101 Ways to Score Higher on Your MCAT: What You Need to Know about the Medical College Admission Test Explained Simply »

An estimated 71,000 around the world take the Medical College Admission Test, more commonly known as the MCAT, each year. Most medical colleges require applicants to take this test, and most schools look for a combined score on the verbal reasoning, physical sciences, and biological sections of at least 30. However, the average score, on a scale of 1 to 15, is only 8. How can you boost your scores and get into the medical school of your choice? Reading 101 Ways to Score Higher on Your MCAT and employing the practices within is one way to do so.

In this new book, you will learn about and understand the new computerized format, as well as the content of the exam. You will learn how to read questions correctly, how to control anxiety, and how to approach each section. In addition, you will be presented with a list of resources to help you prepare and dozens of tips from insiders.

101 Ways to Score Higher on Your MCAT is filled with practice questions and information found in each of the four sections, including the writing samples. You will find reviews of physics skills; chemistry skills; general math concepts in algebra and trigonometry; finding the main point and relevant information in a reading passage; formulating, communicating, and proving an argument; biology; and organic chemistry. In addition, diagrams of the circulatory, nervous, respiratory, lymphatic, muscular, and skeletal systems are included.

The MCAT is designed to assess your problem solving, critical thinking, writing skills, and knowledge of science concepts. Instead of panicking and worrying, pick up this book and be confident in your test-taking abilities. Whether you are taking the test for the first time or sitting for a second and hoping to improve your score, you will learn valuable information and practical tips to do just that.

Introduction 11

Part 1

Chapter 1 MCAT Basics 17

General Information 17

Chapter 2 Inside the MCAT 27

The Format 28

Content 32

Chapter 3 Studying for the MCAT 37

Practice Tests 38

Scheduling Study Time 39

Chapter 4 Studying Strategies 51

Master the Test Format 51

Follow the Test Rules 55

Chapter 5 Countdown to Test Day 67

The Month Before the Test 67

The Week Before the Test 71

The Night Before the Test 74

The Morning of the Test 75

At the Testing Site 77

Once the Test is Over 81

Chapter 6 The Science Sections 83

Format and Strategy 83

Studying for the Sciences Sections 92

Part 2

Chapter 7 Physical Sciences 101

Tackling the Physical Science Section 101

What You Need to Know About Physics 105

What You Need to Know About General Chemistry 115

Physical Sciences Practice Exercises 126

Chapter 8 Verbal Reasoning 129

The Passages 131

Reading and Analyzing the Passages 137

What to Look for in Questions 148

Sample Questions and Explanations 161

Verbal Reasoning Practice Exercises 165

Chapter 9 Writing Section 173

Scoring the Essay 174

Using Prompts to Set up Your Essay 175

How to Write an Essay 177

Writing Section Practice Exercises 192

Chapter 10 Biological Sciences 195

Tackling the Biological Sciences Section 196

What You Need to Know About Biology 201

What You Need to Know About Organic Chemistry 214

Biological Sciences Practice Exercises 224

Conclusion 229

Appendix A Internet Resources 231

Appendix B Physical Sciences Answer Explanations 235

Appendix C Verbal Reasoning Answer Explanations 243

Appendix D Writing Sample Responses 249

Prompt 1 Civil Disobedience 249

Prompt 2 Abortion 256

Prompt 3 Government Spending 262

Appendix E Biological Sciences Answer Explanations 271

Bibliography 279

Author Biography 281

Index 283