
Some testing centers will allow you to access
your locker (where’s you’ll store your personal
belongings) and others will not. Either way,
you’ll be able to have access to your snack
and drink.
You have already learned
most of what you need
to learn to do well on the
MCAT. You’ve practiced and
studied for countless hours. You’ve
got the vocab of Shakespeare and the
science acumen of Galileo. So all thats
left for you to do is go in there knowing you're going to knock it out of the
park, and do it!
BenchPrep | MCAT Playbook 2014 | 72

11. As you navigate your MCAT
prep work, know this:
entering medical school
and making your way
can be a very uncertain
and emotional time.

12. Chapter 7 – Applying to Med School / Med School Survival Kit
The Ideal Med School Application
Unfortunately, no one can offer you the perfect recipe for an application to medical
school, because it will be reviewed by human beings, all of who have their own sensibilities and preferences. But there are definitely some things you’ll want to include
or do, and certain things that you’ll want to avoid. Below are a few pointers on how
to help your application stand out from the crowd, in a positive and memorable way.
1. Market Yourself: Some of getting into medical school, particularly amidst stiff
competition, involves marketing yourself, as if you were applying and interviewing for a job. Doing so in the most flattering and impressive way possible
is important. Whether it’s in writing your letter or essay, or during the interview, find a creative and gentle way to accomplish this. Perhaps offer that
you always knew you liked science/medicine because you enjoyed learning
and acing your classes, and your all-star MCAT score just made you that
much more certain that it was for you. You get the idea.
2. Personal Statement: After grades and MCAT scores, the personal statement
—and any supplementary essays— is the next most important consideration
for committee members. It not only distinguishes you in a very personal way,
but it is something concrete that can be reviewed and analyzed, and appreciated. With this in mind, strive to make your essay(s) as sincere and heartfelt as
possible. Make it your own and make it distinct, because they can tell when
someone is just phoning it in. You don’t have to be a fantastic writer in order
to make a great impression.
3. Other Stuff: Another fine line you may have to toe is figuring out how much
extra stuff should be included in your application. Most college students
have several extracurriculars that they should proudly highlight on their application, and in general, you should try to pack in as many relevant activities
and organizations as possible. The only problem is when someone crams so
much information (or lots of irrelevant info) into the “space provided” that it
ends up diluting the substance of what’s listed there. Even though in this case
BenchPrep | MCAT Playbook 2014 | 79