5 Most Common Misconceptions About MCAT Prep Courses

Every pre-med student dream of passing the MCAT test with outstanding scores, and of course, at the very first approach. And, to do so, one needs to have a fair knowledge of what MCAT is all about, how to prepare, and crack the exam within the timeframe.

However, at the same time, you need to be aware of the misconceptions that many students often come across and fall into their trap. Here are 5 Most Common Misconceptions About MCAT prep courses that you need to pay close attention to. Let’s check them out!

1. The CARS Section is Not Important

One of the most common misconceptions about the MCAT prep course is that the CARS section is not important. The CARS, of course, is important to score well in MCAT. Being prepared in every subject and showing reasoning skills is very important and the CARS section focuses on reasoning.

Good preparation in the CARS section affects your score in the MCAT test. To do well in this section, you need to practice active reading, identify the main points and arguments and sort out the problems carefully. Try to get acquainted with the overall idea, point of view, and summarize every topic in your own words.

2. Every Question Count

Another misconception is that every question count, but it does not at all. The MCAT follows a system named the scales course system. This system allows you to miss 1-2 questions yet getting the same score at the end as some questions are not scored. Each question is of the same value so do not make haste.

You can skip 1/2 questions that you are confused or don’t know the answer and after finishing all the answers, you can come back to these again if you have any time left. Do not take much time to answer one question, it will create a mess at the end as you will run out of time.

3. You Can Take the MCAT as Many Times as You Want

If you study for the MCAT exam and take at least one real test, then you will understand that MCAT is not a test to take again and again. This test is so stressful and hard that in the real world, you would want to minimize the time and pass it in the first attempt.

MCAT exam takes a full day to complete and is too tiresome. But if you don’t pass the test in your first attempt or can’t score well, then you surely have the option for a retake but of course, you have a limit. You can take the MCAT 3 times in a year, 4 times during a two-consecutive year period and of course, 7 times in your whole lifetime.

4. There is a “Magic Score”

Again, a misconception! There is no such thing like a magic score in MCAT test that will make you acceptable to the medical schools. Yes, a good score can be of your help for applying to the medical schools but it cannot ensure your entrance.

You need to have a good GPA and an attractive CV containing your extracurricular activities. Again, every medical school requires something different than others for the final admission. Try to do well in the laboratory, in the classroom, and in the library. These areas are important to get into medical schools.

5. It’s All About Science, Not the Verbal Section

Lastly, one of the most common misconceptions is MCAT does not require good skills in the verbal section while a good reading and verbal skills are the keys to do well in the exam.

There are many medical schools that emphasize the critical analysis and reasoning skills section more than the other basic subjects.

It is important to succeed in the MCAT because no one will go to a doctor who cannot identify what actually happened to the patient by critical analysis and effective communication with the patient. However, we recommend you to practice algebra and trigonometry along with this area to be one step ahead than others.