Cambridge Coaching Introduction to the MCAT - Blog

Cambridge Coaching Introduction to the MCAT The key to success on the MCAT is being able to think critically. You will need to know the science content tested AND be able to synthesize this knowledge with the information provided in passages to arrive at the correct solution. With the help of our MCAT kit, you will begin to familiarize yourself with the test and learn strategies to arrive at the correct answer. © Cambridge Coaching, Inc. 2012. Do not copy or distribute without explicit permission from Cambridge Coaching, Inc.

Getting Started What’s Inside: 1.  2.  3.  4.  5.  6.  7.  8. 

MCAT Facts 2013 MCAT Test Dates MCAT Section Overviews MCAT Question Types MCAT Strategy The Best of MCAT Study Materials Test Day! MCAT Checklist

© Cambridge Coaching, Inc. 2012. Do not copy or distribute without explicit permission from Cambridge Coaching, Inc.

MCAT Facts Before you get started, let’s establish some basics facts: • 

The exam was first developed in 1928 in response to high attrition rates in US medical schools. By 1946, attrition rates had dropped to 7%, and the MCAT was widely credited with having undergirded this drop.

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The current MCAT features three graded sections: Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, and Verbal Reasoning. Each section scored from a low of 1 to a high of 15.

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The average MCAT score for U.S. Medical School applicants in 2011 was 28.2 and the average for matriculants was 31.1.

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Total “seated” time for the exam runs approximately 5 hours long.

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In 2013, there will be a voluntary Trial Section (45 minutes) at the end of the exam.

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The AAMC has announced substantial changes to the exam for 2015—including a new section entitled “Psychological, Social and Biological Foundations of Behavior.”


2013 MCAT Test Dates The MCAT is administered multiple times a year. Working towards a specific deadline will inform and optimize your test preparation. Identify your test date, get registered, and plan your study schedule accordingly. Test Date

Exam Start Time

Registration Closes

January 24, 2013

8 a.m.

January 17, 2013

January 26, 2013

1 p.m.

January 19, 2013

March 23, 2013

8 a.m.

March 16, 2013

April 4, 2013

8 a.m.

March 28, 2013

April 26, 2013

8 a.m.

April 19, 2013

April 27, 2013

1 p.m.

April 20, 2013

May 11, 2013

1 p.m.

May 4, 2013

Find additional registration information online: https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/reserving/261800/deadlineandscorerelease.html © Cambridge Coaching, Inc. 2012. Do not copy or distribute without explicit permission from Cambridge Coaching, Inc.

Physical Sciences Topics Each MCAT section tests variety of topics. Alongside studying test-taking strategies and pacing, you should review these topics to make sure they are fresh when test day rolls around. Students are allotted 70 minutes to complete 52 questions. There are 7 passages (5-7 questions per passage) and 13 discrete, stand-alone questions.

•  Electronic Structure and the Periodic Table •  Bonding •  Phases and Equilibria •  Stoichiometry •  Thermodynamics and Thermochemistry •  Kinetics •  Solution Chemistry •  Acid/Base Chemistry •  Electrochemistry •  Translational Motion

•  Force and Motion •  Equilibrium and Momentum •  Work and Energy •  Waves and Periodic Motion •  Sound •  Fluids and Solids •  Electrostatics and Electromagnetism •  Circuits •  Light and Geometrical Optics •  Atomic and Nuclear Structure


Biological Sciences Topics Each MCAT section tests variety of topics. Alongside studying test-taking strategies and pacing, you should review these topics to make sure they are fresh when test day rolls around. Students are allotted 70 minutes to complete 52 questions. There are 7 passages (5-7 questions per passage) and 13 discrete, stand-alone questions.

•  Enzymes and Metabolism •  DNA and Protein Synthesis •  The Basic Eukaryotic Cell •  Microbiology •  Specialized Eukaryotic Cells and Tissues •  Nervous and Endocrine Systems •  Circulatory, Lymphatic, &Immune Systems •  Digestive and Excretory Systems •  Muscle and Skeletal Systems •  Respiratory Systems •  The Skin

•  Reproduction and Development •  Genetics and Evolution •  Covalent Bonds •  Molecular Structure •  Spectroscopy and Laboratory Techniques •  Hydrocarbons •  Oxygen/Nitrogen Organic Chemistry •  Biologically-Relevant Molecules


Verbal Reasoning Section Each MCAT section tests variety of topics. Alongside studying test-taking strategies and pacing, you should review these topics to make sure they are fresh when test day rolls around. Students are allotted 60 minutes to complete 40 questions, all of which are based on 7 passages (5-7 questions per passage).

•  Basic Reading Comprehension and Vocabulary •  Evaluating Arguments •  Application of Information to New Circumstances •  Incorporating New Information


Question Types There are two major question types on the MCAT. Passage-based Questions: These multiple choice questions are based on a short passage, which often includes figures like graphs or charts. You should be able to answer all questions by synthesizing the passage information with your content knowledge. All questions in the verbal section are passage-based. Discrete Questions: These multiple choice questions are stand-alone and not based on any passage. There are typically ~13 discrete questions in the physical and biological sciences sections of the exam. We discuss test-taking strategy in…3…2…1…. © Cambridge Coaching, Inc. 2012. Do not copy or distribute without explicit permission from Cambridge Coaching, Inc.

MCAT Strategy Strategy is extremely important. Using these strategies while preparing for the MCAT will take you a long way: • 

Process of Elimination

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Guessing

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Pacing


MCAT Strategy Process of Elimination Often, it is easier to figure out why all of the other answers are wrong than it is to figure out why the right answer is right. Process of elimination can save you time and effort. Here’s a basic rundown of the process: •  •  •  •  • 

First, strike out all obviously wrong answers. Once you’re left with 2-3 potential answers, think about why any of them could be wrong. Once you’ve narrowed down to one answer, click it and move on. Remember, if you’re sure all of the other answers are wrong, the last one standing has to be right—even if you can’t pinpoint precisely why. If you’re not sure about a question, mark it for return. There is no guessing penalty. If time is running low and you’ve narrowed it to 2 answers, pick the one you feel best about and move on.


MCAT Strategy Guessing You should NEVER leave a question unanswered. There is no guessing penalty, so if the answer can’t be deduced—GUESS! Remember, every MCAT includes a few “experimental” questions—questions the MCAT is piloting but the scores of which are not counted. Let’s reiterate. If your clock is running down and there are many unanswered questions remaining, guess and answer all the questions.


MCAT Strategy Pacing No watches are allowed in the testing room. You will have a digital countdown on the bottom corner of your screen telling you how much time you have left during each section. If you find yourself with a lot of extra time, slow down! Verbal Reasoning: You have ~9 minutes per passage (5-7 questions). If you have difficulty, start with passages with highest number of questions. Physical and Biological Sciences You have ~8 minutes per passage (5-7 questions), and ~10 minutes for 13 discrete q’s. If you are having difficulty, complete discrete questions first, then work on to passages with a larger number of questions. Or, triage by familiarity with passage content.


The Best of MCAT Study Materials We’ve painstakingly pored through all of the available study materials, and chosen what we think are the best across each section. Here are reviews of our recommended materials, as well as some other materials you may find useful. Practice Exams We don’t believe in subjecting students to the imperfection of copycat exams, so all practice exams should come straight from the AAMC. You can purchase these online from the AAMC website. https://www.aamc.org/students/applying/mcat/preparing/85158/orderingpracticetests_mcat.html

Students who feel they need more practice might consider Kaplan’s or Princeton’s Practice exams for a less-than-perfect substitute.


The Best of MCAT Study Materials Physical Sciences Berkeley Review Physics Why: It’s an excellent book, with both more practice problems and more lucid reviews of the content than anything else. The passages are more realistic to the real test than anything else we’ve seen. Berkeley Review Chemistry Why: Similar to the rest of the series, this book combines the best explanation and practice material available anywhere on the market.


The Best of MCAT Study Materials Biological Sciences Princeton Review Biology Review & Berkeley Review Biology Review The PR Review is more comprehensive than almost any other review, so you’re sure to have seen those pesky details the MCAT loves to test. It’s also incredibly well written, weighting its section content roughly by exam coverage. But when it comes to practice questions, you can’t beat Berkeley Review—their questions are more realistic and more consistent than any other product we’ve seen. Berkeley Review Organic Chemistry As with all Berkeley Review products, the practice sets after each section make the whole thing more than worth it. Their explanations are lucid and useful without too many frills than can be obfuscating.


The Best of MCAT Study Materials Verbal Reasoning ExamKrackers 101 Passages in MCAT Verbal Reasoning While there are many, many verbal review books, we don’t find them particularly useful. Often students don’t have the time or capacity to implement all the tips and tricks they teach. Rather, we think our game plan is the most efficient, effective way to break down and work through MCAT verbal passages. 101 passages is a great tool for students looking for practice, practice, practice. While the questions can feel a little different (perhaps a little looser than the real thing) the volume and overall quality make this book a great buy.


Other Study Materials Physical Sciences Kaplan Review Series Physics &Kaplan Review Series General Chemistry ExamKrackers Series Physics &ExamKrackers Series General Chemistry Princeton Review Physics &Princeton Review General Chemistry Biological Sciences Kaplan Review Series Biology &Kaplan Review Series Organic Chemistry ExamKrackers Series Biology &ExamKrackers Series Organic Chemistry Princeton Review Organic Chemistry Review Verbal Reasoning Berkeley Review Verbal Reasoning Kaplan Verbal Reasoning Review Princeton Review Verbal Reasoning Review


Countdown to Test Day It’s almost the big day. Make sure to do the following to stay calm and focused. Prime yourself Visualize the day. Picture yourself calmly answering all questions correctly. Take a break Don’t try to study too hard the day before your test. Do 3-4 practice verbal passages in the morning (but don’t check the score), and then give yourself the day off. Rest well Be in bed at least 8 hours before you need to wake up for their exam the next morning. About a month before the test date, adjust your schedule so you are waking up at the same time you would be on Test Day. Plan Transportation Don’t wait until the last minute to figure out transportation to the test center. Try to have someone drive you, if possible, and plan for traffic delays. © Cambridge Coaching, Inc. 2012. Do not copy or distribute without explicit permission from Cambridge Coaching, Inc.

Test Day Test Day is here. You’ve worked hard. Now let’s throw everything you’ve got at it. Eat well Eat a good breakfast that is balanced and protein-rich. Pack smart snacks (nuts, bananas, whole grains, water). Avoid sugary drinks and food. Dress well Today is the day to put function over form. Wear comfortable clothing and layers. Keep Calm and Carry On No matter what happens, do not panic. Trust yourself. There will be difficult questions. If you encounter a question you think you have absolutely no idea how to answer, pause. Take a breath, employ our strategies and your critical thinking skills, answer/guess. Move on.

Remember, the exam is supposed to be difficult for everyone. You are not alone!


MCAT Checklist ☐ Familiarize yourself with the MCAT format & question types ☐ Master MCAT content areas ☐ Practice and time passages frequently before Test Day ☐ Simulate full-length Practice Exams before Test Day ☐ Sleep well leading up the MCAT ☐ Eat a sound breakfast & pack snacks for your breaks Demolish the test! © Cambridge Coaching, Inc. 2012. Do not copy or distribute without explicit permission from Cambridge Coaching, Inc.