Science sections: read every answer choice?

[tdod]

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For the science sections (so, not considering verbal), should one always read every answer choice?

 

[gettheleadout]

Yes.

 

[Person0715]

Definitely. Don't assume your initial answer is correct. Your thought process might be off or you may not be understanding what the question is asking.

 

[mehc012]

Yeah, half of my confidence in my answer comes from knowing it is the best answer that was available.

Heck, on some questions (less so on the MCAT, but definitely on other standardized tests) you can tell what the answer is even if you hadn't seen the question, just by the choices available. In an MC test, which answer choices they choose to give you is a good measure of which concept they're trying to make sure you know. Not reading them is a waste of a valuable resource, and of at least 25% of the total info the test-makers are giving you throughout!

 

[aesculapian]

Always. I did a Kaplan workshop once where the woman said not to look at other answer choices after you've predicted an answer and matched it to a choice (the reasoning being it will save you time and keep you from second-guessing) but I disagree. You should still predict your answer before looking at the choices, but it's dangerous to not look at all the choices (for the reasons mentioned above).

Plus you could pick an answer choice that's correct, but that isn't the *most* correct or the best option. The MCAT likes to ask these types of questions sometimes.

 

[FeinMS]

"B and C are both correct, but B is more correct"

 

[neurotroph]

Always. I did a Kaplan workshop once where the woman said not to look at other answer choices after you've predicted an answer and matched it to a choice (the reasoning being it will save you time and keep you from second-guessing) but I disagree. You should still predict your answer before looking at the choices, but it's dangerous to not look at all the choices (for the reasons mentioned above).

Plus you could pick an answer choice that's correct, but that isn't the *most* correct or the best option. The MCAT likes to ask these types of questions sometimes.

Kaplan teachers give such bad advice.

Yes, OP, read every answer choice. I've missed a question on a practice test because I overlooked the correct answer. One question can be a one point difference.

 

[Bear Grylls]

Always.

 

[SN12357]

For the science sections (so, not considering verbal), should one always read every answer choice?

Yes. Sometimes the differences between answers are subtle and you could easily pick the wrong one accidentally if you do not read them all.

 

[Roxas]

I always thought it was stupid until I actually applied it consistently, but process of elimination helps soooo much on the MCAT. It's at that moment that you realize how absurd some of the answers really are, particularly in the sciences. With even an elementary understanding of the content, nearly every question can be eliminated down to 50/50.

 

[inycepoo]

One cannot take a multiple choice exam without knowing one's "choices."