Kaplan McAt Practice Tests

Chapter One: Intoduction to the MCAT Understand how the MCAT is structured and scoredLearn to take control of the test using the MCAT MindsetTake out a No. 2 pencil....Do not make any stray marks on the grid....What is the acceleration due to gravity of a penny thrown from the Empire State Building if....You've faced these tests before, so you know the drill, right? Wrong.The Medical College Admission Test, affectionately known as the MCAT, is different from any other test you've encountered in your academic career. It's not like the knowledge-based exams from high school and college, whose emphasis was on memorizing and regurgitating information. Medical schools can assess your academic prowess by looking at your transcript. The MCAT isn't even like other standardized tests you may have taken, where the focus was on proving your general skills.Medical schools use MCAT scores to assess whether you possess the foundation upon which to build a successful medical career. Though you certainly need to know the content to do well, the stress is on thought process, because the MCAT is above all else a thinking test. That's why it emphasizes reasoning, critical and analytical thinking, reading comprehension, data analysis, writing, and problem-solving skills.The MCAT's power comes from its use as an indicator of your abilities. Good scores can open doors. Your power comes from preparation and mindset, because the key to MCAT success is knowing what you're up against. And that's where this section of this book comes in. We'll explain the philosophy behind the test, review the sections one by one, show you sample questions, share some of Kaplan's proven methods, and clue you in to what the test makers are really after. You'll get a handle on the process, find a confident new perspective, and achieve your highest possible scores.RegistrationThe only way to register for the MCAT is online. The registration site is: www.aamc.org/mcat You can access the site 8 to 12 weeks before your test date. Payment must be made by MasterCard, Visa, or E-payment.Go to www.aamc.org/mcat/registration.htm and download MCAT Essentials for information about registration, fees, test administration, and preparation. For other questions, contact: MCAT Program OfficeP.O. Box 4056Iowa City, IA 52243(319) 337-1357(Monday-Friday, 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M., central daylight time)www.aamc.orgEmail: mcat@aamc.org Don't drag your feet gathering information. You'll need time not only to prepare and practice for the test, but also to get all your registration work done.Anatomy of the MCATBefore mastering strategies, you need to know exactly what you're dealing with on the MCAT. Let's start with the basics: The MCAT is, among other things, an endurance test. It consists of four and three-quarter hours of multiple-choice testing plus one hour of writing sample. Add in the administrative details at both ends of the testing experience, plus three breaks (including lunch), and you can count on being in the test room for well over six hours.It's a grueling experience, to say the least. If you can't approach it with confidence and stamina, you'll quickly lose your composure. That's why it's so important that you take control of the test.The MCAT consists of four timed sections: Physical Sciences, Verbal Reasoning, the Writing Sample, and Biological Sciences. Later in this section of the book, we'll take an in-depth look at each MCAT section, including sample question types and specific test-smart hints, but here's a general overview: Physical SciencesVerbal ReasoningWriting SampleBiological Sciences The sections of the test always appear in the same order: Morning Physical Sciences[10-minute break]Verbal ReasoningKaplan Educational Center Staff is the author of 'Kaplan McAt Practice Tests', published 2004 under ISBN 9780743241113 and ISBN 0743241118.