MCAT Biology "Experiments"

[doyourealize1]

I'm taking the MCAT for the first time in August, and I often hear that it often tests "experiments" more often than people tend to prepare for.

Are these "experiments" that people talk about hypothesis testing (ie, of the functioning of drugs or physiological systems) or actually experimental procedures (PCR, Southern/Northern blotting, etc)? The reason I am asking this is that I'm wondering if I should learn more about these procedures since they are not deeply covered in the Examkrackers books.

Thanks

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[GuzzyRon]

MCAT can throw pretty much anything at you from the very simple to the ridiculously complex although they claim they ask only basic science questions. Understanding experimental procedures will definitely help but you don't need to dwell too much on them. Procedures that are presented on the MCAT are usually explained in the passages.

 

[Lanced]

I'm taking the MCAT for the first time in August, and I often hear that it often tests "experiments" more often than people tend to prepare for.

Are these "experiments" that people talk about hypothesis testing (ie, of the functioning of drugs or physiological systems) or actually experimental procedures (PCR, Southern/Northern blotting, etc)? The reason I am asking this is that I'm wondering if I should learn more about these procedures since they are not deeply covered in the Examkrackers books.

Thanks

The single most important trend to notice in the AAMC practice tests is the shift away from rote knowledge to problem solving. As a result the tough BS questions will focus on understanding an interpreting experiments PRIMARILY. I would say 3/4s of my BS section focused on this (I took April's).

You'll notice the change as you take AAMC 4-9. 7-9 have a fair amount, the April test was similar, just a larger % of those types of questions. In my mind it makes it much tougher, but better for those good at problem solving.

 

[ADeadLois]

The BS is becoming a lot more similar to the VR section, so they might throw a completely new experimental technique and/or physiological system at you. The questions might require you to know other techniques as well, for example:

"How would the results differ if a Southern Blot were used?"

or

"What would be the results if a sample from a human XXX are used?"

 

[HunterGatherer]

I used EK. For Biology I spent one day going over my bio lab experiments from bio 101/102. The detail given in EK is enough since you will get the experiment explained in passages. Take a look at the AAMC Topic List as well.

 

[H and D]

I have been using Nova's The MCAT Biology Book to supplement my EK studying and although the questions are dissapointingly easy they are almost all experiment based. So if you are worried I would suggest getting this book so you can at least read about common experiments and procedures.