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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
...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 that helps them achieve their potential. Tutoring allows me to keep my skills in the...
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Dentistry (DDS)
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- DAT
- GRE
- Technology and Coding
- +24 subjects
Alexander: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...routine, and I make it a priority to help my students figure out a process that works well for them. For a bit of background, I graduated from Amherst College with a B.A. in Architecture & Environmental Studies. After college, I received a Fulbright Scholarship to study architecture at Cambridge University, where I got my Master's degree in Architecture. Due to some personal exposure I had to family illness, I decided to switch paths and...
Education & Certification
- Amherst College - Bachelor in Arts, Architecture; Environmental Studies
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- History
- High School Physics
- Geometry
- +56 subjects
Claire: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
Hi! My name is Claire and I'm excited about the opportunity to work with you! I graduated from Amherst College in 2015 with a degree chemistry and plan to matriculate to medical school this August. I'm comfortable tutoring elementary- through college-level science, math, English and Spanish and have significant test-prep experience, including SAT, AP and MCAT exams.
Education & Certification
- Amherst College - Bachelors, Chemistry
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- SAT
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- Conversational Spanish
- +55 subjects
Kaylette: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...lab, and tutoring students for the didactic portion of the course. Anatomy is not only my favorite course to tutor in, but also my favorite subject in biology. I find I never get bored teaching Anatomy, because even though we all have similar basic anatomical structures, no two bodies are alike. Although I am very passionate about learning, I make sure all my students have fun. During a typical tutoring session, I try to incorporate...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Drexel University - Master of Science, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- Physiology
- Physics
- +16 subjects
Moin: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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 year, I have re-enrolled at Drexel University College of Medicine to take graduate-level classes such...
Education & Certification
- Arcadia University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Biology
- Graduate Level Biology
- Chemistry
- +16 subjects
Mark: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...for your interest in my profile! I obtained my Ph.D. in neuroscience from the University of Maryland in Baltimore, and recently started a post-doctoral fellowship at well known research laboratory in West Point PA. My research focus is developing an in vivo model of tau pathology. In a previous life (during graduate school) I was a researcher at the U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, where I used histochemistry, in vivo electrophysiology, and...
Education & Certification
- Towson University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- University of Maryland-Baltimore - Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- College Biology
- Psychology
- Neuroscience
- +11 subjects
Jasen: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...was with a 7th grade student who had trouble keeping up in class due to a mild learning difficulty. This experience developed in me a great deal of patience and an ability to creatively try to explain concepts when it seemed that mere repetition wasn't working. With that student, I gained experience tutoring up to junior high level math, high school science, English, History, as well as SAT Verbal Reasoning prep. My experience with another...
Education & Certification
- The College of New Jersey - Bachelor in Arts, Psychology
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Non Degree Doctorals, Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Biology
- SAT Reading
- Social Sciences
- +26 subjects
Kaitlin: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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 complex problem. In the context of shifting careers, I have also taken a number of...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- Genetics
- +138 subjects
Vip: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...tutor, and privately for individuals. While I am exceptionally well versed in Math and the Sciences, I also excel in Reading Comprehension, Writing, and have successfully tutored those subjects. It is my opinion that empathy is the most important skill for a teacher. I have a knack for listening to a student's response, hearing where the block in his or her understanding lies, and bringing the discussion to that place so we may reach our...
Education & Certification
- Columbia College of Columbia University - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience and Behavior
- St. George's University School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +36 subjects
Lindsey: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...most rewarding aspect of teaching is helping a student reach an "ah ha!" moment in a subject they previously thought impossible to comprehend. In my experience teaching psychology and statistics courses, I have had the opportunity to help many students reach their "ah ha" moment. I have taught psychology, research methods, and statistics courses at the University of New Hampshire and Granite State College. I received my B.A. in psychology from the University of Massachusetts,...
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of New Hampshire-Main Campus - PHD, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- CLEP Introductory Psychology
- +32 subjects
Stephanie: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...of success in an academic setting. By "confidence" I mean not only confidence in ones mastery of topical material, but, more fundamentally, confidence in ones ability to learn and think independently. As an instructor, I am dedicated to helping students succeed because I know from my own experiences as a student that, at every level of education, from elementary to graduate school, the support and encouragement of a passionate teacher can turn a diffident or...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Cinema and Media Studies / English Language and Literature
- University of Iowa - Masters, Film Studies
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- GRE
- LSAT
- +77 subjects
Matthew: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...to Dental school. After taking my DAT, I applied to 8 dental schools and was accepted to 7 of them! In my undergraduate semesters, I often took up multiple positions to be a resource for tutoring and mentoring to underclassman students. This included teaching an introduction to chemistry lab course and being a peer-mentor and President of the Making Doctors Club, a community of aspiring health professionals (pre-med, dental, vet, PA, etc.) helping them in...
Education & Certification
- University of Delaware - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
- University of Connecticut - Doctor of Medical Dentistry, Predentistry
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- DAT
- LSAT
- OAT
- +61 subjects
Samantha: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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 science and had the faith to invest in my talents. While teaching my own students, I...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Homework Support
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- SAT
- +65 subjects
Tom: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...to and including calculus I (AP Calculus AB), biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, and physics. Additionally, having taken both the SAT, SAT Subject tests in Math and Biology, and the MCAT. I can tutor students for these tests as well. My favorite subject to tutor is biology; I find it to be the most interesting science because it deals with life and how living things function (my goal is to go to medical school, so I...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology (Neurobiology Concentration)
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Math
- SAT
- Science
- +42 subjects
Brittany: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...ability to listen is crucial also for tutoring and understanding a child's academic needs. In working with patients, I also regularly break down tough scientific concepts into every-day language that they can relate to. This is another very important skill to have when working with students who may be struggling to understand difficult technical concepts. I am confident that my years of academic experience will serve well in helping your child succeed in any subject...
Education & Certification
- The Richard Stockton College of New Jersey - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine - Current Grad Student, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Anatomy & Physiology
- AP Spanish Literature and Culture
- Spanish 4
- +74 subjects
Saul: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...a law degree from Rutgers University and a Master of Journalism degree from Temple University. While working as a Graduate Assistant at Temple, I gained additional teaching experience in front of the classroom and with individual students in the computer lab. After graduating, I worked for 10 years in Public Relations, which allowed me to utilize my writing skills. As a Tutor, my focus is on Reading Comprehension, Grammar Usage and Writing. I believe that...
Education & Certification
- Lehigh University - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- Temple University - Unknown, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- DAT
- LSAT
- +25 subjects
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Organic Chemistry
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- College Chemistry
- +35 subjects
Johanna: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...I started tutoring children in High School as a mentor for elementary school children, and also as a tutor for high schoolers as part of the National Honor Society. At the time, I mentored two children in 2nd grade and frequently tutored my peers in Spanish, Biology, Algebra, Algebra 2, Geometry, Calculus and Chemistry. In college, I continued to tutor because it became a passion for me to see my tutees improve academically and understand...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor of Science, Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Drexel University - Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Cell Biology
- Intermediate Spanish for Adults
- Elementary School Math
- +52 subjects
Heather: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...17 years in the nursing profession, and 23 years total in the healthcare field, I can help students to see the bigger picture in the world of healthcare. If a student is motivated to learn, there is no end to what they can achieve. I struggled in math in high school and realized in college that sometimes the way something is explained by another person is all that's needed to get someone to understand it....
Education & Certification
- Capella University - Bachelor of Science, Nursing (RN)
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- Medical Terminology
- Health Care Policy
- +28 subjects
Hayley: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...up! I'm Hayley. I am a registered diagnostic medical sonographer that's an absolute nerd when it comes to ultrasound. I have a BS in diagnostic medical sonography from the Rochester Institute of Technology, as well as a MS in Health Professions Education from Boston University. I am currently in a full-time ultrasound education role at a major health institution. I specialize in high-risk maternal-fetal medicine, general adult and pediatric ultrasound, and while I am no...
Education & Certification
- Rochester Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Boston University - Master of Science, Health Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- ARDMS - Sonography Principals and Instruments (SPI)
- ARRT - Magnetic Resonance Imaging
- Other
- +14 subjects