The document provides information and advice about preparing for the MCAT exam. It outlines the format and content of the MCAT, including the sections tested and scoring. It recommends completing required coursework in biology, chemistry, physics, and taking practice tests. Thorough preparation is emphasized, as the MCAT tests the application of knowledge through critical thinking. Poor preparation, course performance, study skills or confidence can limit performance, but diligent review can help students overcome challenges.

1. Preparing for MCAT By Drnjbmd

2. MCAT Medical College Admissions Test The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination designed to assess the examinee's problem solving critical thinking writing skills knowledge of science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. Scores are reported in Verbal Reasoning Physical Sciences Writing Sample Biological Sciences. Medical colleges consider MCAT scores as part of their admission process Almost all U.S. medical schools require applicants to submit MCAT scores. Many schools do not accept MCAT scores that are more than three years old.

3. Complete Required Coursework Biology One year of General Biology (for science majors) with laboratory Chemistry One year of General Chemistry (for science majors) with laboratory One year of Organic Chemistry (for science majors) with laboratory Physics One year of General Physics (for science majors) with laboratory. May be calculus-based or non-calculus based

4. Required Coursework Two years of undergraduate study Make sure your science coursework has covered the topic tested on the MCAT Download a copy of Physical Science topics from the MCAT website Verbal Reasoning Critical reading and writing course Math Thorough knowledge of algebra and trigonometry Be able to interpret information presented in graphical or tabular form

5. Review Commercial Review Course Cons Expensive (average $1,500) Will not replace poor/inadequate undergraduate coursework Pros Provide plenty of practice tests Help with organization of material Systematic Review

6. Review Review book/tapes Cons May or may not contain practice tests Will not replace poor/inadequate undergraduate coursework Pros Generally less expensive than commercial review course

7. Practice Tests Available from MCAT site (purchase) Retired questions from previous exams Should not be memorized Practice tests Can thoroughly familiarize yourself with the manner in which the MCAT tests Use to gauge your understanding of the application of your pre-med course information Take these tests under actual MCAT testing conditions Timer

8. Other Considerations MCAT Exam A test of your ability to apply the skills and knowledge from your pre-medical coursework to problem solving. Testing/questioning Generally far different from your undergraduate coursework A test of your critical reading and writing abilities

9. Scoring and Retakes Score Compiled from the number of correct answers No penalty for guessing Huge penalties for not completing sections Work efficiently Retaking Not recommended if you prepared poorly Cancel the test or reschedule if you feel that you are not ready for this test. This is not a test to “take for practice”. Recommended Personal illness directly affected your performance You strongly suspect that you make a procedural error Usually affects one block

10. Scheduling Computerized MCAT Twenty-two test dates scheduled each year Majority in April/May Next greatest option is August/September Be aware of test registration deadlines Register early (may not be able to get desired dated if you wait until later in test registration period).

11. MCAT Information Booklet MCAT Essentials This is required reading at least a year before you plan on taking the test. Download from MCAT website Contains what you need to know about the test.

12. Preparation There are no short-cuts If your undergraduate course is inadequate, take/re-take another course that contains what you need for the test. Be sure that your course covers the topics tested before you take it. Do not underestimate the time it takes to thoroughly prepare for this exam. Make a review schedule and stick with it.

13. Preparation Undergraduate Grades Just because you received a grade of “A” in a pre-med course, does mean that you are guaranteed a strong MCAT score in that material. Memorization You cannot “memorize” every question and answer for the MCAT. You have to understand concepts and be able to apply them Reading skills If you are a poor reader or have very poor reading comprehension, you need to correct your deficiencies before taking the MCAT.

14. “ Talking yourself” out of doing well Confidence You have to have confidence in your ability to prepare and take this test. If you consider this test “impossible” it will be impossible for you to do well. If you consider this test to be a “beast”, you will likely find it a “beast”. If you were able to prepare and do well in your coursework, you can prepare and do well on this test.

15. People who do not do well on MCAT Poor preparation Poor performance in coursework Poor knowledge base Poor study skills Poor reading comprehension skills Poor discipline All of the above can be overcome with diligent review and solid preparation.

16. The MCAT Importance Taken in conjunction with your undergraduate GPA, the MCAT is another means of separating you from other applicants. This is not a test to “take for practice” or take if you are not prepared. This is another step that must be taken in order to gain admission into medical school. Take the time to prepare well.