MCAT Medical College Admission Test
Table of Contents Introduction and Test taking strategies ................................................... 1 Verbal Reasoning ................................................................................. 13 Writing Sample ..................................................................................... 47 Biology ................................................................................................. 61 Introduction ...................................................................................... 61 Cell ................................................................................................... 61 Biochemistry .................................................................................... 70 Micro-Organisms ............................................................................. 75 Chromosomes ................................................................................... 80
Human Physiology ............................................................................... 87 Heart ................................................................................................. 91 Lymphatic System ............................................................................ 94 GI Tract ............................................................................................ 96 Kidneys ............................................................................................ 98 Musculo-Skeletal System ............................................................... 103
Nerves ............................................................................................ 107 Skin ................................................................................................ 117 Hormones ....................................................................................... 117 Reproduction: Asexual and Sexual ..................................................... 125
Reproduction .................................................................................. 125 Genetics .......................................................................................... 126
Population and Evolution ............................................................... 126 Punnett Squares .............................................................................. 127 Organic Chemistry ............................................................................. 133 Acids and Bases ............................................................................. 133
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Alcohols ......................................................................................... 137 Aldehydes and Ketons ................................................................... 139 Alkane and Alkenes ....................................................................... 142 Ammonia ....................................................................................... 148 Amino Acids .................................................................................. 149 Benzene ......................................................................................... 154 Carbohydrages ............................................................................... 156 Carbon ........................................................................................... 159 Carboxylic Acic ............................................................................. 161 Esters ............................................................................................. 162 Ether .............................................................................................. 162 Hydrogen Bonding ........................................................................ 163 Phenols .......................................................................................... 164 Separation and Distillation ............................................................ 164 Spectroscopy .................................................................................. 167 General Chemistry ............................................................................. 173 Covalent Bonds ............................................................................. 173 Inorganic Chemistry ...................................................................... 174 Hund's Rule ................................................................................... 177 The Periodic Table......................................................................... 184 Kinetic Molecular Theory.............................................................. 186 Phase Change ................................................................................. 188 Solutions ........................................................................................ 189 Entropy .......................................................................................... 191 Acids and Bases ............................................................................. 193 Galvanic and Electrolytic Cells ..................................................... 194 Molecular Shapes .......................................................................... 195 Oxidation Numbers ........................................................................ 196 Calculating Molecular Weight of a Compound ............................. 197 ii
How to Balance a Chemical Equation ............................................ 199
Physics ................................................................................................ 207 Center of Gravity............................................................................ 207 Statics ............................................................................................. 207 Voltage ........................................................................................... 208 Vectors and Simple Motion ............................................................ 208 Circular and Projectile Motion ....................................................... 212
Forces ............................................................................................. 216 Work and Energy ........................................................................... 220 Power and Momentum ................................................................... 222 Momentum ..................................................................................... 223 Stress and Strain ............................................................................. 225 Density ........................................................................................... 227 Fluid or Hydrostatic Pressure ......................................................... 227
Fluids in Motion ............................................................................. 228 Electricity and Magnetism ............................................................. 232 Capacitors ....................................................................................... 235
Batteries ......................................................................................... 237 Resistors ......................................................................................... 238 Magnetic Fields .............................................................................. 239 Simple Harmonic Motion and Energy ............................................ 246
Optics ............................................................................................. 247 Forces ............................................................................................. 250 Friction ........................................................................................... 252 Newton's Laws ............................................................................... 254
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Introduction and Test taking strategies
John: Welcome to MCAT Audiolearn. This audiobook is
designed to help you prepare for taking the Medical College Admission Test, better known as the MCAT. While the MCAT is a challenging test, this audiobook will prepare you to meet this challenge. You will learn what to expect on the MCAT in terms of format,
content, and scoring. We will then show you specific strategies for approaching the test itself. In addition, MCAT Audiolearn includes a focused review and sample questions of biological sciences, physical sciences, verbal reasoning, and the writing process.
Because the MCAT is such an important and comprehensive test, you may be feeling a bit anxious about taking it. That's okay; it's quite natural to feel a little intimidated. I remember the first time I took it, I
didn't know what to expect. But, you already have an advantage over your fellow test takers: by the time you
finish this audiobook you will know exactly what to expect on the MCAT. I will work with you to share the guidance and tips that really work to improve your MCAT scores. Together we will work our way through some of the examples from practice tests. Since we'll be spending some time
together, allow me to introduce myself. My name is 1
John and I will be guiding you through proven strategies for approaching the MCAT. Ana: And my name's Ana. I'll be working with John to introduce you the MCAT. John and I are very familiar
with the MCAT and our goal is to help you feel comfortable and confident at test time. We know that taking the MCAT might be something that makes you feel stressed or worried. I know it is easier said than done, but try not to worry. And, above all, don't panic! Remember that by the time you take the test, you will have reviewed all the necessary subjects. You have the expertise and intelligence to do well on the test. Your
science courses, your English courses, and your writing skills all form the foundation of your MCAT success. So while you may feel like you have a long way to go before you are fully prepared, I'm here to remind you that you've already done most of the work! During this audiobook, we're going to help you make the most of
your skills so that you can translate that work into positive test results.
As you listen to this audiobook, you may want to take
notes. Try to have a pencil and paper on hand. By taking notes on what you hear, you help to solidify the content in your mind. Reviewing notes will also help you to refresh your memory in between study sessions. While
we realize you are eager to get started, we certainly don't expect you to listen to the entire audiobook all at once.
Now might be a good time to pause the audiobook while you get a paper and pencil.
Glad to have you back after that short break. Did you 2
know taking breaks is actually a good test preparation
strategy? In fact, studies show that short chunks of time work best for studying. So, that means that rather than listening to the audiobook for three hours every three
days, you should listen for one hour every day. You will be able to retain much more information because your mind will be fresh and clear. After about an hour you become fatigued, and that's when frustration sometimes begins. If you ever get frustrated as you are preparing,
remember that it is okay to take a break. Go for a walk. Do something else for a bit. Then return to the challenge and try it again.
What you want to remember as you study for the MCAT is to break large tasks into smaller, more manageable ones. Speaking of which, John is going to tell you how
the MCAT Audiolearn is laid out. John: Sure thing, Ana. This section is the introductory
section and it is entitled Prep 1. In this section you will learn about the format of the MCAT and then we'll share general test taking strategies. The next section-Prep 2-shows you how to master the verbal reasoning section. This section is made up of reading comprehension questions on a variety of subjects including social science, humanities, and selected natural sciences.
Prep 3 teaches you how to approach the essay questions of the MCAT. You will learn a process for prewriting,
writing, and proofing. You will also hear sample writing prompts and essays. 3
And finally, Prep 4 contains a lecture review of the most important science concepts drawn from biology, organic chemistry, physics, and general chemistry. I know that may sound like a lot of work, but try not to worry or panic. Whatever time you can devote to listening to the MCAT Audiolearn will help prepare you for the MCAT. If you only have a week before the MCAT, you'll probably only has time to listen to the audiobook one time through. But, don't worry. That is
enough to help you get a good idea of what to expect. If you have a month or two, you can review the audiobook several times to help solidify the information. This will help you be even more prepared. Whatever the amount of time you have before MCAT day, remember to stay
calm and collected. That's good practice for how to adjust your attitude for the actual test.
Speaking of the actual test, you may have heard about some recent changes in the MCAT. The lengthy paper version of the MCAT has been discontinued. Now, all
MCAT tests are computer-based exams. In addition, the test day has been shortened to five-and-a-half hours. The shorter format is good news for you! It means there are fewer questions and less chance of getting fatigued while taking the test. The computerized format is also good news; I know I'd much rather point and click than fill in those annoying bubble grids!
Let's turn our attention to the overall format of the test. After all, being familiar with the structure of the test is
the first step in preparing. You should know that the MCAT is divided into four sections: 4
The first section is the Physical Sciences section, which includes physics and general chemistry. There are fiftytwo questions in this section and you are given seventy
minutes to complete them. The second section is the Verbal Reasoning section, which asks you to read passages based on humanities, social sciences, and some natural sciences and answer
questions about them. There are a total of forty multiplechoice questions and you are given sixty minutes to complete them. The third section is the Biological Sciences section, which tests your knowledge of biology and organic chemistry. Just like the Physical Sciences section, there are fifty-two questions that you must answer within seventy minutes. The fourth and final section is the Writing Sample. This section prompts you to write two essays. You are allowed thirty minutes to write each essay. The test is always given in this order: First, Physical Sciences, Second, Verbal Reasoning, Third, Biological Sciences, and Fourth, the Writing Samples. As you practice, keep the order in mind. The more you
can simulate test taking conditions, the more comfortable you'll feel on the actual test day. By that time, taking the MCAT should be as natural as brushing your teeth or driving to school. 5
Ana: Now that you know the basic format of the test, let's
talk a little bit about how the MCAT is scored. All of the multiple choice questions are worth one raw
point. That means that whether a question is difficult or easy, you receive the same point value for getting it right. In addition, the test is not adaptive. Everyone taking the MCAT receives the questions in the same order as everyone else. There is no guessing penalty on the MCAT. Therefore,
you should never leave an answer blank. Always guess, even if you have no idea which of the four answers is
correct. The physical sciences, verbal reasoning, and biological sciences each receive a score from one to fifteen, with fifteen being the best possible score. A good score is
generally considered to be ten to eleven, while an excellent score is twelve or above. The writing portion includes two separate essays on completely different topics. Each essay is then scored by two specially trained graders. The graders work independently of each other and their two scores are then added together to comprise the essay's overall score. Next the overall scores for both essays are converted into a letter scale, from J to T, with T being
the best. So now that you know how the MCAT is scored, you
also know your first MCAT tip. It's okay, even good, to guess! Even if you can't eliminate any of the answers, 6
you still have a twenty-five percent chance of guessing
correctly. The MCAT is less about recalling specific content, and
more about testing your ability to analyze, problemsolve, and think critically. The majority of the test is passage-based; passages are presented and you have to be able to understand, interpret, and draw conclusions about what you have read. The nature of the test has
several implications for how you prepare. John, why don't you tell us how to prepare for the science passagebased questions?
John: Of course, Ana. Science is one of my favorite sections. Here are some guidelines for the science questions. Remember the science questions come from the following subjects: biology, organic chemistry, physics, and general chemistry. The first guideline is that you must read the passage before answering the questions. This part of the test measures your ability to take in scientific information and use that information to answer questions. Even if you know about the subject matter, you will not be able to accurately answer the questions without reading the
passage. Read for the main ideas. Try to put the main idea of the passage into your own words. You may find it helpful to take notes as you read; however, don't go overboard. If
you do want to take notes, you can use the scratch paper to do so. (Remember this is a computer-based test, so you won't be able to take notes on the passage itself.)
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Take brief notes, only at the level of main ideas of the paragraphs. Getting too detailed in note taking can also slow you down. You need to strike a balance between
reading briskly and retaining enough information to answer the questions efficiently. While you don't want to go too slowly, you also should avoid skimming. Skimming may have been of help in the SAT or other reading comprehension tests, but these questions are much more theoretical and complex. Skimming will only confuse you. Instead, read every word, but read it quickly. Adopt a confident posture as you read. Think "I can do this." Even if the material is
unfamiliar to you, you should be able to figure out most of what you need to know by reading the passage.
If you come across a confusing part of the passage, don't spend too much time on it. The point of the science passages is not to master every nuance of the content, but to understand it well enough to answer the questions. Remember, this is a time based test. Test takers who spend time rereading difficult parts of passages will run out of time. Don't fall into that trap. When you come across charts, graphs, and tables, notice them but do not spend too much time on them. Pay attention to the main idea of the chart, graph, or table.
Ask yourself: what is the point of this visual aid? What does it show me? To surmise the main idea, look at the title, labels for axes, and headings. For questions that involve math, you should read the answer choices before you begin doing your 8
calculations. In many cases, you will be able to estimate rather than calculate to reach the correct answer. This saves valuable time and mental energy. Estimation and
rounding are important math skills to brush up on for the MCAT. If you reach a question that is difficult, guess at it and then write down the question's number on your scratch
paper. This way you can come back to it later if you have time. This is a much better strategy than leaving
questions blank. This way if you are unable to return to difficult questions, you will still have a twenty-five percent chance of getting the correct answer. Don't read the questions first. You won't be able to remember all of them, and you will just have to reread
them again after you read the passage. This wastes valuable time. For the verbal reasoning and writing sections, there are tips and tools that will help you maximize your score.
We will discuss specific strategies in the verbal reasoning and writing preps; that way they will be fresh in your mind when you read the sample questions. Now let's talk a little bit about the actual test day. If
you've ever done anything that involves performing well-athletics, job interviews, presentations-you already know a lot about how to approach the MCAT. It's all
about staying calm and focused. Now, let's imagine a time when that might be challenging. How about the night before the MCAT? 9
What you do the night before does have an effect on how well you will perform the day of the MCAT. But one thing you don't want to do is exhaust yourself the night before. Don't take a practice test or start flipping
through organic chemistry Flashcards. Even though you are nervous, try to do something relaxing the night before. Eat a healthy dinner and avoid exercising after you eat. Exercising in the evening can cause insomnia and that's the last thing you need the night before the MCAT. Go on a walk or watch a movie; do something to take your mind off the MCAT. Set two alarm clocks and go to bed early, following your normal nighttime
routine.
Dress appropriately. Wear comfortable clothing that is not distracting or noisy. For example, a jangly bracelet may be your good luck charm, but the noise it creates will distract you and your fellow test takers. Tight clothing which makes it difficult for you to breathe is also to be avoided. Because the testing is now computerized, the test center will be temperature controlled. That means that high powered air conditioning may make the test center freezing cold. Even if it is summer, bring a sweater or
jacket, just in case you get cold. It is a good idea to dress in layers. Get there early. Try to arrive to the testing center early. Use this time to take care of any restroom visits or other personal needs. 10
Take the breaks. There are optional ten minute breaks in between the 4
sections. Even if you are anxious to get the MCAT over with, you should go ahead and take the breaks. Use the breaks to take care of restroom visits, resting your eyes, getting a drink of water, and restocking on scratch paper. During the breaks, you are NOT allowed to talk on your cell phone or have conversations with others. Failing to follow this rule may cause you to be disqualified. Play it safe; avoid any conversations and cell phone use. Also,
you are responsible for resuming after ten minutes, so
keep track of your time. Try to be back at your computer with one to two minutes to spare. Be confident. If you are considering taking the MCAT, you have probably already had some academic success. Remember that you can perform well under pressure. Think about past test experiences or even athletic or personal challenges when you have succeeded. Think Positively. If you start slipping into negative thinking, try to replace the negative thoughts with positive ones. For example you might find yourself thinking: "I'm going to forget
everything I know as soon as I start taking the MCAT". That thought won't help you. Try to reframe that as: "When I start to take the MCAT, I'm going to take a deep breath, remember how well prepared I am, and
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then do my very best." If you visualize yourself doing
well, you can actually improve your performance. This concludes the introduction and general test taking strategies. Now we will proceed to Prep 2, the Verbal
Reasoning section.
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You have reached the end of the audio review for
MCAT - Medical College Admission Test.
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