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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
...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 elementary science, Hebrew, chemistry, MCAT prep, and many more.. My ultimate plan is to go to medical...
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
- Test Prep
- SSAT
- +85 subjects
Andrew: MCAT course instructor
...residency position in Ophthalmology and is newly married to a second grade teacher. Andrew is an expert in test taking strategies and specializes in pre-medical, medical and general science exams. He has a wealth of experience as a tutor and formerly worked as an instructor for The Princeton Review MCAT prep course, in which he taught 11 courses across 4 cities and received excellent reviews. Anyone looking for a complete, well-rounded tutor who can coach...
Education & Certification
- Baylor University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center - Current Grad Student, MD
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- College Political Science
- Political Science
- +55 subjects
Lee: MCAT course instructor
...push my students. I know that every student is able to do well and I really enjoy helping them along their path to success. But being laid back, I am also good at relaxing a student and helping point out what is important and what is not. In my free time, I enjoy writing music. I am also a die hard Packers fan originally being from Green Bay, and a Bulls fan.
Education & Certification
- Northwestern University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Northwestern University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- ACT Aspire
- Pre-Calculus
- SAT Math
- +41 subjects
Max: MCAT course instructor
...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 them. I have been a teaching assistant for both General Chemistry I and II for two semesters each and have taught CPR, AED, First Aid to Salt Lake City Citizens. I have always enjoyed teaching, specifically being able to teach one-on-one. Connecting with students, making...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelors, Exercise and Sports Science
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +29 subjects
Jonathan: MCAT course instructor
...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 this...
Education & Certification
- University of Houston Downtown - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- DAT
- GMAT
- +111 subjects
Clara: MCAT course instructor
...load of college-level premed courses (three years of biology, a full year of organic chemistry, biochemistry, etc.), and my favorite subjects are math, physiology, and writing. I love teaching! I am a registered college science tutor at USC, and I also teach younger students at a weekly Girl Scout program in Watts. In high school, I tutored for the SAT as well as teaching swimming lessons for over four years, so I am very confident...
Education & Certification
- University of Southern California - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Biology
- English
- College Physics
- +44 subjects
Kyle: MCAT course instructor
...Denver, teaching upper-division genetics. My year-long tenure there only deepened my love of teaching and helped me strengthen my abilities to educate many different styles of learners. I also have the experience with graduate standardized testing, as I scored in the 95th percentile or above on the SAT, ACT, and MCAT. Since graduating in May with two degrees in biology and psychology, I have spent my time going through the medical school application process. During...
Education & Certification
- University of Colorado Denver - Bachelor of Science, Biology & Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Anatomy
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- SAT
- +46 subjects
Rachel: MCAT course instructor
...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 as a muscle...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Human Science; Minor: Math
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Microbiology
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- College Chemistry
- +46 subjects
Timothy: MCAT course instructor
...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 med requirements there. At UCLA, I took the full General and Organic Chem series with labs, Life Science Physics including labs, Calculus, Biology including labs, and completed an honors thesis for the political science department. I took one gap year between UCLA and medical school where...
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
- Microeconomics
- Biology
- Geometry
- +48 subjects
Matthew: MCAT course instructor
...at USF, I spent two years as a part of the Chemistry Society's Tutoring Center, where I helped my fellow classmates with their classes and coursework, primarily with general and organic chemistry. During my time at the Tutoring Center, I found that I really enjoyed helping students understand their studies. I have always had a passion for helping others. In my time with the tutoring center, I earned the "Distinguished Service Award" three times. I...
Education & Certification
- University of South Florida-Main Campus - Bachelors, Microbiology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- AP Chemistry
- Honors Chemistry
- Chemistry
- +17 subjects
Adam: MCAT course instructor
...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 and ACT, so I'm adept with picking up just what you're struggling with - I was there once, too. Now having performed in the upper 10% of all standardized exams I have taken and graduated with high honors with all my degrees, I'm glad...
Education & Certification
- Arizona State University - Bachelor of Science, Biomedical Engineering
- Arizona State University - Master of Science, Biomedical Engineering
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- Calculus 2
- High School Computer Science
- +49 subjects
Connor: MCAT course instructor
...I excelled in undergraduate coursework pertaining to these subjects and have prior experience in assisting pre-professional (pre-medical and pre-nursing) students looking to succeed in their required general science classes. My tutoring methodology is dependent on the establishment of a strong conceptual framework, and subsequent application of theory through practice problems (the best way to master any pure science). I frequently employ the use of problem sets and practice tests to monitor my students' progress.... Students develop independent learning skills through intuition-driven study habits. I teach all of my students to favor an intuitive understanding of material over rote memorization.
Education & Certification
- Saint Louis University-Main Campus - Bachelor in Arts, Economics
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- Test Prep
- Graduate Test Prep
- +43 subjects
Sunny: MCAT course instructor
I graduated magna cum laude from Columbia University. I earned a B.A. in Biology and Economics. I'm currently working as a Research Associate during my gap year before medical school. During my free time, I enjoy staying active, playing golf, swimming, running, and playing tennis. I love exploring new activities and neighborhoods in the NYC area.
Education & Certification
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Bachelors, Biology / Economics
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Pre-Calculus
- Middle School Math
- ACT
- +38 subjects
Mihir: MCAT course instructor
...that hard work and dedication to your education can pay great dividends. I have tutored students from middle school through college-level and had tremendous pleasure of helping over 50 students achieve their potential and dramatically improve their grades and test scores. Seeing the students I have worked with succeed provides me with tremendous satisfaction and drives me to continue tutoring. I specialize in tutoring for standardized tests, including the MCAT, GRE, SAT, and ACT, and...
Education & Certification
- University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill - Current Undergrad, Chemistry - Biochemistry Track
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- College Biology
- SAT Subject Tests
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- +57 subjects
Adam: MCAT course instructor
...to do this I will need a formal medical education. I enjoy sharing what I have learned with people who are looking to improve their lives, and I want to have the ability to do this. My job as a Nursing Assistant makes me optimistic about my future because I love my work, and I look forward to a future where I am more capable to help people in need of medical attention. Working in...
Education & Certification
- University of Nebraska at Lincoln - Bachelors, Biochemistry
- Medical college - PHD, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Anatomy & Physiology
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- Biology
- +37 subjects
Neel: MCAT course instructor
My name is Neel Rana. I studied philosophy and film in college and received a B.A. in Humanities with Honors. I also attended a Post-Bacc Pre-Medical program for two years and am in the process of applying to medical school. I have worked as an AmeriCorps VISTA, a private tutor, and in Harm Reduction. ... I believe it is crucial to teach to the style and needs of your students. Good teachers and tutors are chameleons.
Education & Certification
- Shimer College - Bachelors, Humanities
- Mills College - Current Grad Student, Post-Bacc Pre-Med
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- +2 subjects
Jonathan: MCAT course instructor
...been enhanced by tutoring Human Physiology while in college and high school Biology through Horizons for Youth. While having performed well in the basic sciences in college, I have managed to gain an even more thorough mastery of the material through MCAT preparation. Part of what makes a great tutor is not only having a strong knowledge foundation, but an ability to listen to the tutee and convey that information in a way that makes...
Education & Certification
- Macalester College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Science
- High School Physics
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- +19 subjects
Sai: MCAT course instructor
...medical school at the University of Pennsylvania as a Twenty-First Century scholar this fall, I am excited to take on my role as a lifelong learner - I know how empowering education and just figuring things out can be. I want to help students learn to love, too, for that precise reason. Be it scoring higher on a standardized test or needing help through a class they are taking, I want to help them understand...
Education & Certification
- University of Pittsburgh-Pittsburgh Campus - Bachelor of Science, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Public Speaking
- SAT Math
- Algebra 2
- +55 subjects
Daniel: MCAT course instructor
...University Medical Center. My motivation for volunteering was kindled by upperclassmen and teacher assistants that helped me when I was in introductory courses. I credit attending weekly tutoring hours throughout college as playing a pivotal role in my success in these courses and the MCAT exam. I enjoy sharing and explaining concepts I understand and helping others appreciate them. Ultimately, through these experiences, I discovered that I deeply enjoy aiding students and enriching their understanding...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE Subject Tests
- LSAT
- DAT
- +54 subjects
Joshua: MCAT course instructor
...2016 format and the new post 2016 format, and on both occasions I have scored in the 98th to 99th percentile. I don't start my own MCAT prep with such stellar scores. My self diagnostic MCAT scores tend to fall at or below the 50th percentile. I cannot and will not teach a 'fast' method to significantly improve MCAT scores. I simply do not know one! What I can teach however, is a rigorous system...
Education & Certification
- CUNY Hunter College - Bachelor in Arts, Biochemistry
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +5 subjects