Award-Winning MCAT Test Prep in Seattle, WA

Varsity Tutors can help you prepare for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) with several Seattle MCAT prep solutions. The MCAT is a long and demanding test designed to help medical school admissions officials determine who has the potential to succeed in the program. Whether you intend to apply to the University of Washington School of Medicine or another elite medical school, you will almost certainly be required to provide your MCAT scores as part of the process.

It is imperative that you take the challenge of preparing for this critical exam seriously. While it is possible to study for it on your own, doing so will take more time and leaves you open to missing key information. Continue reading to learn more about what you will face on test day and how Varsity Tutors can help you with your Seattle MCAT preparation efforts.

What can Seattle MCAT prep cover?

The MCAT has four sections. You will receive for individual scores for each as well as a fifth score that combines them all. Individual scores can range between 118 and 132 while the combined score will be between 472 and 528. The total testing time given to complete the MCAT is just over 6 hours, although you will spend more time than that in the testing center to accommodate breaks and instructional time. The entire test is computerized, and all of the questions are in a multiple choice format. Now, let's discuss the individual portions of the MCAT.

In the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section of the MCAT, you will need to answer 59 questions within 95 minutes. There are ten sets of questions based on reading passages. Each of these sets has up to six items. You will have another fifteen questions unrelated to any of the readings. You will need to be familiar with a variety of concepts for this part, including the periodic table, chemical reactions, and how the physical, mechanical, and biochemical functions of human organs, tissues, and organ systems relate to the laws of physics.

You must answer 53 questions within 90 minutes during the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills portion of the MCAT. There are nine reading passages with up to seven related questions per passage in this portion of the exam. Some of the concepts with which you will need to be familiar include identifying components of a text, extrapolating or applying ideas from reading selections to new situations, integrating various elements from the reading passage to facilitate comprehension, and inferring meaning from context.

For the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section of the MCAT, you will have 95 minutes to answer 59 questions. There are ten reading selections with up to six questions per selection. Additionally, there are fifteen questions independent of all of the reading passages to answer. Some of the concepts you may want to review for this part of the MCAT include all of the ways organ systems and cells work together and independently to accomplish various tasks such as adaptation, maintaining an internal environment, sensing and responding to external environments, and acquiring energy and materials.

You will need to answer 59 questions in 95 minutes when you take the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior portion of the MCAT. You will have up to six items to answer for each of the ten reading passages in this section along with fifteen independent questions. Some of the concepts you may need to include as part of your preparation efforts are how people think about themselves and others, behavior and behavioral changes, societal and cultural differences that contribute to overall well-being, physical and social factors that affect perception, and how social class changes access to resources.

If you aren't confident in your abilities in any of the areas discussed above or if the thought of trying to cover the breadth of the material on your own is intimidating, working with a professional instructor can be invaluable. There are two ways to leverage professional support in your preparation efforts; prep classes and private tutoring.

How can a Seattle MCAT prep class help me prepare?

When you enroll in a prep class, you will have the guidance and structure you need to tackle the diverse preparation needs required for the MCAT. You won't have to guess or worry that you've missed critical information and you won't have to try to find the motivation to continue on your own. You can sign up for two or four-week classes, so you have a finite period within which to focus. Scheduled classes help you stay accountable to your studies and peer interaction provides encouragement and support along the way.

Your instructor will work with the class as a group and may also facilitate group discussions or projects to further your understanding of topics. You also have opportunities to engage directly with an instructor if you need clarification.

Working in a class environment is excellent for students who aren't sure where to start or who want to ensure they have access to the academic guidance and support they need throughout the preparation process.

How is working with a Seattle MCAT tutor different from taking a course?

Private tutoring provides more personalized instruction. Your instructor can customize each of your sessions to cover items specific to your academic needs, learning style, and MCAT scoring goals. You also have greater scheduling flexibility in when you meet with your instructor.

How can I get started with the right Seattle MCAT prep solution for me?

Varsity Tutors can help you quickly connect with a highly qualified MCAT tutor or enroll in a Seattle MCAT prep course depending on your needs and preferences. You don't have to face the daunting task of preparing for the MCAT alone. You can have the support of an experienced instructor every step of the way. If you're ready to take control of your academic future and give yourself the educational support you need to work towards your MCAT scoring goals efficiently, we can help. Contact Varsity Tutors to get started!