I am about to start reading BIO like crazy. Do you think it is just a memory game? I am very good with physics, which requires problem solving skills, and understanding of concepts (ok and some formula memorization as well), but I feel like BIO is pretty much memorization. Do you guys agree? Am I missing something?
MCAT Bio - Is it just a memory game?
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Not JUST memorization, but it plays a big role. You do need to understand concepts and be able to apply them to unique situations based on passages, but if you have the general knowledge from memorization, you are most of the way there. Just read and study for understanding, not only memorization. There are obviously not the formulas and more involved problem solving like in physics.
For a simple example, why would the concentration of salt in the solution around a cell affect the volume of the cell? You need to tie in the isotonic vs hyper-tonic vs hypo-tonic concepts, the semi-permeability of the cell membrane, and which way water will flow when there is a solute concentration gradient across a semi-permeable membrane to be able to answer the question. It is more than simple memorization, it is conceptual as well.
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Memorization is a tiny part of it.
If you don't know the theory/principles, then how will you understand anything they're asking.
That said, most of the test is passage based where they want you to apply the theory/concepts to unfamiliar ideas, i.e. a new experiment, made up organism, etc.
You can't memorize your way to the answers.
If you don't know the theory/principles, then how will you understand anything they're asking.
That said, most of the test is passage based where they want you to apply the theory/concepts to unfamiliar ideas, i.e. a new experiment, made up organism, etc.
You can't memorize your way to the answers.
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....Do you know what Medical School is like? haha
Pure memorization? 🙂
Just read the EK Bio Chapter 1. The concepts are rushed. You are left with the memorization option OR you can try switching to another text book which takes more time to explain the concepts. Does anyone agree?
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Well, the EK books operate on the assumption that they are review materials (which they should be if you've taken your prereqs). Basically, they point out what out of all the stuff you forgot from intro bio that you're going to need to brush up on for the test. Fundamentally you cannot get around memorizing for the bio portion of this test (or really any portion other than VR). As I was explaining to a pre-law friend of mine, part of what makes the MCAT difficult is that it isn't simply a test of logic like the SAT or (so I've been told, the LSAT)--it's a logic test whose questions rest on recalling information from multiple years of science curriculum.
Got you. So what would be the very best Biology textbook in terms of EASE to understand and CLARITY of the concepts explained? It cannot be anything complex... 🙂 This is not rocket science, just a bunch of concepts and ideas that one can understand PROVIDED THAT THE PERSON WHO IS EXPLAINING is a good teacher.
I took the MCAT twice, once with the idea it was a memory game and the second time realizing it is applying the principles you learned in biology and physiology to the passages you read. In a way, I knew more bio content the first time, but the second time I focused on problem solving. I went from a 9 to a 13.
I honestly believe problem solving and interpreting passages/graphs is much more important than memorization.
By the way, I think the best way to prepare for the MCAT bio section is to read EK's book and do The Berkeley Review's passages
I honestly believe problem solving and interpreting passages/graphs is much more important than memorization.
By the way, I think the best way to prepare for the MCAT bio section is to read EK's book and do The Berkeley Review's passages
Do you recommend first reading Biology by Campbell ? One thing is to be a Bio major and to take the reviews. Another thing is to read the reviews without high school BIO background. What do you think?
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Like other people said it is more than memorization. Some questions are pure regurgitation but the majority involve application and reasoning using what you have learned and read. I'd bet that MCAT performance correlates with IQ but you also need to be able to handle stress and be able to think clearly and quickly under pressure.
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