MCAT Strategies

[diamondkings]

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So I have searched around and have not been able to find exactly what I was looking for. So what I mean by "MCAT strategies" is the use of the noteboard, what to read and what not to read, etc.

-I have seen people say they do not read the Physical and Chemical foundations of Biological Systems passages, but rather, they read the questions and skim in order to find what they are looking for.

-For the CARS, are there any tips/approaches that people would mind to share? Such as: how you focus on actively reading, do you rank passages and skip, anything along these lines would be greatly appreciated.

-Lastly, any tips regarding efficient time management, guessing strategies, and any other useful information would be greatly appreciated.

I apologize if this was not posted in the correct area, but I do look forward to seeing tips and strategies that people who have had success share.

Thanks!!

 

[Lawpy]

Here's a list of MCAT strategies to help you out: Compilation - MCAT Study Plans and MCAT Study Strategies

I suggest reading the passages for every section and answering the questions. This is true for the physics/chemistry passages as well because the passage helps give you a working background and context to answer the questions. If you understood the passage in your first active read through, you wouldn't have to repeatedly look back into the passage when answering the questions.

Here's a useful guide for CARS: TestingSolution's 30 Day Guide to MCAT CARS Success. The key to doing well is to read the passage actively, understand the main idea/why the author wrote that passage, and use the main idea to answer the questions.

A useful tip for time management during practice tests/real deal is to take a 5 second break before every passage and just use that time to clear your mind from distracting thoughts (like lingering worries from previous passage, concerns about score or messing up etc.). Timed breaks help maintain your stamina and avoid accidentally tuning out in the middle of reading a passage.

ExamKrackers offers some useful test taking strategies and time management advice. Other materials like The Berkley Review also do a pretty good job.

 

[diamondkings]

Here's a list of MCAT strategies to help you out: Compilation - MCAT Study Plans and MCAT Study Strategies

I suggest reading the passages for every section and answering the questions. This is true for the physics/chemistry passages as well because the passage helps give you a working background and context to answer the questions. If you understood the passage in your first active read through, you wouldn't have to repeatedly look back into the passage when answering the questions.

Here's a useful guide for CARS: TestingSolution's 30 Day Guide to MCAT CARS Success. The key to doing well is to read the passage actively, understand the main idea/why the author wrote that passage, and use the main idea to answer the questions.

A useful tip for time management during practice tests/real deal is to take a 5 second break before every passage and just use that time to clear your mind from distracting thoughts (like lingering worries from previous passage, concerns about score or messing up etc.). Timed breaks help maintain your stamina and avoid accidentally tuning out in the middle of reading a passage.

ExamKrackers offers some useful test taking strategies and time management advice. Other materials like The Berkley Review also do a pretty good job.

Thank you for the reply. I just finished my content review and have begun really hammering test practice and was needing some insight to some strategies. I will use these threads for sure. This helps me a ton, thanks again!!!

 

[Gill_97]

I used AAMC and UWorld. UWorld especially was the reason I got a big jump in my MCAT score.

 

[TwoHighways]

I've been trying to write stuff down as I'm reading to keep things straight without having to refer back to the passage and getting lost in the weeds. Simplifying the overly wordy and often confusing passages seems to help quite a bit.