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If you're applying to medical school, you'll need to take the MCAT as part of the application process. This page will help you learn how to study for the MCAT so that you can be successful on the test.
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The MCAT Myth
This video by "Dr. Dan", a medical school admissions coach, reviews an article that debunks the "MCAT Myth". The "MCAT Myth" he's referring to is tha ... read moreThis video by "Dr. Dan", a medical school admissions coach, reviews an article that debunks the "MCAT Myth". The "MCAT Myth" he's referring to is that the MCATtests facts that can be learned by rote memorization. The MCAT actual tests more than factual recall, it tests the student's ability to apply the facts to situations they may encounter as doctors.
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Introduction
- The MCAT, formally known as the Medical School Admission Test, is a standardized test that is required as part of the medical school application process by most U.S. medical schools. You can do well on the test if you understand the exam, prepare thoroughly, and use smart test taking strategies the day of the test.
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Step 1: About the MCAT
- Understanding the basic arrangement of the test will help as you begin to prepare.
- The MCAT is broken down into four subtests:
- Verbal reasoning, where you read a passage and respond to questions
- Physical sciences, which tests general chemistry and physics
- Writing, which requires two essays on general topics
- Biological sciences, which tests biology and organic chemistry
- All sections, except the writing sample, are multiple choice
- Unlike the SAT, there is no deduction for incorrect answers
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Format
- The MCAT switched from a traditional pencil and paper format to a computer based test in 2007. It is not a computer adaptive test, however; the questions are predetermined and students can go back to review the work, making changes as necessary.
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Step 2: Prepare for the MCAT
(Creative Commons photo by a.drian)- Students are encouraged to take the MCAT 18 months before they anticipate starting medical school. For most students, this will be in their junior year of college. Preparation for the exam should start several months before you plan to take the test.
- Start with the information you can access for free on the AAMC website.
- Consider a review course if you feel that the structure and accountability of a formal program will help you.
- Consider using books and software programs if you'd like te flexibility to work on individual test sections at your own pace.
- Take as many practice exams as you can under test conditions.
- Time yourself whenever working on practice questions.
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Step 3: Take the MCAT
- There are strategies you can implement on test day to help maximize your school:
- The biology and physical science sections are independent multiple choice questions, so go through them all first, answering the easy ones quickly, and marking the more difficult questions to come back to later.
- The verbal section is based on reading passages, so work through the questions in order, making sure you've completed all questions related to a passage before beginning the next passage.
- There is no penalty for guessing, so make sure you complete all questions
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