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Build an MCAT Study Schedule to Meet Your Needs
One of the most common misconceptions about preparing for the MCAT is that there’s one perfect MCAT study schedule which all medical school applicants should follow. Beyond the AAMC’s guidelines of spending approximately 300 hours studying, there is no one right way to study and no one right schedule that will work for everyone. There are, however, a variety of tried and true […]
PSAT Math: Rational Expressions and Equations
A rational expression is simply a ratio (or fraction) of polynomials. In other words, it is a fraction with a polynomial as the numerator and another polynomial as the denominator. The rules that govern fractions and polynomials also govern rational expressions, so if you know these well, you’ll be in good shape when you encounter […]
Pre-Med Tips for Shadowing a Physician
One of the best ways to demonstrate your commitment to medicine in a tangible way on your application to medical school is by shadowing a doctor as a part of your clinical experience. When reviewing your application, the admissions committee will want to see that you’ve done your research and are sure that a career in medicine—which is not for […]
PSAT Math: Polynomials
By now you’re used to seeing equations, exponents, and variables; another important topic you are sure to see on the PSAT is polynomials. A polynomial is an expression comprised of variables, exponents, and coefficients, and the only operations involved are addition, subtraction, multiplication, division (by constants only), and non-negative integer exponents. A polynomial can have one or multiple terms. Identifying […]
USMLE Step 1 Question Types: Bait and Switch Questions
Another type of question USMLE Step 1 test makers use is bait and switch questions. These questions occur when what you first think the question is about is not what the question is really asking. Have you ever begun reading a question thinking that the core focus is physiology and discover at the end of the […]
USMLE Step 1 Question Types: Two-Step Questions
USMLE two-step (also called double-jump) questions require several cognitive steps to arrive at a correct answer. Finding the correct answer requires you to formulate a proper diagnosis and then select the most appropriate pharmacologic treatment. Note that you get no credit for the intermediate step of diagnosis. The correct answer is found only by reasoning […]
USMLE Step 1 Question Types: Visual Questions
As a computer-based test, the USMLE makes use of visual materials, including pictures, histology slides, and MRI and CT scan results as a part of questions. Many candidates are uneasy about these types of questions but need not be. The images presented for the Step 1 exam will be of fairly common phenomena; things you […]
USMLE Step 1 Strategy: How to Pick the Best Answers
The USMLE is a very unique test with three very different Steps. Step 1 features the traditional multiple choice format, but has no shortage of tricky questions and answers. However, if you are prepared and know the “tricks of the trade” the test makers use, you will be able to identify and pick the best answers to USMLE Step 1 […]
PSAT Math: Exponents and Radicals
We often turn to our calculators to solve difficult radical and exponent problems, especially in math-intensive classes. However, being too calculator dependent can cost you time and points on the PSAT. Further, on the PSAT, many radical and exponent problems are structured in such a way that your calculator can’t help you, even if it […]