You'll have roughly 95 minutes to complete 44 questions, giving you about 2 minutes per question including passage reading time. Effective pacing requires practicing with full-length passages to identify which question types you can answer quickly and which require deeper analysis. Many students benefit from skimming passages first, then returning to questions—this strategy helps you avoid getting bogged down in complex biochemistry details upfront.

Students often struggle with biochemical pathways (like glycolysis and the citric acid cycle), enzyme kinetics calculations, and distinguishing between similar cellular processes. Another major challenge is reading comprehension under time pressure—many students can understand the science but miss questions because they misread what the passage actually states. Additionally, connecting abstract biochemical concepts to experimental data presented in passages trips up many test-takers.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and study consistency, but students typically see 2-4 point increases (on the 118-132 scale) over 8-12 weeks of focused preparation. The key is identifying your specific weak areas—whether that's content gaps, question interpretation, or pacing—and addressing them systematically. Personalized 1-on-1 instruction helps you avoid wasting time on topics you've already mastered and focus intensively on areas holding back your score.

Practice tests are critical—they help you identify content gaps, reveal your pacing weaknesses, and build test-day stamina. You should take full-length practice exams regularly (ideally every 1-2 weeks during active preparation) and review every single question you miss, not just the ones you guessed on. Analyzing patterns in your mistakes (e.g., "I consistently miss enzyme kinetics questions" or "I rush through passages and misread details") is where real improvement happens.

Look for tutors with strong science backgrounds (ideally biology, biochemistry, or pre-med coursework) and proven MCAT success—ideally a score of 510+ or demonstrated experience helping students improve. Experience with the specific MCAT format and question types matters significantly. Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who understand not just the content but the test-taking strategies and time management skills that drive score improvement for students in Las Vegas.

Your first session typically focuses on assessment and planning. Your tutor will review your diagnostic scores (if available), identify your strongest and weakest content areas, and understand your target score and timeline. Together, you'll create a personalized study plan that prioritizes high-impact topics and addresses your specific challenges—whether that's biochemical pathways, passage comprehension, or test anxiety management.

Both are essential, but the balance depends on your baseline. If you're scoring below 500, content gaps are likely your primary issue and should be addressed first. Once you have solid foundational knowledge, strategy becomes more important—learning how to efficiently read passages, eliminate wrong answers, and manage anxiety can unlock 3-5 additional points. The best approach integrates both: building content mastery while simultaneously practicing test-specific strategies on real MCAT questions.