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Student Guide

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MCAT

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...Strategy

MCAT® MCAT Strategy Student Guide

Are You Ready for the MCAT®? .......................................................................... 3 General Schedule and Overview ............................................................................ 5 Subject Specific Overview ..................................................................................... 8 Biology Syllabus and Homework Schedule .......................................................... 9 General Chemistry Syllabus and Homework Schedule .......................................12 Organic Chemistry Syllabus and Homework Schedule .......................................14 Physics Syllabus and Homework Schedule .........................................................16 Psychology/Sociology Syllabus and Homework Schedule .................................19 Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Syllabus and Homework Schedule .......21 Syllabus Abbreviation Legend .............................................................................24 MCAT® Information and Basic Techniques ........................................................25

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Welcome to The Princeton Review!

Welcome to TPR’s newest MCAT® preparation program, MCAT Strategy! You’ve made a great decision to prep with us and we look forward to working with you. Our programs are the best in the business: MCAT Strategy offers 44 hours of live instruction focused on the best strategies and techniques to tackle the MCAT, 14 full-length practice tests (including all of the available AAMC exams), a state-of-the-art online learning system that incorporates recent educational psychology research on the best ways to learn, 9 comprehensive textbooks, and thousands of questions in drills and practice passages, both online and printed. Our instructors are highly qualified experts in their field and must be certified in a rigorous training before entering the classroom. You are in great hands! But, like anything else, it’s not magic: you’ll get out of it what you put into it. This guide offers recommendations for how to set up your preparation schedule most efficiently and effectively. If at any time you have questions, let us know: we are here to help.

Register for the Test Signing up for The Princeton Review MCAT course does not register you for the actual MCAT. If you haven’t already, register now at www.aamc.org. The current fee is $305-$355, depending on when you register.

We Love to Hear From You Questions about course content should be directed towards your instructors. If at any time during the course you have concerns about any aspect of the program, please call us at 800-2REVIEW. Your satisfaction is incredibly important to us, so don’t hesitate to let us know what we can do to improve your MCAT course experience.

We will also issue a post-course survey, “Would You Recommend The Princeton Review?” We hope your answers will reflect our efforts to deliver the type of program that has made The Princeton Review a leader in test prep and admissions services. We look forward to working with you.

http://www.aamc.org/

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Are You Ready for the MCAT®? The MCAT® has been designed by the AAMC with the stated purpose of aligning the content knowledge tested with the material students need to know in order to be successful in medical school. The test includes an emphasis on biochemistry, molecular biology, and psychology and sociology. Use the checklist below to record a snapshot of your current confidence levels in each of the major topic areas tested. Are there science categories you already know should be an area of focus for you? Being aware of those can help you focus your preparation.

Content Topic Rate Your Confidence (1 = low confidence/knowledge, 5 = strong confidence/knowledge)

Autonomic Nervous System □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Bacteria □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Biochemical Pathways □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Biological Macromolecules □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Cancer □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Cardiovascular System □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Cellular Respiration □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Central/Peripheral Nervous System □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Digestive System □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 DNA Replication □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 DNA Structure □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Embryology and Development □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Endocrine System and Hormones □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Enzymes and Enzyme Inhibition □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Eukaryotic Cell Structure □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Evolution and Natural Selection □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Immunology □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Linked Genes and Hardy Weinberg □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Mendelian Genetics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Mitosis/Meiosis □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Musculoskeletal System □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Mutations and Repair □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Neuron Structure and Function □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Protein Translation □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Renal System □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Reproductive Systems □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Respiratory System □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 RNA Transcription □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Transmembrane Transport □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Viruses, Prions, Viroids □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Acids and Bases □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Amino Acids and their Abbreviations □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Atomic Structure □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Bonding □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Buffers and Titrations □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Electrochemistry □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Equilibrium □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Gases □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Intermolecular Interactions □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Kinetics and Thermodynamics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Periodic Trends □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Phases and Phase Changes □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Radioactivity □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Redox Chemistry □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Solutions □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Stoichiometry □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Aldehydes and Ketone Chemistry □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Carboxylic Acid Derivatives □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Nomenclature and Functional Groups □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Nucleophiles, Electrophiles, Leaving Groups □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Separation Techniques □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Spectroscopy □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5

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Stability □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Stereochemistry □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Substitutions □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Conservation of Energy □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Circuits and Capacitors □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Magnetism □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Electrostatics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Fluid Dynamics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Fluid Statics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Forces and Newton’s Laws □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Kinematics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Mechanical Oscillations and Waves □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Optics – Mirrors/Lenses □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Physical Optics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Quantum Physics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Sound Waves □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Thermal Physics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Torque, Center of Mass, Rotational Inertia □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Uniform Circular Motion □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Work and Power □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Attention and Attention Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Attitude and Attitude Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Attribution, Errors, Biases □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Behavior/Behavior Change □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Behavioral Genetics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Cognition and Cognitive Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Consciousness □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Culture, Socialization, Social Institutions □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Demographic Structure/Shifts □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Emotion/Emotion Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Global Inequality □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Group Processes, Social Processes □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Health/Healthcare Disparities □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Human Development □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Identity and Identity Formation □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Language □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Learning and Memory □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Motivation/Motivation Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Nervous System Disorders □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Perception/Perception Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Personality/Personality Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Prejudice and Stereotypes, Discrimination □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Psychological Disorders □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Psychological Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Self-Presentation □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Sensation/Sensory Receptors □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Social Theories □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Statistics □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Statuses, Roles, Class □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5 Stress □ 1 □ 2 □ 3 □ 4 □ 5

For the MCAT Strategy course, you should have high confidence in almost all of the topics above. If there are a few you think you need to brush up on, make sure to incorporate time for that during your preparation. MCAT Strategy teachers will not cover content in class. Remember: you’re reading these words for a reason… you want to be a doctor. The road to that goal may be long, and it may occasionally be hard, but you’re here because you believe it is worthwhile. We believe in you, and we’re on your side to help you achieve your goals. Let’s get started!

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General Schedule and Overview The general schedule shown below assumes your course starts 8 weeks before your actual MCAT and lasts 6 weeks, leaving you about two weeks for review. If this is not the case, expand or contract the schedule as necessary. Expanding is easy… just spread the final review weeks out over more weeks as needed. To contract the schedule, for maximum efficiency focus on your weakest areas, and plan on doing more work each day. Overview: By the end of Week 1:

· Read “Information about Diagnostic Exams” and “Information about amplifire” in the Resources section of your online content

· Take AAMC Practice Test 1 Weekly:

· Amplifire modules before each class · CARS Strategy Modules before each class · Strategy passages after each class · Diagnostic exams, reading, MedFlix videos, and content passages as needed · End of Week 4: AAMC Practice Test 2, review score report · End of Week 7: AAMC Practice Test 3, review score report · 1 week before your actual MCAT test date: final review on strategy and content topics as needed

About Diagnostic Exams: Diagnostic Exams are NOT the same as Practice Tests. Practice Tests are mock MCATs, designed to look and feel like the actual test and are NOT content-comprehensive. There is simply no way to cover all areas of science content and all variations on CARS passages and questions in only 10 passages and 59 questions (sciences) or 9 passages and 53 questions (CARS). The science Diagnostic Exams include more total questions to cover all MCAT content. For example, the Biology Diagnostic Exams include a total of almost 150 questions; the Physics exams include almost 130 questions, etc.

The Diagnostic Exams are subdivided into smaller topics so that you can more easily test your knowledge in particular areas. The Diagnostic Exams are not required, but if you feel like you are struggling in any particular content area, they are a great way to assess your knowledge so that you know where you need to focus your studying. The Diagnostic Exams are found on the Coursework page of your online content.

You have two full sets of Diagnostic Exams for each subject (sets A and B). The two sets are written to be very similar, but not identical (they test the same concepts in different ways), so that you can gauge improvement from the first set to the second. The Princeton Review is proud to be the only test-prep company to offer this to students!

Note that the CARS Exams, unlike the science exams, are timed, since the ability to do well in the CARS section is very much dependent on your ability to effectively pace yourself. Make sure to complete the online MCAT CARS Self-Evaluation Survey that goes with each CARS Diagnostic exam shortly after taking each test; these surveys are designed to give you more information and strategies based on the results of your Diagnostic Exam. When reviewing the CARS Diagnostics, make sure to take note of any question type or format that stands out as a weakness. When reviewing these questions, work to figure out what it is about that particular question type or format that causes you problems. There is also a CARS Reading Comprehension Diagnostic Exam. The score on this exam, given as a percentage, will give you an idea of how strong your reading comprehension skills are and if you need to work on improving those basic skills.

About Score Reports:

Score reports are found by logging into your Student Tools at www.princetonreview.com. Drill score reports and diagnostic exam score reports can be accessed by going to the Coursework page (where you initially launched the drill or diag) and clicking on the drill name. Practice test score reports are viewable from the Practice Tests page. Note that scores for the drills and diagnostic exams are reported simply as a percent correct and do not correlate with MCAT scores. You’ll want to review the individual questions as well; to review a question, simply click on the question number in your score report.

http://www.princetonreview.com/

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About Practice Tests:

At minimum, you should take and review three Practice Tests (AAMC 1, AAMC 2, and AAMC 3) throughout your course; however we recommend that you take at least five exams, approximately one test every 1-2 weeks. The order in which you should take the tests is:

· AAMC Practice Test 1 · MCAT Course Test 1 · AAMC Practice Test 2 · MCAT Course Test 2 · AAMC Practice Test 3

All of the TPR tests are available one the Practice Tests page in your online content. The AAMC practice material (including full length tests as well as many sets of practice questions) are available on the Resources Page.

Feel free to take more practice tests as your time and schedule allow. The more tests you take and review, the more you will benefit. Additional tests include:

· MCAT Course Test 3 · MCAT Course Test 4 · MCAT Course Test 5 · MCAT Demo Test · MCAT Review Test 1 · MCAT Review Test 2 · TPR MCAT Test 1 · TPR MCAT Test 2 · TPR MCAT Test 3

MCAT Demo Test is the test anyone can take for free on our website. MCAT Review tests are associated with the MCAT Review series textbooks that you received with your course materials. TPR MCAT tests are associated with our retail book “TPR MCAT 2nd ed.”. We have included them in your course for your convenience and practice.

You can incorporate the additional tests into the General Schedule as your time allows. Make sure to include review time; taking practice tests without reviewing the answers is not helpful. Also make sure to review any questions you are unsure about, or need guidance on, with your instructors.

Note that due to copyright reasons, we are not allowed to reproduce any AAMC content on our website; to review any of your AAMC tests or questions you must view the AAMC score reports.

You might choose to review your tests using the Question Review Worksheet found in the Resources section of your online content, under “Additional Printable Resources.” You can print out this PDF form and fill out a copy for each section of the practice test you are reviewing. More information about the Question Review Worksheet will be given during your course. For CARS, use the CARS Self-Evaluation Survey and the Test Assessment Log. Copies of the log can also be downloaded from your online content.

About amplifireTM:

amplifireTM is a revolutionary new software tool to help you review and learn MCAT science content. There is at least one amplifireTM module, sometimes more than one, for each MCAT science topic.

Think of amplifireTM as electronic flashcards, but better because they are MCAT-style questions. Each module contains approximately 20 questions that are presented to you in groups of eight. You must answer each question correctly twice to consider the module “mastered”; if you get a question wrong, the program will continue to cycle that question and present it to you until you have answered it correctly twice.

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About the Video Lessons (MedFlix):

All MCAT content was broken down into 5-15 minute segments and recorded to create a library of content videos. These videos are available on your coursework page associated with specific classes. Since content is not formally taught in the Strategy course, the videos can be used to help you brush up on topics you might be weak in, or to review any MCAT concept you want to. All of the CARS passages and exercises in the MedFlix videos can be found in the MCAT CARS Review. Here is the location of each drill (this list is also provided on your student dashboard Resources page):

· MedFlix CARS Passage Drill I: The Six Steps in Action is located in CARS Review Chapter 2, Practice Passage 2, pp. 52-53

· MedFlix CARS Passage Drill II: Active Reading is located in CARS Review Chapter 4, Practice Passage 1, pp. 176-177 · MedFlix CARS Passage Drill III: Answering in Own Words is located in CARS Review Chapter 8, Exercise 6 Passage I,

pp. 302-303 · MedFlix CARS Passage Drill IV: Attacking the Questions is located in CARS Review Chapter 9, Practice Passage 1,

pp. 336-337 · MedFlix CARS Passage Drill V: Annotating POE is located in CARS Review Chapter 8, Practice Passage 2, pp. 326-327 · MedFlix CARS Skill Building Drill: Passage Ranking Exercise is located in CARS Review Chapter 6, Passage Ranking

Exercise, pp. 226-227 · MedFlix CARS Passage Drill VI: Ranking and Pacing is located in CARS Review Chapter 6, Practice Passages 1 & 2,

pp. 234-237 · MedFlix CARS Passage Drill VII: 5 Minutes Left is located in CARS Review Chapter 7, Exercise 2 “5 Minute Drill,”

pp. 258-259 · MedFlix CARS Passage Drill VIII: Solidifying Your Strategy 1 is located in CARS Review Chapter 7, Practice Passage 1,

pp. 272-273 · MedFlix CARS Passage Drill IX: Solidifying Your Strategy 2 is located in CARS Review Chapter 9, Practice Passage 2,

pp. 338-339 General Schedule

Remember to schedule your study time like you would schedule anything else important. Set aside blocks of uninterrupted time when you know you can focus effectively.

WEEK MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY SUNDAY

1 Amplifire modules and strategy-based homework. Diagnostic exams, reading, MedFlix videos, and content-based homework as needed.

AAMC Practice Test 1

Review Practice

Test


Optional Practice Test, Your Choice

Review Practice

Test



Review Practice

Test



Review Practice

Test



Review Practice

Test



Review Practice

Test

7 Diagnostic exams, reading, MedFlix videos, and content-based homework as needed.


Review Practice

Test

8 Review strategies for all subjects. Complete unfinished Strategy Manual passages and any incomplete homework. Complete additional practice tests and practice test review as time allows.

TAKE THE REAL MCAT!!

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Subject-Specific Syllabi and Homework Lists:

On the next several pages you will find syllabi for the different MCAT subjects. These will let you know the topic of the class, the prework you should do before, and the homework you should do after.

Sciences

Required Prework, All Students: all amplifireTM modules are required.

Required Homework: the passages are divided into “Strategy” and “Content”. “Strategy” passages are required homework. “Content” Passages can be completed as needed based on your personal areas of weakness. If you feel like you are struggling in a particular area, take the Diagnostic Exam for that subtopic and complete the reading, MedFlix videos, and Content passages as necessary.

Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills

CARS will require more prework before class since it is not expected that you understand CARS content and strategy. CARS prework consists of reading, MedFlix videos, CARS Strategy Modules (online), and Diagnostic Exams.

Required Homework, Low Practice Test Score: a low practice test score is a 124 or below. These assignments include passages that are, for the most part, at or below average difficulty level compared to other passages. These will help you improve your CARS skills before you attempt some of the harder passages. Once your practice test score rises to a 125 or above, switch to the High Score assignments. Or, regardless of your test scores you may wish to go back and complete the harder passages in the earlier assignments for extra practice later in the course or after the course is over.

Required Homework, High Practice Test Score: a high practice test score is a 125 or above. These assignments consist of passages that are, for the most part, at or above average difficulty compared to other passages. They will give you practice on what would be the harder passages on the test. However, there is still value in doing and perfecting your performance on easier passages; you may wish to also complete at least some of the “Low Practice Test Score” assignments.

Optional Homework: additional passages you can complete as time allows.

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BIOLOGY SYLLABUS AND HOMEWORK SCHEDULE Ideally, your content knowledge should be very strong coming into this class, and your focus will be working on strategy. Accordingly, the only material you should do before class are the amplifire modules. These modules will help solidify your content knowledge.

If you find you are struggling with a particular module, you should take the Diagnostic Exam A associated with that module, then brush up on your content knowledge with reading, MedFlix videos, and/or practice passages. When you have completed your content review, take the Diagnostic Exam B associated with that module to see if you have improved or if you need further review.

Mostly, though, you should be focusing on strategy. Some of the passages have been pulled out of the content lists to help you practice the strategy discussed in class.

Lastly, the recommended content for each lecture is only organized around the Strategy Manual passages done in class that day. This is not an indication of relative importance of these topics on the MCAT, nor do they build in any pedagogical sense.

See page 24 for explanations/definitions of the abbreviations used.

Class 1: General Science Introduction, Test Navigation, Passage and Question Types, Passage Mapping BEFORE CLASS: Read BCR Ch. 2, BR Ch. 2, do AMP modules, watch “Biology Passage Strategy” and “Biology Sample Passage” videos

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix · Biochemistry I – Biomolecules and Enzymes · Macromolecules and Enzymes · BCR Ch. 3-7

· BR Ch. 3 · All videos for

Biochemistry I · Biochemistry II – Metabolic Pathways · Biochemistry Pathways · BCR Ch. 5, 6 · All videos for

Biochemistry II · Nervous and Sensory Systems · Endocrine System

· Nervous System · Endocrine System

· BR Ch. 8 · All videos for Nervous and Endocrine Systems

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Additional Content Passages (as needed) Practice basic passage mapping: · BCR Ch. 5 and 6 Passages · BR Ch. 3 Passage · SWB 2, 3, 4, 5, 42, 44, 47, 48, 49, 53, 55, 58 · OL-BP 3, 6, 7, 35, 36, 38, 44

Biochemistry I – Biomolecules and Enzymes: · BCR Ch. 3-7 FSQs · BCR Ch. 3, 4, 7 Passages · BR Ch. 3 FSQs · SWB 1 · OL-BP 1, 2

Biochemistry II – Metabolic Pathways: · BCR Ch. 5-6 FSQs · SWB 6 · OL-BP 5, 8, 10 Nervous Systems: · BR Ch. 8 FSQs 1-4 · BR Ch. 8 Passage · SWB 43, 45, 46, 50, 51, 52 · OL-BP 34, 37, 39, 40 Endocrine Systems: · BR Ch. 8 FSQs 5-8 · SWB 54, 56, 57 · OL-BP 45, 46

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Class 2: Skipping Passages and Questions, Special Question Types BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix · Molecular Biology · Molecular Biology · BR Ch. 4 · All videos for Molecular

Biology · Genetics – Meiosis, Mutation,

and Populations · Genetics – Inheritance,

Mendel, and Linkage

· Genetics · BR Ch. 7 · All videos for Genetics

· Cardiac and Lymphatic Systems

· Blood Gas Transport and Immune System

· Cardiovascular System and Immunity

· BR Ch. 9 · All videos for Cardiovascular System and Immunity

· Digestive and Excretory Systems

· Digestive and Renal Systems · BR Ch. 10 (10.1-10.4) · Renal and Digestive Systems: “Excretory Organs and Urinary System” through “pH Regulation”

· Respiratory System and Skin · Respiratory System and Skin · BR Ch. 12 · Muscular, Skeletal, and Respiratory Systems: “Respiratory Part 1” through “Skin”

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Additional Content Passages (as needed) Consider: would you skip this passage altogether? If not, which questions within the passage should you skip? · BR Ch. 7 Passage · SWB 9, 62, 64, 65, 74, 84, 86, · OL-BP 11, 13, 14, 30, 41, 49, 50, 54, 60, 61, 65

Focus on using proper I-II-III and 2x2 technique: · BR Ch. 10 Passage · SWB 38, 60, 63, 66, 73, 85 · OL-BP 4, 43, 47, 48, 55

Molecular Biology · BR Ch. 4 FSQs and Passage · SWB 8, 19 · OL-BP 12, 15, 16 Genetics: · BR Ch. 7 FSQs · SWB 37, 40, 41 · OL-BP 31, 32, 33

Cardiac and Lymphatic Systems and Immunity: · BR Ch. 9 FSQs and Passage · SWB 59, 61, 67, 68, 69, 70 · OL-BP 42 Excretory System: · BR Ch. 10 FSQs 1-4 · OL-BP 56 Respiratory System and Skin: · BR Ch. 12 FSQs · SWB 83 · OL-BP 62, 66

Class 3: The Question Review Worksheet, Field Test Questions BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix · Eukaryotic Cells – Structure

and Transport · Eukaryotic Cells – Mitosis and

Signaling

· Eukaryotic Cell Biology · BR Ch. 6 · All videos for Cell Biology

· Digestive and Excretory Systems

· Digestive and Renal Systems · BR Ch. 10 (10.5-10.9) · Renal and Digestive Systems: “Digestive Accessory Organs” through “Alimentary Canal Part 2”

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AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Additional Content Passages (as needed) Continue practicing mapping, evaluation for skipping, and 2x2/I-II-III techniques: · BR Ch. 6 Passage · SWB 25, 29, 32, 35, 36, 71 · OL-BP 23, 24, 26, 27, 51, 53

Eukaryotic Cells: · BR Ch. 6 FSQs · SWB 17, 24, 26, 27, 28, 30, 31, 33, 34 · OL-BP 25, 28, 29 Digestive System: · BR Ch. 10 FSQs 5-8 · SWB 72, 75 · OL-BP 52

Class 4: Analyzing Experiments and Working with Figures BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams

Reading MedFlix

· Microbiology – Viruses and Prions · Microbiology – Bacteria

· Microbiology · BR Ch. 5 · All videos for Microbiology

· Lab Techniques · n/a · BR Appendix I · n/a

AFTER CLASS: Strategy Passages (required) Additional Content Passages (as needed) Consider: should you analyze or skip the experiment? What things stand out? What should you notice on graphs? On other figures? · BR Ch. 5 Passage · SWB 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 · OL-BP 17, 18, 22

Microbiology: · BR Ch. 5 FSQs · SWB 10, 11, 18, 20 · OL-BP 19, 20, 21 Lab Techniques: n/a

Class 5: Focus on POE (Process of Elimination) BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix · Muscular and Skeletal Systems · Musculoskeletal System · BR Ch. 11 · Muscular, Skeletal, and

Respiratory Systems: “Skeletal Muscle Hierarchy” through “Long Bone Anatomy and Bone Turnover “

· Reproduction · Development

· Reproductive Systems and Development

· BR Ch. 13 · All videos for Reproduction and Development

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Additional Content Passages (as needed) Consider: how can you eliminate answer choices? · SWB 23, 78, 82, 89, 90, 92, 94 · OL-BP 59, 64, 68, 69, 71, 73

Muscular and Skeletal Systems: · BR Ch. 11 FSQs and Passage · SWB 76, 77, 79, 80, 81 · OL-BP 57, 58, 63 Reproduction and Development: · BR Ch. 13 FSQs and Passage · SWB 87, 88, 91, 93 · OL-BP 67, 70, 72

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GENERAL CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS AND HOMEWORK SCHEDULE Ideally, your content knowledge should be very strong coming into this class, and your focus will be working on strategy. Accordingly, the only material you should do before class are the amplifire modules. These modules will help solidify your content knowledge.


The tables below indicate which passages are good ones to use to practice the MCAT test-taking strategies discussed in each General Chemistry lecture.


See page 24 for explanations/definitions of the abbreviations used. Class 1: Mapping Text-Heavy Passages and Periodic Table Use BEFORE CLASS: Read GCR Ch. 2, do AMP modules, watch “General Chemistry Passage Strategy” and “General Chemistry Sample Passage” videos

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix

· Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends

· Mole Conversions, Molar Relationships

· Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends

· GCR Ch. 3-4 · All videos from Atomic Structure and Periodic Trends

· Bonding, Hybridization, and Molecular Shape

· Polarity and Intermolecular Forces

· Bonding and IMFs · GCR Ch. 5 · All videos from Bonding and Intermolecular Forces

· Thermodynamics · Thermodynamics · GCR Ch. 6

· All videos from Thermodynamics

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed) Focus on text mapping, periodic table · SWB 1-5, 7-9, 18, 21, 29, 42-43, 59, 64-67, 75-78, 80, 82 · OL-GP 2, 6

· GCR Ch. 4-6 FSQs and Passages · SWB: 6, 10, 12-14, 16-17, 19, 22, 25-26 · OL-GP 3, 5

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Class 2: Non-Textual Information Sources; Explicit vs. Implicit Questions BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix

· Kinetics · Kinetics (and Decay) · GCR Ch. 9

· All videos for Kinetics

· Equilibrium · Equilibrium · GCR Ch. 10 · All videos for Equilibrium

· Acid/Base Fundamentals · Titration, Buffers, and Indicators

· Acids and Bases · GCR Ch. 11 · All videos for Acids and Bases

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed)

Focus on figures for information: · SWB 9, 11, 20, 28, 32, 34, 36, 38-41, 47, 51, 53-57, 63,

69-71, 81 · OL-GP 4, 12, 14, 18, 20, 23, 28, 32, 36

· GCR Ch. 9-11 FSQs and Passages · SWB: 15, 44, 48, 50 · OL-GP 15-16, 19, 22, 25-27, 29-31, 33

Class 3: MCAT Math Strategies for Gchem BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams

Reading MedFlix

· Gases · Phases and Calorimetry

· Phases, Gases, and Solutions

· GCR Ch. 7-8

· All videos for Phases and Gases

· Radioactivity (and Redox Chemistry)

· (Kinetics and) Decay

· GCR Ch. 4.4

· All videos for Nuclear Chemistry

· (Radioactivity and) Redox Chemistry

· Electrochemistry

· Redox Chemistry · GCR Ch. 12

· All videos for Electrochemistry

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passage (as needed)

Focus on MCAT math techniques · SWB 23-24, 27, 29, 31-33, 35, 37, 45-46, 49, 52, 55, 58,

61-62, 70-74, 79 · OL-GP 1, 2, 7, 9, 11, 21, 24, 36-38

· GCR Ch. 7, 8, and 12 FSQs and Passages · SWB: 30, 60, 68 · OL-GP 8, 10, 13, 34-35

14

ORGANIC CHEMISTRY SYLLABUS AND HOMEWORK SCHEDULE Ideally, your content knowledge should be very strong coming into this class, and your focus will be working on strategy. Accordingly, the only material you should do before class are the amplifire modules. These modules will help solidify your content knowledge.

If you find you are struggling with a particular module, you should take the Diagnostic Exam A associated with that module, if applicable, then brush up on your content knowledge with reading, MedFlix videos, and/or practice passages. When you have completed your content review, take the Diagnostic Exam B associated with that module to see if you have improved or if you need further review.


Lastly, the recommended content for each lecture is only organized around the MCAT Strategy Manual passages done in class that day. This is not an indication of relative importance of these topics on the MCAT, nor do they build in any pedagogical sense.


Class 1: Tackling Structure-Heavy Answer Choices BEFORE CLASS: read OCR Ch. 2, do AMP modules, watch “Organic Chemistry Passage Strategy” and “Organic Chemistry Sample Passage” videos

AMP Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams

Reading MedFlix

· Stereochemistry and Conformational Analysis

· Isomerism · OCR Ch. 4.2 · Structure and Stability: “Isomers” through “Meso Compounds”

· Carbonyl Chemistry · Carbonyl Chemistry · OCR Ch. 6.2-6.4

· Carbonyl Chemistry: “Carbonyl Reactivity, Tautomerism” through all “Carboxylic Acid Derivatives” videos

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed) Consult and compare answer choices when structures are presented: · SWB 5, 37, 8, 19, 20, 23 · OL-OP 5, 6, 8, 18

Isomerism: · SWB 1, 2, 7

Carbonyl Chemistry · OCR Ch. 6 FSQs and Passage · SWB 21, 25 · OL-OP 14, 15, 17, 19

Class 2: Text & Figure Analysis BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules


Reading MedFlix

· Nomenclature and Organic Chemist’s Toolbox · Structure & Stability · OCR Ch. 4.1

· Saturation and Unsaturation through Electrophiles and Leaving Groups

· Spectroscopy and Lab Techniques · Separation Techniques · Spectroscopy

· OCR Ch. 5 · Lab Techniques: “Affinity Chromatography”, “Introduction to Spectroscopy” through “1H-NMR Spectroscopy: Integration, Chemical Shift”

· Biological Molecules · Biomolecules · OCR Ch. 7.1-7.2

· Biologically Important Molecules: “Structure, Stereochemistry, and Side Chain Categories” through “Proteins: Protein Structure and Protein Denaturation”

15

AFTER CLASS: Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed)

Practice basic passage mapping; consider where and how you might skip: · SWB 4, 6, 10, 22, 24, 27, 30, 33, 34, 36 · OL-OP 3, 4, 7, 9, 13, 24

Nomenclature and Organic Chemist’s Toolbox: · OCR Ch. 4 FSQs and Passage · OL-OP 1 Separation Techniques: · OL-OP 22, 23

Spectroscopy: · SWB 13-15

Amino Acids and Proteins: · OCR Ch. 7 FSQs and Passage · SWB 29

Class 3: Best POE Practices BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amp Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams

Reading MedFlix

· Spectroscopy and Lab Techniques · Separation Techniques · OCR Ch. 5.1 · Lab Techniques: “Introduction to Separation Techniques” through “Resolution of Enantiomers”

· Carbonyl Chemistry (substitution questions can be found in this module)

· N/A · OCR Ch. 6.1 · Carbonyl Chemistry: “Introduction to Substitution Reactions” and “SN1 Mechanism and Details”

· Biological Molecules · Biomolecules · OCR Ch. 7.3 and 7.5

· Biologically Important Molecules: “Sugars: Structure, Stereochemistry, and Classification”

AFTER CLASS:

Passage Strategy Content Focus on proper POE Practices: · SWB 3, 9, 11, 12, 16, 17, 18, 26, 28, 32 · OL-OP 16, 20, 21, 25

Separation Techniques: · OCR Ch. 5 FSQs and Passage · OL-OP 2 · OL-OP 11 and 12 · OL-OP 22, 23 Sugars: · SWB 35 Nucleic Acids: · SWB 31

16

PHYSICS SYLLABUS AND HOMEWORK SCHEDULE Ideally, your content knowledge should be very strong coming into this class, and your focus will be working on strategy. Accordingly, the only material you should do before class are the amplifire modules. These modules will help solidify your content knowledge.





Class 1: Information/Situation Presentation Passages and Problem-Solving Techniques BEFORE CLASS: Read PMR Ch. 2, do AMP modules, watch “Physics Passage Strategy”, “Physics Question Strategy”, and “Physics Sample Passage” videos


Reading MedFlix

· Physical Thermodynamics · Energy and Thermodynamics

· PMR Ch. 7

· Thermodynamics: “Heat and Temperature” through “P-V Diagrams”

· Hydrostatics · Hydrodynamics

· Fluids · PMR Ch. 8 · Fluids: “Density and Pressure” through “Bernoulli's Equation”

· Waves and Standing Waves · Sound · Light and Quantum Physics The next two modules are recommended but will not be represented in class materials: · Mirrors · Lenses

· Sound, Light, and Quantum Phenomena

· PMR Ch. 11 · PMR Ch. 12 · PMR Ch. 14

· Waves: “Wave Properties” and “Wave Speed”

· Sound: “Intensity”, “Decibel Level”, and “Doppler Shift”

· Quantum Physics: “Photoelectric Experiment: Expected Results” and “Photoelectric Experiment: Findings and Explanations”

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed) Info/Sit Passages (generally more technical): · SWB 14, 15, 18, 26, 52, 59 · OL-PP 14, 19, 29, 37

Thermodynamics: · PMR Ch. 7 FSQs and Passage · SWB 16, 17, 19 · OL-PP 13 Fluids: · PMR Ch. 8 FSQs and Passage · SWB 19-24, 27 · OL-PP 15-18 Oscillations and Waves: · PMR Ch. 11 FSQs and Passage · SWB 46-49 · OL-PP 25, 26 Sound: · PMR Ch. 12 FSQs and Passage · SWB 53, 56 · OL-PP 30-33 Quantum Physics: · PMR Ch. 14 FSQs and Passages · SWB 61 · OL-PP 36, 38

17

Class 2: Experiment/Data Presentation Passages BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules


Reading MedFlix

· Mechanics - Friction and Normal Force

· Mechanics - Inclined Planes and Pulleys

· Dynamics · PMR Ch. 4 · Dynamics: “Newton's Second Law”, “Normal Force”, “Friction”, and “Tension and Pulleys”

· Electrostatics and Capacitors · Circuits

· Electrostatics and Electrodynamics

· PMR Ch. 9, 10.1-10.2

· Circuits: “Voltage and Current”, “Resistance”, and “Kirchhoff's Laws”

· Light and Quantum Physics

· Sound, Light, and Quantum Phenomena (repeated from Class 1)

· PMR Ch. 13 · Light: “Electromagnetic Radiation”

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed) · SWB 34, 44, 45, 50 · OL-PP 27-29

Electrostatics: · PMR Ch. 9 FSQs and Passage · SWB 28, 29, 41 · OL-PP 20, 21

Circuits: · PMR Ch. 10 FSQs and Passage · SWB 31, 35-40, 43 · OL-PP 22, 24 Light: · PMR Ch. 13 FSQs and Passage · SWB 51, 54, 55, 58, 60 · OL-PP 34, 35

Class 3: Persuasive Reasoning and Conceptual Information/Situation Passages BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amp Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams

Reading MedFlix

· Kinematics 1 - Units, Vectors, and Definitions

· Kinematics 2 - The Big Five Equations and Projectiles

· Kinematics · PMR Ch. 3 · Kinematics: “Displacement and Velocity” through “Projectile Motion”

· Mechanics - Newton's Laws · Mechanics - Gravity and Tension · Mechanics - Inclined Planes and

Pulleys · Mechanics - Uniform Circular Motion · Mechanics - Center of Mass and Torque

· Dynamics (repeated from Class 2)

· PMR Ch. 4 · PMR Ch. 5

· Dynamics: “Newton's First Law”, “Newton’s Third Law”, and “Tension and Pulleys”

· Circular and Rotational Motion: “Uniform Circular Motion” and “Torque”

· Mechanics - Work, Energy, Mechanical Advantage and Efficiency

· Mechanics - Energy Conservation and Power

· Energy and Thermodynamics (repeated from Class 1)

· PMR Ch. 6 · Work and Energy: “Work” through “Efficiency”

· Capacitors in Circuits and Magnetism · Electrostatics and Electrodynamics (repeated from Class 2)

· PMR Ch. 10.3-10.4

· Magnetism: “Magnetic Force” and “Magnetic Fields”

18

AFTER CLASS: Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed)

· SWB 16, 42, 57, 62, 63 · OL-PP 5, 13

Kinematics: · PMR Ch. 3 FSQs and Passage · SWB 1-3 · OL-PP 1, 2 Dynamics: · PMR Ch. 4 FSQs and Passage · OL-PP 4 Circular and Rotational Motion: · PMR Ch. 5 FSQs and Passage · SWB 5, 7 · OL-PP 6-8 Work and Energy: · PMR Ch. 6 FSQs and Passage · SWB 8-11 · OL-PP 10, 12 Magnetic Forces and Fields: · SWB 32, 33 · OL-PP 23

19

PSYCHOLOGY/SOCIOLOGY SYLLABUS AND HOMEWORK SCHEDULE Ideally, your content knowledge should be very strong coming into this class, and your focus will be working on strategy. Accordingly, the only material you should do before class are the amplifire modules (with the exception of Research Methods Diagnostic Exam A). These modules will help solidify your content knowledge.




See page 24 for explanations/definitions of the abbreviations used. Class 1: Research Design Questions BEFORE CLASS: Read PSR Ch. 2, do AMP modules, watch “Psychology/Sociology Passage Strategy” and “Psychology/Sociology Sample Passage”

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix · n/a · Research Methods · PMR Statistics

Appendix · PSR Appendix

· All videos for Statistics

· Sociological Theories and Social Structures

· Social Structure · PSR Ch. 8.1-8.2

· Social Theories and Social Structures: all “Major Sociological Theories” videos and “Social Structures”

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed) Practice passage mapping (highlighting and noteboard use): · SWB 14, 16, 18, 19

Identify the Research Methods Question Type: · SWB 14 #3-6 · SWB 16 #1-7 · SWB 18 #2 · SWB 19 #4

Sociological Theories and Social Structures: · PSR Ch. 8 FSQs and Passage · OL-PSP 3, 5

Class 2: Passage Mapping and Figure Analysis BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix · Culture, Demographics, and Inequality · Social Structure · PSR Ch.

8.3-8.4 · All videos for Culture,

Demographics, and Inequality · Self-Identity and Social Interactions · Self-Identity and Group

Identity · PSR Ch. 7 · All videos for Self-Identity

and Social Interaction

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed) Evaluate the figure or table and answer the corresponding questions: · SWB 1-10, 37, 42, 45 · OL-PSP 4 · OL-PSP 7, 8

Self-Identity and Social Interactions: · PSR Ch. 7 FSQs and Passage · SWB 31, 34 · OL-PSP 1, 2 · OL-PSP 6, 9, 10

20

Class 3: Question Types BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix · Personality, Attitude, Behavior,

Motivation, Emotion · Personality, Attitudes,

Motivation, and Psychological Disorders

· PSR Ch. 5.2 · PSR Ch.

6.1, 6.2, 6.4 · PSR Ch. 4.4

· All videos for Personality, Attitude, and Behavior

· Psych Disorders, Stress, and Consciousness

· Interacting with the Environment

· PSR Ch. 4.3, 4.5

· PSR Ch. 6.3

· All videos for Motivation, Psych Disorders, Emotion, Stress, and Consciousness

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed) Identify every question in the passage as memory, explicit, or implicit: · SWB 11, 13, 14, 15, 24, 25, 33, 35, 39, 40, 43 Focus on using proper I-II-III, 2x2, and Except/Not/Least technique: · SWB 11 #6 · SWB 13 #4, 5 · SWB 14 #2, 6 · SWB 15 #2, 6 · SWB 24 #7 · SWB 25 #6 · SWB 33 #1 · SWB 35 #1, 3 · SWB 39 #2 · SWB 40 #3, 4 · SWB 43 #5, 6

Personality, Attitude, Behavior, Motivation, Emotion: · PSR Ch. 6 FSQs and Passage · SWB 12 · OL-PSP 11, 13, 15, 21, 23, 24, 25 Psychological Disorders, Stress, and Consciousness: · PSR Ch. 4 FSQs and Passage · SWB 28, 41, 44 · OL-PSP 12, 14, 22

Class 4: Using Key Words to Evaluate Trends BEFORE CLASS: do AMP modules

Amplifire Modules Associated Diagnostic Exams Reading MedFlix · Learning and Memory · Learning, Memory, and Behavior · PSR Ch.

5.1, 5.4 · All videos for Learning and Memory

· Sensation/Perception, Attention, Cognition, Language

· Interacting with the Environment · PSR Ch. 3 · PSR Ch.

4.1, 4.2, 4.6

· All videos for Sensation/Perception, Attention, Cognition, Language

AFTER CLASS:

Strategy Passages (required) Content Passages (as needed) Evaluate the Trend in the following figureless passages and answer the corresponding questions: · SWB 36 · OL-PSP 16, 20 · OL-PSP 29

Learning and Memory: · PSR Ch. 6 FSQs and Passage · SWB 16-20, 22, 23, 32 · OL-PSP 17, 18, 19 · OL-PSP 26, 27, 28, 30 Sensation/Perception, Attention, Cognition, Language: · PSR Ch. 3 FSQs and Passage · PSR Ch. 7 FSQs and Passage · SWB 26, 27, 29, 30, 38

21

CARS SYLLABUS AND HOMEWORK SCHEDULE Complete only the exercises and drills that are listed here or assigned by your teacher. Do NOT do CARS Workbook passages 3, 7, and 21 or online CARS practice passage 5; they will be used for passage drills during your class sessions. It is best to complete the “Before Class” homework in the following order: MCAT CARS Review reading and exercises, MedFlix Videos, CARS Strategy Modules, CARS Diagnostic Exams. Complete all the practice passages within the reading assignments from the MCAT CARS Review. When completing those practice passages in the CARS Review, make sure to follow the instructions that introduce that drill. After taking any Practice Test (including the CARS Workbook Practice Tests), complete the CARS Self-Evaluation Survey (CARS Review pp. 30-43) and Test Assessment Log (CARS Review pp. 24-26) as soon as possible after taking the test. See page 24 for explanations/definitions of the abbreviations used.

Class 1: Introduction to CARS BEFORE CLASS:

CARS Review reading and exercises

MedFlix Videos CARS Strategy Modules

CARS Diagnostic Exams

· CARS Review Chapters 1-3 CARS Strategy Class 1 Videos Required: · CARS Basic Principles · CARS: The Six Steps · Key for CARS: Self Evaluation · Active Reading: Basics · Active Reading: MAPS · Active Reading: Annotation Optional: · CARS Passage Drill I (Parts 1-3) · CARS Passage Drill II (Parts 1-5)

· Module 1 · Module 2 · Module 3

· CARS Reading Comprehension Diagnostic

AFTER CLASS:

Required Online and CARS Workbook Drills

Optional Online and CARS Workbook Drills


Low Practice Test Score: · CARSWB 1, 4, 5. 9 · OL-CARSPP 1-4

· CARSWB 13, 15, 16 · OL-CARSPP 11-15

· N/A

High Practice Test Score: · CARSWB 6, 8, 11 · OL-CARSPP 6-10

· CARSWB 2, 12, 14 · OL-CARSPP 16-20

· N/A

Class 2: Attacking the Questions Part I BEFORE CLASS:

CARS Review Reading and exercises



· CARS Review Chapter 4 pp. 107-122

· Chapter 5

CARS Strategy Class 2 Videos Required: · 5 Steps to Attacking the Questions · Question Formats · Question Types: Specific – Retrieval

Questions · Question Types: Specific – Inference

Questions · Question Types: General – Main

Point/Primary Purpose and Tone Questions

· POE: Two Cuts · POE: Attractors Optional: · CARS Passage Drill III (Parts 1-5) · CARS Passage Drill V (Parts 1-5)


· MCAT CARS Specific and General Questions Diagnostic A

22

AFTER CLASS: Required Online and CARS Workbook Drills



· CARSWB Practice Test I (timed) Low Practice Test Score: · CARSWB 19, 20 · OL-CARSPP 21, 23-25

· MCAT CARS Specific and General Questions Diagnostic B

High Practice Test Score: · CARSWB 10, 18 · OL-CARSPP 26-30

Class 3: Attacking the Questions Part II BEFORE CLASS:




· CARS Review Chapter 4 pp. 123-186

CARS Strategy Class 3 Videos Required: · Question Types: Reasoning –

Structure and Evaluate Questions · Question Types: Application –

Strengthen and Weaken Questions · Question Types: Application – New

Information Questions · Question Types: Application –

Analogy Questions Optional: · CARS Passage Drill IV (Parts 1-5)


· MCAT CARS Reasoning Questions Diagnostic A

· MCAT CARS Application Questions Diagnostic A

AFTER CLASS: Required Online and CARS Workbook Drills



· CARSWB Practice Test II (timed) Low Practice Test Score: · OL-CARSPP 31-35 · CARSWB 17

· MCAT CARS Reasoning Questions Diagnostic B · MCAT CARS Application Questions Diagnostic B

High Practice Test Score: · OL-CARSPP 36-40 · CARSWB22

23

Class 4: Section-Wide Strategy BEFORE CLASS:




· CARS Review Chapters 6, 7, and 8 CARS Strategy Class 4 Videos Required: · Ranking and Ordering Passages · Refining Your Pacing · Five Minutes Left? · Strategy Review Optional: · CARS Skill Building Drill: Passage

Ranking Exercise · CARS Passage Drill VI (Parts 1-11) · CARS Passage Drill VII (Parts 1-2) · CARS Passage Drill VIII (Parts 1-6) · CARS Passage Drill IX (Parts 1-5)


· N/A

AFTER CLASS and BEFORE YOUR MCAT: Recommended Online and CARS Workbook Passage Drills Recommended Workbook Practice Tests

Low Practice Test Score: · OL-CARSPP 22, 41-44

· CARSWB Practice Test III and IV (timed)

High Practice Test Score: · OL-CARSPP 45-51

24

SYLLABUS ABBREVIATION LEGEND AMP = amplifireTM SWB = Science Workbook passages SCM = Strategy Course Manual GCR = MCAT General Chemistry Review book OL-GP – Online General Chemistry Practice Passages OCR = MCAT Organic Chemistry Review book OL-OP = Online Organic Chemistry Practice Passages PMR = MCAT Physics and Math Review book OL-PP = Online Physics Practice Passages CARSREV = MCAT Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Review book CARSWB = Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills Workbook OL-CARSPP = CARS Online Practice Passages BCR = MCAT Biochemistry Review book BR = MCAT Biology Review book OL-BP = Online Biology Practice Passages PSR = MCAT Psychology and Sociology Review book OL-PSP = Online Psychology and Sociology Practice Passages

25

MCAT INFORMATION AND TECHNIQUES

The section provides an overview of the MCAT, as well as some general techniques you can use on the test. For all the information you would ever need about the MCAT, go to www.AAMC.org or PrincetonReview.com/MCAT.

Format Exclusively computer-based. NOT an adaptive test.

Sections, Number of Questions, and Timing

Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems, 59 questions, 95 minutes Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills, 53 questions, 90 minutes Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems, 59 questions, 95 minutes Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior, 59 questions, 95 minutes

Scoring Test is scaled. Several forms per administration. All sections receive scaled scores of 118-132.

Frequency of Test Approximately 20 testing dates spread throughout January, April, May, June, July, August, and September. This is subject to change based upon need.

Length of Test Day 7½ hours

Breaks Optional 10-minute breaks between sections, with an optional 30 minute break for lunch between CARS and Bio/Biochem.

Registration Online via www.aamc.org. Begins as early as six months prior to test date; available up until week of test.

Security

Photo ID with signature Palm vein scan Electronic signature verification Assigned seat

Testing Centers Administered at Pearson Vue testing sites; smaller, climate-controlled computer testing rooms with standardized proctoring

Proctoring Test administrator checks examinee in and assigns seat at computer. All testing instructions are given on the computer.

Allowed/Not allowed No timers. Earplugs in a new, unopened container, or you can use the noise reduction headphones provided to you. Noteboard booklet and black wet-erase marker given at start of test and taken at end of test. Locker provided for personal items.

Results: Timing and Delivery Approximately 30 days. Electronic scores only. Examinees can print official score reports.

Maximum Number of Retakes

Can be taken a maximum of three times in one year, four times over two years, with a lifetime max of seven times. An examinee can only be registered for one date at a time.

General Ideas on Practice Tests 1) Do not “save up” your practice tests until you have “learned all the content”: Practice tests are designed to get you familiar

with the experience of taking a real test, and not necessarily for practicing science content. Your homework drills and practice passages are for practicing content. Practice tests are to help you learn what to do, eat, wear, etc. on test day. They are mock MCATs.

2) Take the entire test in one sitting: Do not take a section here, a section there. Set aside an entire day and start the practice test at the same time you will be taking your real MCAT. You need to learn how to sit and focus for 7.5+ hours, and the only way you can do that is by actually sitting and focusing for 7.5+ hours.

3) Try to mimic test-taking conditions as closely as possible: take the test at the same time of day. Be in an area where there are slight distractions (people will be walking in and out of the testing room on test day). Take your scheduled breaks. Use this time to go to the bathroom, have a snack, stretch, etc. Experiment with different snacks to see which ones give you the most energy and focus. Avoid caffeinated beverages and sugary snacks that might make your blood sugar crash and make you drowsy.

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