Award-Winning MCAT Test Prep in Ann Arbor, MI

Varsity Tutors is the only name you need to know if you have been searching for expert Ann Arbor MCAT prep services. The MCAT (Medical College Admission Test) is a standardized exam written to assess whether a prospective med student has the skills that medical faculty, residents, and students see as the most important indicators of success. Taking this test is virtually mandatory no matter which schools you plan to apply to, including local institutions such as the University of Michigan Medical School. Naturally, it is important to take your MCAT prep seriously.

That's where we come into play. If you want to study in a structured online classroom environment, we can find you an Ann Arbor MCAT prep course to help you pursue your goals. If you would rather work with a private Ann Arbor MCAT tutor, we can facilitate that as well. Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of studying with Varsity Tutors.

What subjects can I expect to go over during my Ann Arbor MCAT prep?

The MCAT is an electronic test with four sections that all use a multiple-choice format. Each section is scored from 118-132, and all four sections are then added together to produce a final grade from 472-528. The MCAT is a long test that measures your intellectual stamina just as much as your academic knowledge, as you should plan to be at the testing center for a total of seven and a half hours (six hours, 15 minutes of which are spent actually testing). Here is a closer look at what you can expect to see on each section of the test:

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

The first section emphasizes how tissues, organs, and organ systems work in the human body, basic biochemical principles, organic and inorganic chemistry, and the role of physics in human biology. You also need to know how to work with the Periodic Table of Elements. You have a total of 95 minutes to answer 59 questions divided between 10 reading passages and 15 independent items on this section.

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

The second section of the MCAT measures your reading comp, verbal reasoning, and analytical thinking skills, making it the only portion of the test that is not scientific. Passages are drawn from the humanities and the social sciences, though thankfully you do not need any prior knowledge of the subject material in order to answer the questions. Instead, you need to be able to use context to define unfamiliar terms and phrases, evaluate how hypothetical information could change the meaning of a piece, and make inferences based on what you've read. All 53 questions on this part of the test are passage-based, and you have 90 minutes to answer them all.

Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

The third section of the MCAT emphasizes how an organism's individual cells cooperate in order to achieve goals such as reproduction and growth. Some of the specific topics on this portion of the exam include how cells respond to stimuli and acquire the energy and other materials necessary to carry out life processes. This section follows the same basic format as the first section, as you have a total of 95 minutes to answer 59 questions split between passage-based and standalone items.

Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

The fourth and final section of the MCAT includes topics such as mental health, how behavior affects health and vice versa, introductory sociology, introductory psychology, and the human side of medicine. For instance, students are expected to have a firm grasp of how social stratification can impact a patient's access to care and resulting well-being. This section follows the same structure as sections one and three, consisting of 59 questions in 95 minutes.

Can you explain some of the benefits of each of the Ann Arbor MCAT preparation options Varsity Tutors offers?

If you choose to take an Ann Arbor MCAT prep class, you'll study with a knowledgeable teacher vetted by us and several other students pursuing their dreams. All class meetings take place on our live virtual platform, an online classroom that creates the illusion of sharing a physical classroom without the associated commute. As a result, asking for assistance is as easy as raising your hand.

The platform also facilitates real-time interactions between students, allowing you to establish a collaborative learning environment that can help you develop a more comprehensive understanding of scientific concepts. For example, another student might share a test-taking strategy that you can use on exam day. You can also explain concepts to each other while the teacher is working with somebody else, reinforcing your own knowledge base in the process. Studying in a group also allows you to split the bill, and you have the right to arrange private study time outside of your usual class sessions if you feel like you need individualized attention to grasp a particular concept.

If you want more personalized attention, working with a private tutor may be the way to go. A one-on-one instructor can design sessions around your unique learning style to improve your study efficiency. They can also provide the flexibility to study at your own pace, whether that means quickly reviewing something you understand or looking for alternate ways of explaining challenging topics until it clicks for you. Since all sessions take place on our proprietary Live Learning Platform, you also receive the benefits of face-to-face instruction without the accompanying logistical headache.

Many students also choose to take practice tests during their private study sessions to get a realistic sense of what they can expect on exam day. For example, gaining some firsthand experience with the electronic interface may help relieve any test anxiety you are experiencing. Similarly, one of the best ways to build your intellectual stamina is to put yourself in situations where you need to maintain concentration for an extended period of time.

How do I enroll in Ann Arbor MCAT prep today?

Contact an educational consultant using the information on this page for a step-by-step tutorial on how to sign up. Varsity Tutors looks forward to helping you with all of your Ann Arbor MCAT prep needs!