Many students struggle with the math-heavy nature of this section—especially thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium calculations. Others find it difficult to connect abstract chemistry and physics concepts to real biological scenarios, which is what the MCAT emphasizes. Time management is another major pain point; students often get caught up on calculation-heavy questions and run out of time for passage-based reasoning questions.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and commitment level, but students typically see meaningful gains—often 2-4 points on the MCAT scale—when they work with a tutor to identify weak content areas and develop strategic problem-solving approaches. Consistent practice combined with targeted instruction on your specific gaps tends to yield the strongest results. Many students find that focusing on one section at a time, rather than trying to improve everything simultaneously, leads to faster progress.

Most students benefit from 8-12 weeks of focused preparation for the entire MCAT, with dedicated time on each section. If Chemical and Physical Foundations is a weaker area for you, allocating 3-4 weeks of concentrated study—using practice problems, full-length tests, and tutoring sessions—can help you build confidence and improve accuracy. The key is consistent, strategic practice rather than cramming; spacing out your study over time helps with retention and application.

Practice tests are essential—they help you understand the question format, identify your weak content areas, and practice pacing under timed conditions. Taking full-length practice tests regularly (at least 4-6 before test day) allows you to see patterns in what you're missing and adjust your study strategy. Many students find that reviewing practice test questions with a tutor is especially valuable; a tutor can help you understand not just the correct answer, but the reasoning and strategy behind it.

Varsity Tutors connects you with tutors who have deep expertise in MCAT content and test-taking strategy. When you get matched with a tutor, you can discuss your specific challenges—whether that's organic chemistry, thermodynamics, or passage interpretation—so they can tailor their approach to your needs. Many tutors have medical school experience or have helped dozens of students prepare for the MCAT, so you're working with someone who understands the test inside and out.

Your first session is typically a diagnostic conversation where your tutor learns about your background, identifies your strongest and weakest content areas, and understands your test timeline and score goals. You might work through a few practice problems together to see how you approach questions and where you tend to get stuck. From there, your tutor will create a personalized study plan that targets your specific gaps while reinforcing your strengths.

Confidence comes from preparation, and working with a tutor helps you build both content mastery and test-taking strategies. When you understand the material deeply and have practiced the question formats extensively, you naturally feel less anxious on test day. Tutors can also teach you specific strategies for managing time, staying focused under pressure, and knowing when to move on from a difficult question—all of which reduce stress and improve performance.