Getting through the MCAT with no calculator

This forum made possible through the generous support of SDN members, donors, and sponsors. Thank you.
G

Gdelucien

New Member
Joined
Aug 6, 2019
Messages
5
Reaction score
1
Hey guys so im studying for the MCAT, but I just found out that we can't use a calculator and honestly I'm lost on how im supposed to answer, for example, physics-related questions with no calculator. Does anyone have any tips on how they got around that
Members don't see this ad.
 
Sort by date Sort by votes
Gdelucien said:
Hey guys so im studying for the MCAT, but I just found out that we can't use a calculator and honestly I'm lost on how im supposed to answer, for example, physics-related questions with no calculator. Does anyone have any tips on how they got around that
Click to expand...

Rounding and scientific notation will be your bff
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
hey ! i thought this at first too, but the math is actually quite easy! you'll be surprised! i found, at least on my mcat test, that there were barely any calculation questions. a lot of it is understanding concepts
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Members don't see this ad :)
The math on the actual MCAT/AAMC FLs is easier than third party FLs. I agree with @Engrailed - between rounding and sci not, you'll be totally fine. If you find yourself getting caught up in the math, take a step back and re-evaluate the problem from another angle.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Alco_Palco said:
hey ! i thought this at first too, but the math is actually quite easy! you'll be surprised! i found, at least on my MCAT test, that there were barely any calculation questions. a lot of it is understanding concepts
Click to expand...
Oh wow! so there generally aren't questions where we have to do crazy exponential equations, because I was just sitting here trying to figure out how to multiply and divide all these exponential numbers in my head lol.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Gdelucien said:
Oh wow! so there generally aren't questions where we have to do crazy exponential equations, because I was just sitting here trying to figure out how to multiply and divide all these exponential numbers in my head lol.
Click to expand...
As long as you know the formula, you'll easily be able to figure out the right answer because the other three won't be even close.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
My biggest advice for any problems that involve any numbers is to use scientific notation. It will make it a lot easier to multiply and divide because the whole numbers will be small. Get into the habit of converting every single number in a math-related problem into scientific notation and once you get used to the basic rules or how to use it, you'll see it's a lot easier to handle even very large numbers! I hope that helps and please reach out if you have any other questions!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Gdelucien said:
Hey guys so im studying for the MCAT, but I just found out that we can't use a calculator and honestly I'm lost on how im supposed to answer, for example, physics-related questions with no calculator. Does anyone have any tips on how they got around that
Click to expand...

SDN has some math articles that could be helpful

King Henry What?? | MCAT Tips and Tricks • Student Doctor Network
Quickly Calculate Logarithms Without a Calculator | MCAT Tips and Tricks
Using Approximation To Tackle Complex Calculations | MCAT Tips & Tricks
Unit Conversions In Eight Easy Steps | MCAT Tips and Tricks • SDN
The One About Trigonometry | MCAT Tips and Tricks • SDN
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

L
Do NOT take the Blueprint MCAT course
Replies
2
Views
1K
ClashRoyaleKing
ClashRoyaleKing
S
Should I retake the MCAT?
Replies
4
Views
1K
babySimba
B
russeast9374
Taking the MCAT before finishing all prereqs?
Replies
2
Views
671
russeast9374
russeast9374
P
MCAT Prep Advice
Replies
3
Views
857
bigboy318
bigboy318
L
MCAT 2025 Study Buddy
Replies
0
Views
60
leodelva
L
Top