MCAT
The MCAT is a computer-based standardized test that prospective medical students take in the United States, as well as other territories. Those taking the MCAT range from recent college grads to professionals, therefore there’s no wrong time to start test prep. The exam is designed to assess someone’s preparedness for medical school by testing them in critical thinking, written analysis, problem solving, and general scientific concepts. Taking 7.5 hours to complete, the exam is notoriously dense and requires rigorous preparation. On average, a student can expect to spend 12 weeks, 23 hours per week preparing for the MCAT; however, some might choose to dedicate more time. At HYE Tutors, we understand what this exam means for students and how much is at stake. MCAT scores have consistently proven to be a major deciding factor for medical school admission boards, hence students should strive to perform their absolute best. Our staff of experienced tutors is here to assist you on your journey by breaking the exam down into digestible sections. HYE Tutors’ hands-on approach and personalized attention make us Los Angeles’ premiere MCAT test prep service.
In its current version, the MCAT consists of four sections: Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis & Reasoning Skills, Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, and Psychological, Social, & Biological Foundations of Behaviour. All sections are multiple-choice, range between 50 & 60 questions, and receive an allotted time of 90 or 95 minutes.
The Chemical & Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section tests students on their understanding of both organic and inorganic chemistry, as well as physics, biology, and biochemistry. There is also a specific focus on the physical principles of both chemical interactions and biological processes that provide us with context to all living systems. Our team works with students to help them understand necessary research methods and statistics regarding this material.
The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills portion, also known as CARS, consists of 500-600 word passages that cover various topics in the social sciences and humanities. Students will have to use their reading comprehension skills to identify both the passages’ bias and the multiple perspectives surrounding the subject matter. We help students sharpen their reading comprehension skills by practicing exercises to quickly analyze text.
The MCAT’s Biological & Biochemical Foundations of Living System section covers biology and biochemistry principles; however, students are still expected to have a strong foundation in organic and inorganic chemistry to succeed in this portion of the exam. Our MCAT prep curriculum covers the full gambit of material, including functions of biomolecules, living organisms, and more. We also help students master necessary research methods for this area of science.
Lastly, the Psychological, Social, & Biological Functions of Behavior section tests students on psychology and sociology principles. The purpose of this section is to assess a student’s understanding of human behavior, perceptions of self, perceptions of others, and sociocultural differences. Call our Los Angeles office today to schedule an appointment for our extensive MCAT prep services. We are looking forward to working with new students and providing them with the resources they need to achieve their ideal test scores.