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If you're studying for the MCAT, Varsity Tutors can help you prepare with several MCAT course options to choose from. If you've ever spent time online looking for "MCAT tutoring near me", then you may already know how impactful it can be to work with a private tutor during the test preparation process. Taking an MCAT class can help you get more out of the time you had already planned on devoting towards studying for your upcoming exam. You can quickly get started with the MCAT courses that are the best fit for your needs when you contact us today. Or, keep reading to get more in-depth information on why MCAT classes could enhance the quality of your study sessions.
Why Take the MCAT?
The MCAT is a standardized admissions test that is generally taken by students who wish to apply to get a medical degree. Students who perform well on this exam may give themselves a better chance of getting accepted into the medical school program of their choice. If you earn a top score on the MCAT, then you could also set yourself up to receive additional scholarship offers. MCAT classes can help you get more out of your study sessions and may help you feel more confident on the day of your exam. If you'd like to learn more about MCAT classes, continue reading. Or, you can contact Varsity Tutors directly to get started with the MCAT courses of your choice.
MCAT Eligibility Requirements
Before you begin the MCAT courses that you eventually decide on, it's important to spend some time researching whether or not you're actually eligible to take the MCAT. Generally, you must intend to apply to a health professional school that grants a degree like the M.D., D.O., or D.V.M. However, if you don't plan on applying to one of those degree granting programs, then you may be able to get special permission to take the MCAT exam by making a formal request with the MCAT exam office.
Although the requirements to take the MCAT are relatively lax, there are some important eligibility requirements you should be aware of when applying to medical schools in general. In order to be eligible to apply to medical schools, you'll need a high school diploma as well as an undergraduate degree in a science field like biology, chemistry, or physics. If you didn't get your undergraduate degree in one of these subjects, you can still apply to medical school but you may first need to take some post-baccalaureate courses to complete the series of classes you need to have taken before applying to medical programs.
During the medical school admissions process, you'll also want to ensure that you have a good GPA and strong letters of recommendation from professors or supervisors at a relevant job. It's also a good idea to show your commitment to the field of medicine through extracurricular activities. For example, you can volunteer at a hospital, shadow a doctor, or do something similar. Students who satisfy these factors may make themselves a more attractive candidate for admission at the medical schools they're interested in attending.
Breaking Down the MCAT
The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is a multiple-choice standardized exam that is commonly taken by individuals who are preparing to apply to medical school. The test was designed to assess your scientific knowledge as well as your ability to think critically and problem solve. All of these skills are important for success in medical school as well as for success when working as a practicing physician. Individuals who score highly on the MCAT may have a better chance of getting into the medical schools they're most interested in attending. Taking an MCAT prep course is a great way to prepare for this comprehensive exam.
Here's some information on the format of the MCAT:
|
Section |
# of Questions |
Time Allotted |
|
Test-Day Certification |
4 Minutes |
|
|
Tutorial (optional) |
10 Minutes |
|
|
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems |
59 |
95 Minutes |
|
Break (optional) |
10 Minutes |
|
|
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills |
53 |
90 Minutes |
|
Mid-Exam Break (optional) |
30 Minutes |
|
|
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems |
59 |
95 Minutes |
|
Break (optional) |
10 Minutes |
|
|
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior |
59 |
95 Minutes |
|
Void Question |
3 Minutes |
|
|
Satisfaction Survey (optional) |
5 Minutes |
|
|
Total Content Time |
6 Hours & 15 Minutes |
|
|
Total ""Seated"" Time* |
Approx. 7 Hours & 27 Minutes |
|
|
* Total seated time does not include check-in time upon arrival at the test center |
Similarly, here are some of the topics you'll be asked questions about while taking the MCAT:
MCAT Topics (Non-Comprehensive)
- MCAT Biology
- DNA
- Genetics
- Evolution
- MCAT Biochemistry
- Enzymes
- Bioenergetics
- Pentose Phosphate Pathway
- MCAT Physics
- Translational motion
- Equilibrium
- MCAT Organic Chemistry
- Key functional groups/compounds
- Nomenclature
- MCAT General Chemistry
- Gas phase
- Electrochemistry
- MCAT Psychology and Sociology
- Sensory Processing
- Consciousness
The MCAT is a challenging exam because it asks you to demonstrate an advanced knowledge of core scientific subject areas as well as an ability to think critically and problem solve. If you'd like help developing your abilities in either of these skill sets, then you can easily get it by signing up for MCAT courses with Varsity Tutors. You can find the MCAT prep course that fits your needs best by contacting us today rather than spending time online searching for "MCAT help near me". Below, you'll find a more thorough breakdown of each of the MCAT sections.
The first section of the MCAT you'll need to prepare for is the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems. The questions on this section ask you to combine your knowledge of physical sciences and biological sciences. To do well on this test section, you'll need to have a strong understanding of the basic chemical and physical principles that underlie bodily functions, as well.
The next MCAT section you'll need to study for is called Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills. This section differs from the other three sections of the MCAT in that it doesn't assess any prior knowledge. Instead, you'll be asked questions that assess how well you're able to analyze arguments and identify their assumptions and references. Third, you'll also take a section called Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems. While the core of this section focuses on biological concepts, you'll also need to have a good understanding of organic chemistry to do well on this test section.
Finally, the last section of the exam is called Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior. Here, you'll be asked to showcase your knowledge of the titular topics in the context of how they relate to the biological sciences. If you feel like you would benefit from working with an expert during your study sessions, you can easily get it by signing up for an MCAT prep course with Varsity Tutors.
Finding Your Own Ideal MCAT Course
When you sign up for MCAT prep courses with Varsity Tutors, there are a few different options that you can consider. The MCAT prep courses that you ultimately land on should reflect your learning style, existing academic skill set, and test goals. You'll learn more about each type of MCAT prep class in the paragraphs below.
One option you can pursue is taking an MCAT prep class. MCAT prep courses take place in a small group setting. They are taught by expert MCAT course instructors and include peers that you can interact it. MCAT prep classes retain all of the benefits of the traditional classroom learning experience but take place in a convenient online setting. You can even work with your educator in a one-on-one setting when you need additional guidance with a challenging topic. This may be a good choice for you if you've previously had success with classroom learning.
Alternatively, you may also be interested in signing up for an MCAT prep class with a private MCAT course educator.. This style of MCAT prep classes may be right for test-takers who enjoy getting personalized feedback throughout the duration of their study plan. Your instructor can set you up with a customized lesson plan that is targeted with your growth in mind. You'll be able to work through each lesson at your own speed and get additional guidance whenever you encounter a challenging subject area.
Each style of MCAT prep classes is flexible enough to fit into most individuals' schedules. When you get ready to sign up for the MCAT course you decide on, Varsity Tutors makes every effort to connect you with an educator who meets your scheduling requirements. That means you can easily sign up to take an MCAT class without worrying about how it will impact the rest of your life.
Finally, when you sign up for an MCAT course, you'll also be able to get assistance with developing your general test-taking skills. For instance, your MCAT class instructor can show you techniques you can use to overcome test anxiety. Test anxiety is, unfortunately, a common occurrence for students who take important exams like the MCAT. Experiencing test anxiety could make it harder to stay focused during your exam and may make it difficult to remember what you learned before your test in your MCAT class.
Your MCAT class instructor could also help you manage your time more effectively while taking comprehensive exams like the MCAT. This can help you manage the time limits you'll have while taking your test. These are skills that you'll be able to utilize on your upcoming exam and also on any future tests that you take. Thus, you can get a well-rounded learning plan that fits your specific test needs when you sign up for MCAT help with Varsity Tutors.
Scoring the MCAT
Each MCAT test section is scored on a scale ranging from 118 to 132. Thus, a student's total MCAT score may range from 472-528. In addition to your raw MCAT score, when you take the exam, you'll also earn a percentile rank. This score signifies your performance on the MCAT relative to the other individuals who took it. For instance, if you earn a score of 520, that's generally around the 98th percentile. This means that if you earned that score, you would have done better than 98% of the students who took the exam.
The medical school admissions process is notoriously competitive. This is because there are only a handful of medical schools that students may attend in the United States. Each of these schools only has a limited number of slots available. In order to give yourself the best shot of getting into the medical school of your choice, you should aim to earn a total score of at least 509 on the MCAT. This score would be around the 80th percentile, which signifies just how competitive the admissions process at these schools is.
Given these statistics, it's vital that you have a strong test preparation plan in place when you begin studying for the MCAT. Although you could do this alone, it may not be as effective as signing up to work with an expert educator. Working with a test preparation expert may be the edge you need to feel more confident when sitting down to take the MCAT. If you plan on working with a test prep expert during your study sessions, then you don't have to look online for one by searching for things like "MCAT help near me". Rather, why not let Varsity Tutors help you get more out of your study sessions? You can speak with an educational director today to quickly and easily get started with your own ideal study plan.
Getting Started
Performing well on the MCAT could help you have a more successful medical school application process. If you think you would benefit from having an expert's guidance during your test preparation process, then you don't have to look up "MCAT tutoring near me" online. Instead, consider contacting Varsity Tutors to sign up for an MCAT class today. We'd love to use our experience in the test preparation industry to help you get more out of your study sessions.
Victor : Brossard MCAT course instructor
...am confident that we can reach your goals for yourself or your children. I personally improved my MCAT score from 34 (old MCAT) to 519, and most recently to 523. I know exactly what is needed for test-takers to improve beyond learning content alone. Not only do I have valuable knowledge, but I can also...
Education & Certification
- Saint Ambrose University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- McGill University - Master of Science, Physiology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Genetics
- Graduate Level Chemistry
- +38 subjects
BRAHIM: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...Data Analysis, Data Science, Mathematics, French and English, among other subjects. My teaching philosophy centers around creating personalized learning experiences tailored to each student's unique needs and learning style. I aim to make complex subjects accessible and engaging, promoting a lifelong love of learning. My experience working with students has shown me the power of...
Education & Certification
- Open University - Bachelor of Science, Business Administration and Management
- Rennes School of Business - Master of Science, Business Administration and Management
- WorldQuant University - Master of Science, Financial Planning
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- IB Further Mathematics
- Arabic
- ISEE-Middle Level Mathematics Achievement
- +43 subjects
Tania: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...Politics and Psychology. I have a strong passion for education and teaching, and hope to gain more experience and expand my knowledge and skills. I do not believe in a "one size fits all", I believe in implementing a teaching style that is personalized to each student. This is done by assessing the student's needs,...
Education & Certification
- McGill University - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Psychology
- IB Language A: Language and Literature
- Elementary School Science
- +38 subjects
Yuhao: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...McGill University. I am a dedicated tutor with a background in biological and biomedical sciences. I have tutored several university-level courses including cell biology, biochemistry, and immunology. I always aim for personalized approaches in tutoring, that is, taking the time to understand each student's needs and goals and working together in a way that suits individual...
Education & Certification
- McGill University - Bachelor's, Honours Immunology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Biology
- High School Science
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +14 subjects
Jonathan: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...moved on to science courses such as chemistry, genetics, and biology. I also tutored some remedial math and english courses. No jobs other than teaching and medicine bring me everything I want in a career. I love to help others because I have benefited so much from others help in the past. My goal is...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston Downtown - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- DAT
- GMAT
- +120 subjects
Lee: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...love working with students who need help with standardized tests. I'm a laid back individual, but I like to push my students. I know that every student is able to do well and I really enjoy helping them along their path to success. But being laid back, I am also good at relaxing a student...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Test Prep
- Organic Chemistry
- ASPIRE Science
- +41 subjects
Chloe: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...Ecology and Organismal Biology. I believe that hard work, curiosity and an open mind are the keys to lifelong learning. Often the journey to academic success is not a solo one, and I am grateful for the opportunity to share what I know in a way that inspires and educates students. My passion for education...
Education & Certification
- Univeristy of Montana - Bachelors, Ecology and Organismal Biology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Ecology
- AP Biology
- ACT Reading
- +28 subjects
Matt: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...with a concentration in Immunology and Infectious Diseases. I then went on to complete a Masters program at Georgetown University in human physiology. Given the amount of schooling I have gone through myself, I have taken a wide range of subjects and more standardized tests than I would like to admit. I have taught students...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelors, Public Health concentration in Immunology and Infectious Disease
- Georgetown University - Masters, Biophysics and Human Physiology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- Science
- High School Biology
- +85 subjects
Shayan: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...background in the sciences. I can also rock the SATs and MCAT, so I've got that going for me. I love learning with students and trying to make the tedious work of learning as fun as possible. I think and teach in examples and make abstract concepts easily understandable. I also love sports, adventures, travelling!
Education & Certification
- University at Buffalo - Bachelors, Biology, General
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Grad Student, Pre-Health
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- High School Biology
- Science
- +26 subjects
Mihir: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...all science topics up to advanced college-level chemistry and biology. As a science major and experienced tutor, I understand that the sciences pose unique and varied challenges to students. One of my primary goals is to meet students where they are, understand their specific needs, and develop an individualized plan that challenges them and helps...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Current Undergrad, Chemistry - Biochemistry Track
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Summer
- AP Biology
- Other
- +57 subjects
Timothy: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...labs, Life Science Physics including labs, Calculus, Biology including labs, and completed an honors thesis for the political science department. I took one gap year between UCLA and medical school where I worked in a Neuroscience and Biophysics Research Lab while TAing (teaching assistant) for several biology courses including LS 2, LS 4, and LS23L...
Education & Certification
- University of California-Los Angeles - Bachelors, Political Science and Government
- Drexel University College of Medicine - Current Grad Student, M.D.
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Trigonometry
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- College Level American History
- +48 subjects
Clara: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...a student's face when they realize that they don't have to be nervous about an exam - that it can actually be really fun if the questions are viewed as the simple patterns they really are. In my free time, I love watching movies, reading, swimming, and exploring the city. I also play in a...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Literature
- AP Biology
- Organic Chemistry
- +44 subjects
Adam: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...Eller College of Management who will be applying to a general surgery residency in 2021. I was previously an engineer and graduated with a bachelor's and master's of biomedical engineering from Arizona State University. I recently completed three years of my MD curriculum and am now returning to tutoring during my MBA studies. I struggled...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Arizona State University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- ACT
- Trigonometry
- +49 subjects
Matthew: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...Bachelor of Science in Microbiology. While at USF, I spent two years as a part of the Chemistry Society's Tutoring Center, where I helped my fellow classmates with their classes and coursework, primarily with general and organic chemistry. During my time at the Tutoring Center, I found that I really enjoyed helping students understand their...
Education & Certification
- University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelors, Microbiology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- ACT
- Honors Chemistry
- Science
- +17 subjects
Adam: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...was a highly empathetic person. The first job that I dreamed of was becoming a veterinarian because of my love for animals. Being the first member of my family to work in healthcare makes me proud of the journey that led me to decide to become a doctor. I made this decision just weeks before...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- Medical college - PHD, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- Test Prep
- Math
- +37 subjects
Benjin: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...most things, I'm not that guy! Like many students, understanding comes with repetition of principles and hard work. I have the perspective of a student trying to understand, not a teacher trying to preach. I love working with people from the ground up; we start at the comfort zone and work our way to improvement....
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University - Current Undergrad, Biophysics
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Test Prep
- ACT Science
- ACT
- +16 subjects
Jonathan: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...subject for themselves versus me simply giving them the answers. I believe that (guided) personal discovery leads not only to greater understanding, but greater knowledge retention as well. Additionally, as someone who played Division III basketball in college, I have also been doing private basketball lessons where many of the same concepts, albeit in a...
Education & Certification
- Macalester College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Algebra 2
- AP Chemistry
- Biology
- +19 subjects
Sresht: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...part of the GPPA Medicine program, where I majored in Biological Sciences. I have also obtained a perfect score on the Psychology/Sociology section of the MCAT with a 97th percentile score overall. I am currently obtaining my MBA before going to medical school. I have been tutoring since high school and enjoy helping students by...
Education & Certification
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- University of Illinois at Chicago - Masters in Business Administration, Business Administration and Management
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- Test Prep
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +48 subjects
Jonathan: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...Cornell University. I graduated with my Bachelor's of Science from Cornell in 2016 and I plan to attend medical school in the fall of 2017. I am really excited to be tutoring for Varsity tutors because I really enjoy helping students with subjects that gave me trouble in school. I hope that my time spent...
Education & Certification
- Cornell University - Bachelors, Human Biology
- Cornell University - Current Grad Student, Human Development
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- ACT Reading
- High School Chemistry
- +30 subjects
Vaibhav: Brossard MCAT course instructor
...the University of Pittsburgh. I majored in neuroscience and chemistry and while I was in college I spent my time volunteering at local hospitals and researching novel neuroscience techniques. I will attend medical school at Geisinger Commonwealth Medical College this fall. Having taken all of the science classes since high school, I know how daunting...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelors, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GMAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- GRE
- +73 subjects