How should I start preparing for CR in MCAT

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I'm a rising sophomore, and I know I definitely should start studying for the MCAT. I decided to study for the critical reading section first because it's always been my weak spot. The problem is, I have no idea where to start.

I know there is no vocab portion in the reading section of the MCAT, but I don't know so many words that I should already know; I looked at books like Word Smart and realized that there quite a few words that I wasn't familiar with. I feel like this will cause a problem later when I'm actually taking the test.

How should I start studying for the reading section? Is memorizing vocab a good start or is it just a waste of time?

Originally Posted by Sixflags

I'm a rising sophomore, and I know I definitely should start studying for the MCAT. I decided to study for the critical reading section first because it's always been my weak spot. The problem is, I have no idea where to start.

I know there is no vocab portion in the reading section of the MCAT, but I don't know so many words that I should already know; I looked at books like Word Smart and realized that there quite a few words that I wasn't familiar with. I feel like this will cause a problem later when I'm actually taking the test.

How should I start studying for the reading section? Is memorizing vocab a good start or is it just a waste of time?

Someone is probably going to tell you "read Monocle" or "read the Economist". Honestly I don't know how much that kind of thing helps, but I'd advise getting some MCAT books (Barron's is my favorite) to study up, and most importantly, get a feel for the kind of questions you'll see on the test.

That being said, I really don't think it's necessary to start studying over a year in advance, especially if you haven't even finished the pre-reqs.

Read some Nietzsche or Kant, couple weeks later you'll be a pro at reading comprehension.

IMO prep books are useless for that section (I assume it's similar to VR) if you don't already read well.

If you're asking how to score higher on the verbal section on SDN...

you're probably in good shape.

EDIT: Read the economist or some overused advice like that

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

Read some Nietzsche or Kant, couple weeks later you'll be a pro at reading comprehension.

IMO prep books are useless for that section (I assume it's similar to VR) if you don't already read well.

Definitely agree. I don't know if reading "difficult" magazine articles is effective (IMO The Economist hardly qualifies as a "difficult to read" magazine), but I would recommend taking some courses that require you to read and analyze literature.

(sent from my phone - please forgive typos)

Originally Posted by TheMightySmiter

Read some Nietzsche or Kant, couple weeks later you'll be a pro at reading comprehension.

IMO prep books are useless for that section (I assume it's similar to VR) if you don't already read well.

Nietzche or Kant???

Try Heidegger, Russell, or Wittgenstein!!

If you can get through some tough continental philosophy of mind and language, VR will be easy

Originally Posted by STAT EKG

If you're asking how to score higher on the verbal section on SDN...

you're probably in good shape.

EDIT: Read the economist or some overused advice like that

i like the economist

Originally Posted by kpcrew2oo2

i like the economist

Me too - it's a great news source. However I don't see how reading it would be helpful at ALL for VR.

(sent from my phone - please forgive typos)

The best way to study for this section may be not to study at all. If by critical reading you mean verbal reasoning, the MCAT is getting rid of verbal reasoning and since you're only a rising sophomore you may not even have to take the verbal reasoning section at all.

Originally Posted by FishyTheFish

The best way to study for this section may be not to study at all. If by critical reading you mean verbal reasoning, the MCAT is getting rid of verbal reasoning and since you're only a rising sophomore you may not even have to take the verbal reasoning section at all.

Somebody lacks verbal reasoning skills on the MCAT 2015 thread!

Originally Posted by NickNaylor

Me too - it's a great news source. However I don't see how reading it would be helpful at ALL for VR.

(sent from my phone - please forgive typos)

true
but it covers a lot of topics so it could be helpful for the soon to be defunct writing section

Read as much philosophy as possible. If you can understand it, you are reading and thinking critically.

I totally agree with reading philosophy. I majored in it, and it definitely helped me. My minor in entomology also helped... I think every one of my VR questions had to do with philosophy, entomology, or ecology.

Originally Posted by Ironmandoc

Nietzche or Kant???

Try Heidegger, Russell, or Wittgenstein!!

If you can get through some tough continental philosophy of mind and language, VR will be easy

Totally agree... Take philosophy/ethics classes if you can. Nothing but analyzing literature/arguments in those classes.