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How to Study for the Biology Portion of the MCAT
The most logical way to do this is to study for the MCAT with the the same train of thought as the people who write the MCAT.
The MCAT is divided into sections of material--the three that you will probably spend the majority of your time reviewing/studying for are the sciences (biology, chemistry, and physics.)
How do you go about reviewing for a test that covers so much materials (the majority of your undergraduate career!)
Fear not, you can succeed in the MCAT if you know how to study for it.
The best way to do well on the MCAT is to do practice problems. Luckily for you, there are thousands of books out there that have many "MCAT style" problems.
However, there are several other things you must do to make sure you have thoroughly prepared yourself for the test. And of course, this is what this lens is all about!
Check out my lens about the best Bio study books out there!
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Other Lenses to Check Out!
Best MCAT Study Books for Biology
Best MCAT Study Books for Chemistry
Study for the MCAT Chemistry
What are Biology Questions Like?
You'll Need to Know
As you start to study for the MCAT, you'll need to first of all know what kind of questions to expect.First of all, you will be thrilled to hear that the MCAT is not testing your memorization skills.
This is especially important when it comes to biology considering that there are so many facts, parts, time periods, and trends to drive a person to insanity.
Biology questions in the MCAT will refer to given passages. These passages will present seemingly "new" knowledge. However, it is up to YOU to see the connection between this new material and fundamental biology material that you covered in your undergraduate biology classes.
As you study for the MCAT, you will need to focus not only on answering questions that refer to a passage, but you will also need to become incredibly adept at interpreting and understanding GRAPHS you have never seen before.
Again, practice here is key!
What Should I Focus On?
The MCAT will not be testing your knowledge about everything in biology. This important to know as you begin to study for the MCAT biology portion.Instead, the test will mostly focuse on what you learned about vertebrates and microbes.
In general, there is an emphasis on the LIFE PROCESSES. (This is not surprising, considering this is the test you are taking to become a doctor.)
Most of you will be glad to hear that there will not be an enormous amount of organic chemistry in the biology portion of the exam.
However, do not get so single minded in the exam that you fail to remember any organic chemistry during the biology part of the MCAT.
While the parts are separate, some concepts overlap!
Favorite Biology Topic
It's OK, We're all Nerds Here
Your New Premed Adviser
My university doesn't have a great premed adviser so I've spent HOURS trying to find quality information and help online.
This is one of my favorite blogs because it covers many MCAT topics and continually reminds you what you should be doing to succeed in your goal of getting medical school.
He has great study tips for the MCAT and important updates that you'll need to keep in mind.
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byLearn by Osmosis
Examkrackers MCAT Audio Osmosis with Jordan and Jon
I really love this set of cds because they make it possible for me to study and review for the MCAT in an easy, convenient way. For example, I listen to them in the morning while I exercise. I of course supplement my reviewing/studying with doing problems in the books I've highlighted above but these cds really bring it all together for me.
I love ExamKrackers approach to synthesizing large science concepts. I also love that they have a different, "logical" approach to solving the problems on the MCAT that I have not found anywhere else. They have made it possible for me to answer MCAT style problems a lot faster and more efficiently.
Amazon Price: $125.97 (as of 01/02/2010) 
A Little Favor
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Guided Studying
I think it's almost easier to just sign up for the class and have someone professional just "make" you do what you need to do to prepare. You're used to having to get homework done so you just have to show up to class and do the work.
Another big advantage is the fact that you get to do scheduled practice tests which I think is IMPERATIVE to doing well on the MCAT.
In the classes, you'll be put into a situation similar to the actual MCAT and you'll get to practice answering that type of questions in that type of environment.
In my opinion, this is what you're really paying for and it's really quite good!
Here's the Kaplan MCAT Study Website. I think it's beneficial to spend some time there to see if it's something that would help you.
Here's my favorite link:
Open Access MCAT Course (as good as Kaplan, but much cheaper!)
How to Study For Exams
If nothing else, this video will get you more motivated to study well even if you already know the information that he says.
It's great to hear reminders like the fact that you also need to think about your success PAST the MCAT because if you don't, the fear of the MCAT will destroy your ability to efficiently study for it.
Study for the MCAT: Biology Books
Check out my other lens about MCAT Study Books for Biology to get the whole story about the best and worst study books and other resources.
Find out what my peers and I thought helped us the most and what to really spend your money on.
Examkrackers 1001 McAt Biology Questions
Amazon Price: $26.37 (as of 01/02/2010)
Kaplan MCAT Biology 2009-2010
Amazon Price: $29.70 (as of 01/02/2010)
Examkrackers MCAT Biology
Amazon Price: $30.35 (as of 01/02/2010)
Find Others Going Through This Too!
People have found a multitude of ways to efficiently and successfully study for the mcat and it's best to really get their opinions and fig ure out what also works for you.
Here's the game plan:
1) Find people that have succeeded in the MCAT.
2) Ask them what they did and get tips.
3) Figure out what will work for you.
4) Get organized.
5) Get to it!
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- symbianize
- Symbianize MCAT Study Guides and Practice Tests � ALL 5 Subjects: Image: http://i28.tinypic.com/25qb415.jpg ... http://bit.ly/7Mj5vb
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- Ekbryant
- Who has taken the MCAT (Medical College Admissions Test) n can give me some tips on where to focus my study? How much organic chem is on it?
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- soulwindow
- it's not that hard. new activities. study a new culture. embark on a new challenge hello #mcat
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- Vandyboy13
- RT @iGadget2: So MCAT books on deck. Study schedule tomorrow... and then its time to work the f out << YASSSSS!!!!
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- ugetwutugiv
- I have to study for my MCAT and all I really wanna do is sleep. Dammit why is @NYUBobstLibrary so far away?
Chicken Embryo--This stuff really IS interesting!
Study for the MCAT: Biology Nerd Stuff
Embrace the nerd in you...
After learning all about this stuff, you might as well enjoy the jokes that you actually understand now.
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by Alex_D
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