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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
...styles and creating a plan that helps them achieve their potential. Tutoring allows me to keep my skills in the sciences fresh, while helping other students. I am passionate about the sciences and like to apply concepts I learn in class to real life situations. In my first year of dental school I completed a rigorous biomedical science curriculum including anatomy (with cadaver dissection) and physiology. I received honors in these course and would love...
Education & Certification
- Villanova University - Bachelors, Biology, General
- Columbia University in the City of New York - Current Grad Student, Dentistry (DDS)
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- DAT
- Anatomy
- +24 subjects
Alexander: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...preparation. I understand how intimidating the mighty MCAT can feel. I help my students master both the content and strategy of the test, develop manageable study routines, and build the confidence they need to perform to their maximum potential on test day. I scored a 2350 (99th percentile) on my SAT and a 520 (98th percentile) on my MCAT, and my undergraduate GPA was 3.87 (overall) / 4.0 (science). I'm happy to meet up in...
Education & Certification
- Amherst College - Bachelor in Arts, Architecture; Environmental Studies
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- High School Biology
- College Biology
- PSAT
- +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
- Science
- SAT Subject Test in Biology E/M
- Middle School Math
- +55 subjects
Kaylette: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...passionate about learning, I make sure all my students have fun. During a typical tutoring session, I try to incorporate videos, textbooks, and models to help the student stay engaged. I make my sessions interactive in hopes of creating an environment where students can learn the material in a style that is most effective for them. In addition to Anatomy, I also tutor Physiology, Biology, General Chemistry, Physics, and elementary math. When I am not...
Education & Certification
- Temple University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
- Drexel University - Master of Science, Biological Sciences
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Math
- Chemistry
- Anatomy & Physiology
- +16 subjects
Moin: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...respiratory networks in the spinal cord of adult Sprague Dawley rats. This research was presented as a poster with me as a second author at the Experimental Biology conference held this past April at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The abstract was then published in the FASEB Journal a month later in May. I have experience teaching elementary and middle school students as part of outreach programs affiliated with Drexel University College of...
Education & Certification
- Arcadia University - Bachelor in Arts, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- College Biology
- Middle School Science
- MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
- +16 subjects
Mark: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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 of potential treatments for some of the most toxic chemical weapons on Earth. My academic background includes psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and neuropharmacology. I am quite knowledgeable in experimental design and statistical analysis. I look forward to helping others...
Education & Certification
- Towson University - Bachelor of Science, Psychology
- University of Maryland-Baltimore - Doctor of Philosophy, Neuroscience
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Biology
- Social Sciences
- Life Sciences
- +11 subjects
Jasen: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...This is an ever-developing skill of mine that I had a chance to practice during my pediatrics rotation having to help kids quickly feel comfortable answering questions from me, a stranger in a white coat! In addition to my tutoring at the high school level, I have also tutored college level Biology to an art major. In this case, the simple rote memorization that seems to be main course on nearly every left-brained menu was...
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
- Physiology
- College English
- MCAT Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
- +26 subjects
Kaitlin: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...the sciences can be learned by any student, even 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...
Education & Certification
- Wesleyan University - Bachelors, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- 8th Grade Science
- +138 subjects
Vip: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...led in graduate school. He said, "You break it down so that a six-year-old could understand it." This is the level of understanding I aim to impart to all my students. I firmly believe that a thorough understanding of fundamental concepts allows one ownership of an entire subject. Such understanding provides a student with a level of confidence that even the trickiest test question cannot shake. It is my personal belief that education provides the...
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
- Chemistry
- +36 subjects
Lindsey: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...GRE subject test prep, and writing. My favorite subject to tutor is statistics because I find that it can be a bridge between math processes and real world context, lending a useful platform for math wary individuals to learn about mathematical concepts. Outside of my academic interests, I like to cycle, travel, and cook in my spare time. I like to be outdoors and I enjoy many outdoor activities such as skiing/snowboarding, swimming, and going...
Education & Certification
- University of Massachusetts Amherst - Bachelors, Psychology
- University of New Hampshire-Main Campus - PHD, Psychology
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GRE Subject Tests
- Statistics Graduate Level
- +32 subjects
Stephanie: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...education, from elementary to graduate school, the support and encouragement of a passionate teacher can turn a diffident or apathetic underachieving student into a classroom star. My favorite subject to tutor is standardized test prep (SAT, ACT, GRE, etc.) because such tests cover a finite body of material that can be taught and mastered. In addition to test prep, I also tutor a number of English related subjects (including Writing, Literature, Essay Editing, and Grammar),...
Education & Certification
- University of Chicago - Bachelors, Cinema and Media Studies / English Language and Literature
- University of Iowa - Masters, Film Studies
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GRE
- GMAT
- PCAT
- +77 subjects
Matthew: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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 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...
Education & Certification
- University of Delaware - Bachelor in Arts, Chemistry
- University of Connecticut - Doctor of Medical Dentistry, Predentistry
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- GMAT
- OAT
- LSAT
- +61 subjects
Samantha: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...go out of my way to get to know students to adapt activities to their learning styles and to help them reach their personal goals. Additionally, I like to make sessions hands-on. Having had an ESL class full of different language speakers, I have become creative at designing a variety of activities and visual aids to communicate concepts from different viewpoints. I have also successfully applied these learning strategies towards tutoring different scientific disciplines and...
Education & Certification
- Bryn Mawr College - Bachelors, Biology, General
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- 9th Grade Math
- College English
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- +65 subjects
Tom: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...explain flow dynamics in physics or using different color Skittles to explain mitosis/meiosis in biology). Also, especially for tests like the MCAT, I can talk about the actual test – what to expect on test day, any preparations to make going into the test, what to do the day before the test. I am a huge sports fan, and in my spare time, I love watching and playing sports (I played football in high school...
Education & Certification
- University of Pennsylvania - Bachelor in Arts, Biology (Neurobiology Concentration)
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- SAT
- SAT Subject Test in Mathematics Level 2
- Calculus 2
- +42 subjects
Brittany: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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 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...
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
- Calculus
- Social Studies
- Spanish 1
- +74 subjects
Saul: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...enlisted soldiers. After completing my service obligation, I earned 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...
Education & Certification
- Lehigh University - Bachelor in Arts, International Relations
- Temple University - Unknown, Journalism
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- DAT
- GMAT
- +25 subjects
Education & Certification
- The University of Texas at Austin - Bachelor of Science, Public Health
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Reading
- Writing
- Biology
- +35 subjects
Johanna: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...understanding long division. I learned a lot from this experience and definitely became more patient, creative, and proactive when it came to making lesson plans and creating a fun and stimulating learning environment. When I tutored at Johns Hopkins, I was a part of the Tutorial Project, which is a program dedicated to providing free tutoring to elementary school children from Baltimore City. A lot of the kids I tutored were behind in their grade...
Education & Certification
- Johns Hopkins University - Bachelor of Science, Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Drexel University - Master of Science, Biomedical Sciences
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Conversational Spanish for Adults
- Molecular Biology
- Literature
- +52 subjects
Heather: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
...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. I hope to be that person for students and help them grasp concepts by explaining it in a way they understand.
Education & Certification
- Capella University - Bachelor of Science, Nursing (RN)
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- PCAT
- Nursing
- AANP - American Association of Nurse Practitioners
- +28 subjects
Hayley: Philadelphia MCAT test prep instructor
What's 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...
Education & Certification
- Rochester Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science, Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Boston University - Master of Science, Health Services Administration
Subject Expertise
- MCAT
- Medical Terminology
- ARDMS - Sonography Principals and Instruments (SPI)
- Science
- +14 subjects