Varsity Tutors connects you with expert tutors who can identify which topics—whether it's distinguishing between psychological theories, understanding social dynamics, or connecting brain biology to behavior—are causing you the most difficulty. Tutors work with you to build conceptual understanding rather than just memorizing facts, and they teach you how to recognize what each question is really asking, which is critical for this section's application-heavy format.

Many test-takers struggle with timing because this section requires reading dense passages and synthesizing information from multiple disciplines. A tutor can help you develop strategies like identifying key concepts quickly, skimming for relevant details, and managing time across the 59 questions in 95 minutes. Practice tests are essential—working through full-length passages with timed constraints helps you build speed while maintaining accuracy.

Start by taking a full-length MCAT practice test and analyzing your results by topic—psychology concepts, sociology, biology of behavior, and so on. A tutor can help you dig deeper into why you're missing questions: Are you misunderstanding the concept, misreading the question, or running out of time? This diagnostic approach is much more effective than general review, and it allows you to focus study time where it matters most.

These passages often combine research studies with unfamiliar terminology, which can feel overwhelming. Tutors teach active reading strategies like annotating for author's main point, identifying the study design, and noting key findings before tackling questions. Learning to distinguish between what the passage actually says and answer choices that sound plausible but aren't supported is a skill that improves significantly with guided practice.

Score improvement depends on your starting point and study commitment, but students typically see meaningful gains—often 3-5 points on the section score—within 4-8 weeks of focused, personalized tutoring. The key is identifying your specific gaps and addressing them systematically. Consistent practice combined with expert feedback tends to produce the strongest results.

Test anxiety often stems from uncertainty about content or question formats. By building genuine confidence through mastery of the material and repeated exposure to realistic practice questions, you'll feel more prepared on test day. Tutors can also teach you test-taking strategies and time management techniques that reduce the panic that comes from feeling rushed or confused.

Reach out to Varsity Tutors to describe your current score, target score, and timeline. You'll get matched with a tutor who has expertise in this section and understands the MCAT's unique demands. Most students start with an initial session to assess strengths and weaknesses, then develop a customized study plan focused on the areas where you'll gain the most points.