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Whether you intend to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) examination soon after completing your undergraduate degree or after years away from higher education, Varsity Tutors can help you find the right Philadelphia MCAT preparation strategy that fits your learning and scheduling needs. The MCAT is one of the most rigorous graduate school admissions exams, and it makes sense to take advantage of professional resources as you begin to prepare.
Top medical schools such as the Drexel University College of Medicine, the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, and Temple University School of Medicine all use the MCAT as part of their admissions requirements because it is recognized as being an excellent predictor of how well a candidate will do in medical school. Keep reading to learn more about what you will encounter on the exam and how Varsity Tutors can help you with your Philadelphia MCAT prep endeavors.
What can Philadelphia MCAT prep cover?
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, and Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior are the four sections of the MCAT. You will have a total of just over six hours to complete these sections; however, you will be in the testing environment for 7.5 hours to accommodate instructional time and breaks. Your MCAT score is actually five scores. You will receive a score for each of the four sections and a combined score that reflects them all.
Individual sections of the MCAT last no more than 95 minutes and have fewer than 60 questions each. All portions of the test contain reading passages followed by sets of questions related to those passages. Some of the sections have additional stand-alone questions unrelated to provided reading selections.
The focus of the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems portion of the MCAT include physical and chemical principles of living systems, functions of the various systems of the human body, and chemical, and the chemical and physical principles that explain the operating mechanisms of the human body. In the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills section of the test, the focus is on reading comprehension, verbal reasoning, and analytical skills. The focus of the Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems portion of the exam include foundational concepts of biochemical and biological studies, scientific inquiry, processes only found in living organisms, and reasoning skills. In the Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section of the MCAT, the focus is on evaluating those skills you must utilize to interact with a population of diverse patients successfully, how behavior impacts physical health, social issues, and mental health.
Philadelphia MCAT prep can help you prepare for all of the skills and concepts evaluated by the examination.
How can a Philadelphia MCAT prep class help me prepare?
Taking a prep class gives you an expertly designed learning path intended to provide you with access to all of the skills and concepts covered on the test according to a clearly defined schedule to help you get from point A to point B with minimal distractions and stress. You can choose between two and four-week classes, so you don't spend too much or too little time preparing for this important exam.
To support students when they are ready to begin preparing, our MCAT classes are modular. This design means that topics are covered in individual sections. With this format it is possible to have new portions of classes starting every week, so students can jump in when they're ready.
Online classrooms mean you don't have to worry about adding a commute to your study time, but you still get the benefits of interactive live instruction. Your teacher will deliver lessons to the class and may then foster group conversations or activities to help make the information more relatable and memorable.
One of the often overlooked benefits of taking a class is the peer interaction you can experience. Working alone as you prepare for the MCAT can be an isolating experience that may derail your motivation. When you surround yourself with other high-achievers with similar goals, you are more likely to remain focused and persist through learning challenges. If you do find yourself struggling with a skill or concept, you can always reach out to your instructor for clarification.
How is working with a Philadelphia MCAT tutor different from taking a course?
When working with a professional tutor, you have more individual time with your instructor. Additional one-on-one time translates into being able to ask more questions, more personal feedback, and sessions custom designed for your learning style, MCAT goals, and academic needs. This degree of personalization is impossible in a course because the teacher must deliver content applicable to all of the students, manage group learning tasks, and answer individual questions.
Private tutoring also offers more scheduling flexibility. When you enroll in a course, you must choose a class time from the options available. When you schedule a session with a personal instructor, you have more control over when you meet. You can schedule meetings with your private instructor during the week and on weekends. Whether you're an early bird or you work all day and need evening sessions, working with a private tutor means you'll be able to get the professional MCAT prep support you need to help you work towards your learning goals.
Private sessions can be a lifesaver for students who have hectic schedules but want to make preparing for the MCAT a priority. Greater flexibility and the option to narrow your prep focus to the precise skills and concepts you need to make it a more manageable proposition.
How can I get started with the right Philadelphia MCAT prep solution for me?
Varsity Tutors can help you quickly enroll in a Philadelphia MCAT prep course or connect with a skilled MCAT tutor. Both options can help you work towards your MCAT scoring goal more efficiently. If you're ready to give yourself the support you deserve as you work towards becoming a doctor, contact Varsity Tutors today.
Emily: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...of college for the Biology Department at my university. I ran weekly tutorial sessions for students taking Genetics. Then, after my junior year of college, I also began working for the Physics Department as an exam proctor and weekly quiz grader for the General Physics I & II courses. I was also available for tutoring for students taking the course. I really enjoy working with students of all different learning styles and creating a plan...
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Dentistry (DDS)
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- DAT
- Anatomy
- +24 subjects
Rachel: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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 engineering program for elementary school students. I am a strong proponent of framing intelligence...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Human Science; Minor: Math
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Test Prep
- SAT Writing and Language
- AP Chemistry
- +46 subjects
Abhinav: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...Science (Biology, Chemistry, and Physics). As a high school student, I vividly remember preparing for the SAT and hope to use the tactics that I learned to help other students who may need improvement! I firmly believe in helping students and adapting to their individual needs and skill sets. In my spare time, I love to watch football and play sports with my friends. I also love playing board games and going on hikes!
Education & Certification
- Stanford University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- CAHSEE
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- +98 subjects
Kaitlin: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...science student, I feel passionately that the sciences can be learned by any student, even those for whom it might feel a little more challenging. Working as a tutor for biology, organic chemistry, general chemistry, and neuroscience, I actively implemented this philosophy, finding creative ways to approach complex concepts. For example, I might steer a writing student studying organic chemistry to explain a reaction as a narrative of molecular interactions, rather than beginning with a...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- General Biology
- +138 subjects
Steven: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...counselor in my Boy Scout troop, teaching scouts (ages 12-17) in subjects such as First Aid and Emergency Preparedness. These experiences inspired me to continue this passion, striving to make learning a fun, insightful, and a lifelong process while helping students learn in the easiest and most effective way possible. My favorite subject to teach is math, specifically the SAT/ACT math sections. As someone who values education and intellectual curiosity, I hope to impose this...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- SAT Subject Test in Chemistry
- College Biology
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +51 subjects
Jason: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...Penn's medical school. I took a year off from medical school between my third and fourth year to get a masters degree in education focusing on medical education but also learning a tremendous amount about K-12 education as well. While I plan on being a physician in the future, I know that education will play a major role in my career whether it's educating patients, medical students, or residents Having gone through the rigors of...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - PHD, Medicine and Education
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- Statistics
- GRE Quantitative
- +53 subjects
Moin: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...the Drosophila genome that bound to a protein called CTCF. Afterwards, while attending Drexel University, I wrote my master's thesis based on clinical research I conducted at the Scheie Eye Institute in Philadelphia, PA. The thesis was related to the effects of prism glasses on the satisfaction of diplopia patients. The research was presented as a poster at the 2016 North American Neuro-Ophthalmology Society (NANOS) conference, with me as a 3rd author. For the past...
Education & Certification
- Arcadia University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Other
- Graduate Level Biology
- Middle School Science
- +16 subjects
David: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...populations in Baltimore city. Following college, I spent a year teaching high school students of various ages in Philadelphia. Since then, I have worked at the University of Pennsylvania researching traumatic brain injury. After completing a rigorous academic path, I have learned that we learn best when we are able to both apply the material we learn and have fun in the process. Because I am passionate about the sciences, I incorporate them into my...
Education & Certification
- Loyola University Maryland - Bachelor of Science, Physics, Biology
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Computer Science
- Arithmetic
- Advanced Placement
- +41 subjects
Anthony: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...plan implementation, and stakeholder development. I have presented at national conferences on the topic of climate change adaptation planning and water management planning in water-stressed areas. I have also volunteered as an AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassador for the state of New Jersey and assessed the health of neighborhood streams in the Rancocas Creek Watershed, taught in the classroom and educational workshops on a variety of environmental issues, and trained citizen volunteers of all ages in the...
Education & Certification
- Dickinson College - Bachelors, Psychology and History (2)
- Temple University - Masters, Law and a Masters of Environmental Studies at Penn
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- LSAT
- AP United States History
- +42 subjects
Samantha: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...in Philadelphia and taught English as a Second Language (ESL) to adult immigrants and students abroad. I also mentored middle school and undergraduate students with science and math courses. I am open to tutoring in a broad range of subjects, including Algebra, Spanish I/II, ESL and Biology (SAT II, AP, and MCAT). My tutoring style is personal and interactive. Learning as a student, I was deeply gratified by the teachers who inspired my interest in...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Calculus 2
- Psychology
- College Biology
- +65 subjects
James: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
I am a medical student who sees the world from the perspective of a teacher. I am not satisfied with my understanding of a topic until I feel confident that I can explain the material to another person. I am excited about the opportunities to continue my education so that I can spread my knowledge to the community.
Education & Certification
- University of California-Santa Barbara - Bachelor in Arts, Physics
- Cooper Medical School at Rowan University - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Trigonometry
- SAT Subject Test in Physics
- Math
- +29 subjects
Rebecca: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...this subject most of all, I am experienced in a broad range of subjects. I am enthusiastic about helping students to learn course material ranging from Biology and Chemistry to English and Writing. I took the MCAT exam in August of 2012 and completed all of my medical school prerequisites at Penn prior to graduating. I wanted to expand my research and teaching background after college, so I am taking two gap years before starting...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- SAT Mathematics
- HSPT
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- +43 subjects
Robert: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...three years at local institutions like Temple and Drexel. I am currently a research assistant at Columbia, UPenn, and Yale, where I enjoy discovering strategies for optimum educational performance. Besides these things, I personally enjoy making challenging concepts simple, and I am good at helping people find their own best learning style. Finally, it is my personal promise to you that I will make sure I take the time to answer all of your questions...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- University of Pennsylvania - Masters, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- Arithmetic
- +52 subjects
Nicole A.: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...the remainder of my undergraduate career, on another level of education: independence and trust. Each of us would gather after class and on the weekends to help each other study, or tutor each other in topics we didn't quite understand. This not only built my confidence as a teacher, but as a student. I'm a firm believer that anyone has the capability to learn anything - it's dependent on how driven you are as an...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelor in Arts, Clinical Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- AP Chemistry
- Biology
- Technical Writing
- +132 subjects
Rachael: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...working towards becoming a Physician Assistant and have a degree in biology from Lafayette College. I have worked as an EMT for the past 4 years and have developed a deep passion for medicine and STEM. I love reading, writing, and the social sciences as well and am eager to explore all of these subjects with you. My goal is to empower you to become a well-rounded, independent learner with strong study techniques and a...
Education & Certification
- Lafayette College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Biostatistics
- Plant Biology
- High School Chemistry
- +131 subjects
Alina: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
Hi! I'm Alina, your friendly neighborhood tutor from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I know school is hard, and I'm in school too. I attended undergrad majoring in Biology. I'm studying to become an optometrist (eye doctor)! I am flexible to answer biology, chemistry, physics, etc. questions. I was also in Honors Art in high school and in college. So, when I want to decompress from STEM subjects, I'll be drawing/painting. #STEMmajorsunite!
Education & Certification
- Widener University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- OAT
- High School Reading
- SAT Reading
- +71 subjects
Shayan: Philadelphia MCAT test prep 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
- Test Prep
- IB Biology HL
- College Biology
- +26 subjects
JB: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...genetics, phylogenetics and bioinformatics, biochemistry and metabolomics. I have a passion for teaching and have experience tutoring introductory chemistry and biology courses, teaching undergraduates in a laboratory setting, and mentoring incoming graduate students. I have lectured sections at the undergraduate and graduate level of biology, focused on general biology and microbiology. I have also furthered my knowledge in pedagogy by taking courses in teaching the natural sciences through case-study based learning, as well as on...
Education & Certification
- Farmingdale State College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- University of Delaware - PHD, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- PCAT
- DAT
- +28 subjects
Tory: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...high school and college students in science, writing, and research-related topics and tasks like working through peer reviewed papers or designing research projects. I also teach two middle school biology classes over zoom. As a biology major in college, I have a strong soft science background (including marine bio, freshwater bio, ecology, genetics, molecular bio, biochem...) so please connect with me if you would like to work together in a science class. I eventually got...
Education & Certification
- Providence College - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- New York Medical College School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Molecular Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- Writing
- CLEP
- +65 subjects
Tarek: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...I've been working with students all my life, first as a peer mentor and later on as a formal tutor/mentor. I have had great success with my students over the years and continue to keep close relations with many of my former students. Learning is a lifelong task so I seek to keep my tutoring relationships long term. Currently I am taking time off from school in order to pursue other life goals outside of...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- High School Biology
- Elementary School Math
- Anatomy
- +25 subjects