Elimination Strategies: Kickass on the MCAT

[KeepCalm11]

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Let's start a thread on common sense elimination strategies that can be used (Especially in verbal) to knock out answer choices.

IF 2 answers say the same thing, both are wrong
If 2 answers are very close, 1 is probably right
2 answers are opposite, one is probably right
LEAST/EXCEPT/NOT---> the correct answer will be different than the rest
Extreme statements are almost always wrong.

Add your own strategies or experiences using similar strategies on practice tests.

 

[Don Draper]

Let's start a thread on common sense elimination strategies that can be used (Especially in verbal) to knock out answer choices.

IF 2 answers say the same thing, both are wrong
If 2 answers are very close, 1 is probably right
2 answers are opposite, one is probably right
LEAST/EXCEPT/NOT---> the correct answer will be different than the rest
Extreme statements are almost always wrong.

Add your own strategies or experiences using similar strategies on practice tests.

AAMC loves to break these rules, I think people occasionally read the prep company tips and make questions that counter the common sense.

Best thing to do is know your science concepts, then get inside the test takers head, "what are they testing in this question?".

As for making a list of rules, practice is better. Then you develop intuition instead of a list. Much alike asking an MVP NFL quarterback how they know when to get rid of the ball, there aren't lists, there is only feel and intuition developed from rigorous practice.

Another point: Prep companies aren't as good at writing multiple choice questions. They use these little rules that are in your list, like two opposites will likely mean one is correct. AAMC is much more intelligent and uses test data collected over decades, so they know what makes questions less straightforward. So developing this list may help throughout your whole prep but will likely fail on test day. Understand and practice with the concepts in lots of FLs instead.

 

[latrala2300]

COMPLETELY agree with draper. that very logic you came up with screwed me on some bio. AAMC's answers are subtle, and just because X is true does not mean that Anti-X isn't, if that makes sense. Think of the square/rectangle statement we all learn in elementary school, and apply it to the MCAT scale.

 

[KeepCalm11]

thanks guys for correcting me and avoiding me to fall into a BIG trap!
thanks

 

[SN2ed]

I believe the AAMC even wrote in their official guide that they know about these techniques test prep companies teach and deliberately go against them.

 

[ru4real1666]

Learn the material and use your reasoning. The only strategy that works.

 

[dntke1518]

The aamc does specifically say in their guide that you can purchase that you should avoid using these "common sense" methods.