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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.
Matt: MCAT course instructor
...I graduated from Johns Hopkins University as a Public Health major 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 of almost every age in various fields such as...
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
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +85 subjects
Timothy: MCAT course instructor
...name is Tim Sherry and I am one of many Varsity Tutors. I attended Jesuit High School in Carmichael, CA where I graduated with a 4.3 GPA taking multiple AP and honors courses (AP Bio, Chem, Physics B, Gov, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, English Lit, and English Lang). I also participated in several tutoring organizations throughout high school. I then attended UCLA for my undergrad degree in Political Science (Class of 2014) while also completing the pre...
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
- ACT
- Graduate Test Prep
- History
- +48 subjects
Mihir: MCAT course instructor
...SAT, and ACT. I also tutor the sciences and can cover 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 them succeed. To this end, I do not follow...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Current Undergrad, Chemistry - Biochemistry Track
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- College Chemistry
- Biochemistry
- Pre-Algebra
- +57 subjects
Jonathan: MCAT course instructor
...began tutoring seriously in college. I began with college algebra and 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 to inspire a few other students to take up...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston Downtown - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- DAT
- GMAT
- +111 subjects
Benjin: MCAT course instructor
...can naturally figure things out without a lot of explanation. In 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. I know I don't know everything, so I'm excited...
Education & Certification
- Brigham Young University - Current Undergrad, Biophysics
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Graduate Test Prep
- ACT English
- Organic Chemistry
- +16 subjects
Lee: MCAT course instructor
...finished my M.S. in Biomedical Engineering at Northwestern University. I am staying in the Chicago area because I truly love the city and envision staying here for a long time. As a tutor, I have had students ranging from sophomores in high school to adults transitioning into a new career. My Engineering curriculum at Northwestern was heavily centered around Math, Chemistry, Biology and Physics, so I can work with a student on more than one...
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Algebra
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- ACT Math
- +41 subjects
Clara: MCAT course instructor
...My favorite area is standardized testing. I love the look on 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 weekly ice hockey league and lately have been busy...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- High School Biology
- Reading
- Organic Chemistry
- +44 subjects
Adam: MCAT course instructor
...MD/MBA candidate at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and 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 throughout high school until finally preparing for the SAT...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Arizona State University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- Chemistry
- Study Skills
- +49 subjects
Adam: MCAT course instructor
...working at dentistry as a career rather than practicing medicine as a lifestyle. This was an enlightening conversation because I realized that the same statement confirmed my decision to become a doctor. I don't stop thinking about patients after I leave the office. I enjoy researching unique cases when I am at home, and I enjoy engaging in medical conversations with neighbors or friends. I enjoy research. I have been involved in three different types of...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- Medical college - PHD, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- AP Statistics
- Trigonometry
- Middle School Math
- +37 subjects
Shayan: MCAT course instructor
I'm a pre-health student at the University of Pennsylvania, and have an extensive 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!... My teaching philosophy is to teach in a way that makes materials understandable, accessible, and applicable to the real world!
Education & Certification
- University at Buffalo - Bachelors, Biology, General
- University of Pennsylvania - Current Grad Student, Pre-Health
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Biology
- SAT Mathematics
- Nutrition
- +26 subjects
Connor: MCAT course instructor
...believe that my interest in the field of academic tutoring is born out of my endless pursuit of knowledge, as well as my strong interpersonal communication skills. With proper guidance, every student possesses the ability to grasp even the most complex of topics, and I have built my tutoring career on this premise. As an experienced tutor, I have continually enjoyed seeing my students achieve lofty goals under my instruction. I specialize in tutoring biology,...
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- Algebra
- +43 subjects
Max: MCAT course instructor
...a recent University of Utah graduate with a B.S. in Exercise Sports Science and a minor in chemistry. I am currently taking a year off between hopefully matriculating into medical school fall of 2016. I have done extensive coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, trigonometry, calculus, psychology, sociology, and lab sciences. I have also recently taken the new MCAT and believe that I can teach my tools for success to any pre-student willing to learn...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelors, Exercise and Sports Science
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Math
- +29 subjects
Daniel: MCAT course instructor
...finished up my Post-Bacc Pre Med Program this past Spring and am looking to offer help in science courses from middle school to college level. I graduated from Boston College in 2009 and have worked at the neuroscience and psychiatry labs at Yale and Cornell. I enjoy working with people and wish to one day specialize in geriatrics. I have taught chess and English to young children and tutored children from foster care for two...
Education & Certification
- Boston College - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- High School Physics
- Chemistry
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +17 subjects
Rachel: MCAT course instructor
...recent Georgetown University graduate originally from San Diego, CA. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Human Science, and I graduated with Honors with Distinction. While at Georgetown, I completed the pre-medical track and minored in Math. I'm an experienced standardized test taker, and I am passionate about helping students achieve their academic potential! I have tutored elementary school through college students in reading comprehension, math, SAT prep, and chemistry, and even started an afterschool...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Human Science; Minor: Math
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- AP Chemistry
- SAT Subject Test in Literature
- Genetics
- +46 subjects
Andrew: MCAT course instructor
...name is Andrew and I am a current Master's student at Touro College of Osteopathic Medicine in NYC and am set to enter their Osteopathic Medicine program this upcoming fall. I have studied for many science-related courses and exams ranging from SATs, GRE, and MCAT. I am excited to share my experiences with other students to help them succeed in their own journeys. I prefer to focus on building healthy study habits to allow students...
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University-New Brunswick - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Touro College - Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GMAT
- Biology
- +18 subjects
Chris : MCAT course instructor
...have my M.S in Environmental Engineering and B.S in Environmental Science with plans to start medical school in the summer of 2021 in New York! After excelling in my college undergraduate coursework I began teaching at my college's Center for Academic Success tutoring subjects such as Biology, Organic Chemistry, Physics, Biochemistry, Calculus and more. After graduation I continued to tutor throughout graduate school and even taught college level courses as an assistant professor! For me,...
Education & Certification
- Manhattan College - Bachelor of Science, Environmental Science
- Manhattan College - Master of Science, Environmental Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- Science
- +18 subjects
Samantha: MCAT course instructor
I'm a first-year medical student and recent graduate from Duke University, where I studied Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions. From running a piano program at a nonprofit children's theatre to private tutoring in math, science, and standardized test prep, I enjoy helping my students become confident and self-sufficient learners!
Education & Certification
- Duke University - Bachelors, Global Health Determinants, Behaviors, and Interventions
- Harvard Medical School - Current Grad Student, MD
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- SAT Subject Tests
- Geometry
- +38 subjects
Sarah: MCAT course instructor
...former public school educator and current 4th year medical student, I thoroughly enjoy both the practices of mentoring students and helping them succeed in their studies. My specific interests lie mainly in the field of science, however I also enjoy math and test prep tutoring. Because I care deeply about education, I have the ability to both recognize the struggles and concerns that students have with certain subjects and the ability to push them towards...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelors, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Science
- Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +10 subjects
Gabe: MCAT course instructor
...for the student to employ before settling on what works best for them. I aim for my clients to improve as overall students as well, so that they can be successful in the face of any future academic challenges. Aside from my teaching and academic pursuits, my favorite hobbies are playing music and cooking. I play the bass and sitar in any style from Indian classical music to Top 40 Taylor Swift hits. In the kitchen,...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Neuroscience and Behavior
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- ISEE- Middle Level
- PSAT Critical Reading
- AP Calculus AB
- +40 subjects
Adam: MCAT course instructor
...a graduate of the University of Alaska Anchorage with a double major in Psychology and Natural Science and minors in Communication, Mathematics, and Chemistry. I began tutoring nine years ago as an afterschool and weekend math and science tutor for high schoolers through a federally funded Educational Talent Search program and have tutored students ranging from middle school through university since then. I have also been a department tutor for the chemistry department at UAA...
Education & Certification
- University of Alaska Anchorage - Bachelor of Science, Natural Science and Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Psychology
- Graduate Test Prep
- Algebra 3/4
- +40 subjects