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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.
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
- IB Biology SL
- College English
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +26 subjects
Max: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...Utah graduate with a B.S. in Exercise Sports Science and a minor in chemistry. I am currently taking a year off between hopefully matriculating into medical school fall of 2016. I have done extensive coursework in biology, physics, chemistry, biochemistry, trigonometry, 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Utah - Bachelors, Exercise and Sports Science
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- Microbiology
- Science
- +29 subjects
Rachel: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...originally from San Diego, CA. I hold a Bachelor of 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...
Education & Certification
- Georgetown University - Bachelors, Human Science; Minor: Math
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PSAT
- Genetics
- Medicine
- +46 subjects
Steven: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...Drexel University, in which I obtained a BS in Biological Sciences with a concentration in organismal physiology. During my college years, I was a peer tutor who would help struggling classmates in many math and science subjects. I also served as a merit badge 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...
Education & Certification
- Drexel University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Statistics
- Science
- ACT Math
- +51 subjects
Matthew: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...(C/O 2023) at University of Connecticut School of Dental Medicine, and a recent graduate (C/O 2019) at University of Delaware where I received a bachelors degree in Chemistry with a minor in Biological Sciences. I mainly tutor for the DAT, which I scored in the 98th percentile when I took it myself! I also provide application advice for applying to Dental school. After taking my DAT, I applied to 8 dental schools and was accepted...
Education & Certification
- University of Delaware - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
- University of Connecticut - Doctor of Medical Dentistry, Predentistry
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- DAT
- GMAT
- OAT
- +61 subjects
Jason: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...at the University of Pennsylvania who is applying to pediatrics residency programs. I graduated in 2006 from Yale University with a bachelors degree in History. I subsequently completed a post-baccalaureate program at Bryn Mawr College to complete the premedical course work and matriculated into 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - PHD, Medicine and Education
- Yale University - Bachelor in Arts, History
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- Psychology
- Physiology
- +53 subjects
Abhinav: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...University and earned a bachelors in Biology. Since graduation, I have been volunteering my time tutoring with underserved populations throughout California and Pennsylvania. While I tutor a broad range of subjects, I am most passionate about Mathematics (all branches from Algebra to Calculus) and 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...
Education & Certification
- Stanford University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- College Application Essays
- MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
- +98 subjects
Jasen: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...this more intuitive, creative, visually-responsive student--a classic example of a need to not only constantly be refining my strategy, but also a reason why tutoring has been a great thing for me--it gets me using all parts of my own brain! In the same way, the different education levels and learning styles of my patients often requires creativity on my part. In addition, I remember my own struggles to focus at times and the sense...
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
- Science
- Reading
- MCAT Verbal Reasoning
- +26 subjects
Brittany: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...years of high-level coursework in various subjects under my belt, I have learned to adapt and change my learning style multiple times throughout high school, college, and medical school. As a soon-to-be doctor, one of the most important things I can do with my patients is to listen to them, their needs, and where they are coming from. This ability to listen is crucial also for tutoring and understanding a child's academic needs. In working...
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
- SAT Reading
- ACT
- Calculus
- +74 subjects
Mark: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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 behavioral assays to test efficacy...
Education & Certification
- Towson University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- University of Maryland-Baltimore - Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Biostatistics
- +11 subjects
Emily: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...a BS in Biology in 2015. Currently, I am between my first and second years of dental school at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine and will graduate with my DDS degree in May of 2019. I first started tutoring in my sophomore year 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...
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
- Data Structures
- +24 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
- Essay Editing
- Pre-Algebra
- Organic Chemistry
- +55 subjects
Michelle: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...am a private math, french and test prep instructor based out of South Jersey. I tutor students throughout Philadelphia, South Jersey and Wilmington DE. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania summa cum laude in May of 2014 with a BA in Cultural Anthropology and a Certificate in French Language and Literature. My tutoring career began in high school as a member of the National Honor Society and continued throughout and after college. I now...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelors, Anthropology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GMAT
- GRE Quantitative
- +60 subjects
Stephanie: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...Language and Literature, and in Cinema and Media Studies from The University of Chicago, and an M.A. in Film Studies from The University of Iowa, where I also spent two years as a T.A., teaching undergraduate courses in film studies and related fields. I firmly believe that self-confidence, far more than ambition or natural aptitude, is the greatest determinant of success in an academic setting. By "confidence" I mean not only confidence in ones mastery...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Cinema and Media Studies / English Language and Literature
- University of Iowa - Masters, Film Studies
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- OAT
- GRE
- +77 subjects
Ade: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...my students reach their goals and thus invest much of my time and energy into ensuring my students' academic and personal success. I truly believe that anyone can succeed if given the proper steps! Although I love math and science, in my spare time I love to play sports competitively. I played club basketball throughout college and was heavily involved in my schools intramural sports program. I also love R&B music and jamming with friends...
Education & Certification
- Yale University - Bachelors, Biology, African Studies
- University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Geometry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- High School Biology
- +48 subjects
David : Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...sciences and in the art of medicine, I have amassed a strong base to be a successful educator. My prior experiences include over 10 years of teaching, tutoring, and educating over a wide range of both community and academic settings ranging from the collegiate to post-graduate level. I have highlighted some of these experiences in the following paragraph. During my undergraduate years, I worked as a TA in both the "Introduction to Biology" and "Biochemistry"...
Education & Certification
- Cedarville University - Bachelor of Science, Biology, General
- Jefferson Medical College - Doctor of Medicine, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- High School English
- College Essays
- Test Prep
- +46 subjects
Samantha: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...at the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy League institution. I have over three years of experience as a researcher in diverse fields, including breast cancer, pediatrics, and autism genetics. I have three years of experience tutoring undergraduate students at Penn and postgraduate students. I primarily tutor for the MCAT, but also have extensive experience tutoring college science courses, including general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, biology, biochemistry, and neuroscience, which are all relevant subjects to the...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills
- Neuroscience
- ACT Reading
- +31 subjects
Rahul Patel: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
I am a practicing internal medicine physician in an academic setting. I have great interest in teaching, helping and inspiring future healthcare professionals. I am happy to help however I can. ... Learning best occurs when education is delivered from the ground up. It is like making a house of knowledge with a strong foundation in fundamental concepts. This will ensure that the learning is based in understanding instead of rote memorization.... Most importantly, I would get to know the student. Secondly, I would ask the student to tell me where he or she is struggling and assess if there is a true understanding of where he or she needs help.
Education & Certification
- Rutgers University-Newark - Bachelors, Biology, General
- University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey - Current Grad Student, Medicine
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- ABIM Exam - American Board of Internal Medicine
- Science
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +9 subjects
Samantha: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...where I majored in Biology and concentrated in Public Health. I recently completed the 2015 MCAT and will be applying to medical school this spring. While in college, I interned at a maternity hospital in India, assisted in the development of community health programs 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...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- College English
- Piano
- Essay Editing
- +65 subjects
Gabrielle: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
Hi my name is Gabby. I am a alumni of Penn State University. I majored in Psychology and minored in Biology. I currently work for the University of Pennsylvania as a clinical research coordinator. On the side, I coach little kid soccer :) (2-8 year olds). I love teaching and I hope to help you on your journey.
Education & Certification
- Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Social Sciences
- High School Biology
- Neuroscience
- +23 subjects