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Our experts have again called out the Key Concepts, which show you which terms to review. Next, the Takeaways box offers a concise summary of the problem-solving approach best used. Things to Watch Out For points out any caveats to the approach discussed, which can lead to wrong answer choices. Finally, Similar Questions allows you to practice the stepwise technique on analogous, open-ended questions.

STAR RATING

The star rating is a Kaplan-exclusive system to help you focus your studies, using a 6-star scale. Two factors are considered when determining the rating for each topic: the “learnability” of the topic—or how easy it is to master—and the frequency with which it appears on the MCAT exam. For example, a topic that presents relatively little difficulty to master and appears with relatively high frequency on the MCAT would receive a higher star rating (e.g., 5 or 6 stars) than a topic which is very difficult to master and appears less frequently on the test. The combination of these two factors represented by the star rating will help you prioritize and direct your MCAT studies.

We’re confident that this guide and our award-winning instructors can help you achieve your goals of MCAT success and admission to med school. Good luck!

Introduction to the MCAT

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is different from any other test you’ve encountered in your academic career. It’s not like the knowledge-based exams from high school and college, where emphasis was on memorizing and regurgitating information. Medical schools can assess your academic prowess by looking at your transcript. The MCAT isn’t even like other standardized tests you may have taken, where the focus was on proving your general skills.

Medical schools use MCAT scores to assess whether you possess the foundation upon which to build a successful medical career. Though you certainly need to know the content to do well, the stress is on thought process, because the MCAT is above all else a critical thinking test. That’s why it emphasizes reasoning, analytical thinking, reading comprehension, data analysis, writing, and problem-solving skills.

Though the MCAT places more weight on your thought process, you must have a strong grasp of the required core knowledge. The MCAT may not be a perfect gauge of your abilities, but it is a relatively objective way to compare you with students from different backgrounds and undergraduate institutions.

The MCAT’s power comes from its use as an indicator of your abilities. Good scores can open doors. Your power comes from preparation and mindset because the key to MCAT success is knowing what you’re up against. That’s where this section of this book comes in. We’ll explain the philosophy behind the test, review the sections one by one, show you sample questions, share some of Kaplan’s proven methods, and clue you in to what the test makers are really after. You’ll get a handle on the process, find a confident new perspective, and achieve your highest possible scores.

ABOUT THE MCAT

Information about the MCAT CBT is included below. For the latest information about the MCAT, visit www.kaptest.com/mcat.

MCAT CBT

Format U.S.—All administrations on computerInternational—Most on computer with limited paper and pencil in a few isolated areasEssay Grading One human and one computer graderBreaks Optional break between each sectionLength of MCAT Day Approximately 5.5 hoursTest Dates Multiple dates in January, April, May, June, July, August, and SeptemberTotal of 24 administrations each year.Delivery of Results Within 30 days. If scores are delayed notification will be posted online at www.aamc.org/mcat Electronic and paperSecurity Government-issued IDElectronic thumbprintElectronic signature verificationTesting Centers Small computer testing sites

Go online and sign up for a local Kaplan Pre-Med Edge event to get the latest information on the test.

PLANNING FOR THE TEST

As you look toward your preparation for the MCAT consider the following advice:

Complete your core course requirements as soon as possible. Take a strategic eye to your schedule and get core requirements out of the way now.

Take the MCAT once. The MCAT is a notoriously grueling standardized exam that requires extensive preparation. It is longer than the graduate admissions exams for business school (GMAT, 3½ hours), law school (LSAT, 3¼ hours) and graduate school (GRE, 2½ hours). You do not want to take it twice. Plan and prepare accordingly.

THE ROLE OF THE MCAT IN ADMISSIONS