Physics on MCAT

[HristosKaran]

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I've started studying for the April MCAT and it is blatantly obvious that Physics is my weak point. How is every1 else studying for physics, just memorizing the formulas?? Also, are calculators still not allowed during the test since it has transfered over to the computer??

 

[HippocratesX]

i'm presently studying physics too and i've found NOVA's mcat physics workbook very helpful. it hammers the concepts into ur head with many problems under each mcat physics topic. physics is just one of those subjects u have to DO problems and work the math out as easily and painlessly as possible in your head. So, i dont think rote memorization of equations will help u, though there are certain ones u need to memorize, the mcat passages will be more application of the physics, so knowing some formulas is important. However, understanding the basic concepts of each topic helps u to quickly solve a problem. EK physics is good too, cuz it guides u on what u should definitely know, verses what is just background information (un-necessary on the mcat)

 

[kerplunk112]

physics is always tricky a lot of problems are simply deciphering the passages finding the correct data and pluging them into the equations. the higher scores require you get problems correct that are more difficult than the plug and chug ones. Also speed is a great asset so work on a lot of practice exams and time yourself. Remember a strong score on the chem passages can make up for poorer physics performance. Dont waste time on hard passages. i completely skipped a passage about capacitors on my MCAT and still got a 13.

practice on the physics is key i think i did all the kaplan testbank material..find someone who has a password if you dont take the class....gl

 

[HippocratesX]

you skipped an entire passage and still got a 13? wow, impressive.

 

[HippocratesX]

Another thing thats really helpful for physics is being able to do unit converstions quickly, simplifying the math and rounding.

 

[kerplunk112]

yeah but it could just be because i guessed correctly there were only a few problems derived from the actual passage on that page. the rest were basic circuit stuff.

 

[HristosKaran]

ssoo...as I've been reviewing, how intense does the mathematics get on the MCAT? I mean, lets say i learn all the formulas, know how to use them, but they give you insane numbers to plug in?? Is that half the battle? Being able to plug in and do calculations w/o calculators?

 

[kerplunk112]

the calculations are extremely managable. it just takes some practice being able to to round, do scientific calculations and conversions quickly. but there is absolutely no "hard" math on the mcat..ie you will get the problem wrong most likely b/c you dont know how to do it not because you couldnt do the math.

 

[HippocratesX]

HristosKaran,....the BEST thing u can do for physics section, is just do problems...and again, i recommend NOVA's physics book. it has tons of physics problems with excellent explanations to answers and hints on how to solve certain problems. it costs about $50, but its the best investment i've made in my mcat studying so far.

 

[Anastasis]

ssoo...as I've been reviewing, how intense does the mathematics get on the MCAT? I mean, lets say i learn all the formulas, know how to use them, but they give you insane numbers to plug in?? Is that half the battle? Being able to plug in and do calculations w/o calculators?

No. The calculations they will ask you to do will be extremely simple calculations (lots of times they even use whole numbers that divide easily).

There will be some plug-n-chug questions but most MCAT questions will be difficult because they will ask you to apply equations to a new and (most likely) unfamiliar senario.

So like Hippocrates said the best preparation is practice, practice, practice.

 

[cal_girl]

Try to remember main concepts in each topics...
Formula as well, if u know the concept, formulae are easy.
Practice, more practice, and u'll learn ways to tackle a problem...