®
MCAT 528
Advanced Prep for Advanced
Students
Edited By Deeangelee Pooran-Kublall, MD/MPH
The Kaplan MCAT 528 Team
Deeangelee Pooran-Kublall, MD/MPH
Editor-in-Chief
Christopher Durland
Kaplan MCAT Faculty, Editor
Matthew Dominick Eggert
Kaplan MCAT Faculty,
Author
Samer T. Ismail
Kaplan MCAT Faculty,
Author/Editor
Thomas C. C. Sargent, II
Kaplan MCAT Faculty,
Author
Laura Ambler
Kaplan MCAT Faculty, Author
MCAT faculty writers/contributers:
Marilyn Engel, Jason Pflieger, Uneeb Qureshi, Neha Rao, Charles
Richards, Noah Silva
Countless thanks to Kim Bowers; Eric Chiu; Samantha Fallon; Owen
Farcy; Dan Frey; Robin Garmise; Rita Garhaffner; Joanna Graham; Adam
Grey; Allison Harm; Alex Macnow, MD; Aaron Lemon-Strauss; Keith
Lubeley; Petros Minasi; John Polstein; Rochelle Rothstein, MD; Larry
Rudman; Sylvia Tidwell Scheuring; Carly Schnur; Lee Weiss; and many
others who made this project possible.
About the MCAT
The structure of the four sections of the MCAT is shown below.
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Time
95 minutes
• 59 questions
• Score range: 118 and 132
Format
• Most questions are passage-based, but some are
discrete (standalone) questions
• Biochemistry: 25%
What It
• Biology: 65%
Tests
• General Chemistry: 5%
• Organic Chemistry: 5%
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Time
95 minutes
• 59 questions
• Score range: 118 and 132
Format
• Most questions are passage-based, but some are
discrete (standalone) questions
What It
Tests
• Biochemistry: 25%
• Biology: 5%
• General Chemistry: 30%
• Organic Chemistry: 15%
• Physics: 25%
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Time
95 minutes
• 59 questions
• Score range: 118 and 132
Format
• Most questions are passage-based, but some are
discrete (standalone) questions
• Biology: 5%
What It
• Psychology: 65%
Tests
• Sociology: 30%
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Time
90 minutes
• 53 questions
• Score range: 118 and 132
Format
• All questions are passage-based. There are no
discrete (standalone) questions.
Disciplines:
• Humanities: 50%
What It
Tests
• Social Sciences: 50%
Skills:
• Foundations of Comprehension: 30%
• Reasoning Within the Text: 30%
• Reasoning Beyond the Text: 40%
Total
Testing
Time
Questions
Score
Range
375 minutes (6 hours, 15 minutes)
230
472 to 528
The MCAT also tests four Scientific Inquiry and Reasoning Skills (SIRS):
1. Knowledge of Scientific Concepts and Principles
2. Scientific Reasoning and Problem-Solving
3. Reasoning about the Design and Execution of Research
4. Data-Based and Statistical Reasoning
The MCAT is a computer-based test (CBT) and is offered at Prometric
centers during almost every month of the year. There are optional breaks
between each section, and a lunch break between the second and third
sections of the exam.
Register online for the MCAT at www.aamc.org/mcat.
For further questions, contact the MCAT team at the Association of
American Medical Colleges:
MCAT Resource Center
Association of American Medical Colleges
(202) 828-0690
www.aamc.org/mcat
[email protected]
How This Book Was Created
The Kaplan MCAT 528 book was created to give advanced MCAT
students an edge on the MCAT exam. This book highlights the content
areas on the MCAT whose mastery will help students achieve their highest
possible MCAT score on Test Day. To that end, we had learning science
experts poll all of our expert MCAT faculty and trainers to discern the
most high-yield and high-difficulty topics for students. Based on the
results of that study, we were able to identify the content topics that even
the most advanced students might need an extra. Then, we had our most
qualified item writers create challenging test-like passages to provide that
extra practice. Additionally, the Kaplan MCAT 528 book contains
strategic callouts derived from Kaplan’s experience in test-taking. In fact,
skills are provided to help students work through the tough passages and
get the academic boon that will allow them to get the highest score
possible (528) on the 2015 MCAT.
A team of highly dedicated writers worked very long hours to create this
resource. However, this book was submitted for publication in April 2014.
For any updates after this date, please visit www.kaplanmcat.com.
If you have any questions about the content presented here, email
[email protected]. For other questions not related to
content, email
[email protected].
This book has seen at least five rounds of review. To that end, the
information presented it is true and accurate to the best of our knowledge.
Still, your feedback helps us improve our prep materials. Please notify us
of any inaccuracies or errors in the books by sending an email to
[email protected].
Using This Book
Kaplan’s MCAT 528 brings the best of Kaplan’s classroom experience to
you—right in your home, at your convenience. This book offers the same
Kaplan strategies and practice that make Kaplan the #1 choice for MCAT
prep. After all, twice as many doctors prepared with Kaplan for the MCAT
than with any other course.
This book is designed to help you approach the most challenging topics
covered on the MCAT in a strategic way. It represents just one of the
practice resources available to you from Kaplan. Additional resources are
available in your Online Center, including more practice questions, video
science review, and full-length practice exams. Register for your Online
Center at kaptest.com/booksonline.
No matter how confident you are in the content for the MCAT, please
understand that content review—no matter how thorough—is not
sufficient preparation for the MCAT! The MCAT tests not only your
science knowledge, but also your critical reading, reasoning, and problemsolving skills. Do not assume that simply memorizing the content will earn
you high scores on Test Day; to maximize your score, you must also
improve your reading and test-taking skills through MCAT-style questions
and practice tests.
That is precisely what this book strives to offer: challenging, MCAT-style
worked examples and practice targeting the most high-yield and difficult
topics on the exam.
STRATEGIC OVERVIEWS
This book simplifies the skills tested by the AAMC and Kaplan’s Methods
for applying those skills in the different content areas by answering three
main questions:
1) What are the skills/strategies/content you need to know?
2) How are the skills/strategies/content presented on the exam?
3) How can you get the edge in that particular skill/strategy/content
area?
MCAT Practice
In this book, MCAT Practice is provided in two forms:
1) The first type of practice is in the form of worked examples. These
passages and question sets were designed for the students to be able
to try on their own AND/OR see how an expert would work through
them using Kaplan’s methods, thereby giving you the tools you need
to succeed on Test Day.
2) The second type of practice is in the form of practice
passages/sections (in the book and online) that help you apply the
strategies and tips that were demonstrated in the worked examples so
that you gain mastery and can use them seamlessly on Test Day.
SIDEBARS
The following is a legend of the four types of sidebars you’ll find in
Kaplan’s MCAT 528:
• Key Concept: These sidebars draw attention to the most important
takeaways in a given topic, and sometimes offer synopses or
overviews of complex information. If you understand nothing else,
make sure you get the Key Concepts for any given subject.
• MCAT Expertise: These sidebars point out how information may
be tested on the MCAT, or offer key strategy points and test-taking
tips that you should apply on Test Day.
• Things to Watch Out For: These sidebars will warn you of
common traps students fall into when answering a specific question
type.
• Takeaways: These sidebars will help you understand the point of a
question so you won’t just walk away from it bogged down with
details.
To this end, this is your book, so write in the margins, draw diagrams,
highlight the key points—do whatever is necessary to help you get that
higher score. We look forward to working with you as you achieve your
dreams and become the doctor you deserve to be!
Contents
The Kaplan MCAT 528 Team
About the MCAT
How This Book Was Created
Using This Book
Related MCAT Titles
UNIT I: MCAT BASICS AND TEST STRATEGY
CHAPTER 1: About the MCAT
1.1 The Four Sections of the MCAT
1.2 Five Common Misconceptions about the MCAT
1.3 What the MCAT Will Look Like
CHAPTER 2: Reading the Kaplan Way
2.1 How to Read Strategically Using Keywords
2.2 How to Critically Analyze Passages
2.3 How to Attack Different Passage Types
CHAPTER 3: Kaplan’s Question and Answer Strategy
3.1 Kaplan Method for Questions
3.2 Wrong Answer Pathologies
3.3 Signs of a Healthy Answer
3.4 Getting the Edge Using the Question Strategy
3.5 Concept and Strategy Summary
UNIT II: STRATEGIC INQUIRY AND REASONING SKILLS
CHAPTER 4: Skills 1 and 2
4.1 What Are Skills 1 and 2?
4.2 How Will Skills 1 and 2 Be Tested?
4.3 Getting the Edge with Skills 1 and 2
CHAPTER 5: Skill 3
5.1 What Is Skill 3?
5.2 Fundamental Concepts of Skill 3
5.3 How Will Skill 3 Be Tested?
5.4 Getting the Edge in Skill 3 Questions
CHAPTER 6: Skill 4
6.1 What Is Skill 4?
6.2 Fundamental Concepts of Skill 4
6.3 How Will Skill 4 Be Tested?
6.4 Getting the Edge in Skill 4
UNIT III: SCIENCE SUBJECT REVIEW
CHAPTER 7: Science Unit Overview
7.1 Topic Overview
7.2 Passages as Worked Examples
7.3 Passages as Practice Problems
CHAPTER 8: Behavioral Sciences
8.1 Reading the Passage
8.2 Answering the Questions
8.3 Getting the Edge in Behavioral Sciences
8.4 Step-by-Step Guide to Behavioral Sciences
Passages
8.5 Preparing for the MCAT: Psychology
8.6 Preparing for the MCAT: Sociology
8.7 Behavioral Sciences Worked Examples
Behavioral Sciences Passage I Explanation
Behavioral Sciences Passage II Explanation
8.8 Behavioral Sciences Practice
CHAPTER 9: Biochemistry
9.1 Reading the Passage
9.2 Answering the Questions
9.3 Getting the Edge in Biochemistry
9.4 Step-By-Step Guide to Biochemistry Passages
9.5 Preparing for the MCAT: Biochemistry in the
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological
Systems Section
9.6 Preparing for the MCAT: Biochemistry in the
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living
Systems Section
9.7 Biochemistry Worked Examples
Biochemistry Passage I Explanation
Biochemistry Passage II Explanation
9.8 Biochemistry Practice
CHAPTER 10: Biology
10.1 Reading the Passage
10.2 Answering the Questions
10.3 Getting the Edge in Biology
10.4 Step-By-Step Guide to Biology Passages
10.5 Preparing for the MCAT: Biology
10.6 Biology Worked Examples
Biology Passage I Explanation
Biology Passage II Explanation
10.7 Biology Practice
CHAPTER 11: General Chemistry
11.1 Reading the Passage
11.2 Answering the Questions
11.3 Getting the Edge in General Chemistry
11.4 Step-By-Step Guide to General Chemistry
Passages
11.5 Preparing for the MCAT: General Chemistry
11.6 General Chemistry Worked Examples
General Chemistry Passage I Explanation
General Chemistry Passage II Explanation
11.7 General Chemistry Practice
CHAPTER 12: Organic Chemistry
12.1 Reading the Passage
12.2 Answering the Questions
12.3 Getting the Edge in Organic Chemistry
12.4 Step-By-Step Guide to Organic Chemistry
Passages
12.5 Preparing for the MCAT: Organic Chemistry
12.6 Organic Chemistry Worked Examples
Organic Chemistry Passage I Explanation
Organic Chemistry Passage II Explanation
12.7 Organic Chemistry Practice
CHAPTER 13: Physics
13.1 Reading the Passage
13.2 Answering the Questions
13.3 Getting the Edge in Physics
13.4 Step-By-Step Guide to the Physics Passage and
Questions
13.5 Preparing for the MCAT: Physics
13.6 Physics Worked Examples
Physics Passage I Explanation
Physics Passage II Explanation
13.7 Physics Practice
UNIT IV: CRITICAL ANALYSIS AND REASONING SKILLS
CHAPTER 14: Arguments and Formal Logic
14.1 What Is an Argument?
14.2 What Are the Elements of Arguments?
14.3 How Will Arguments Be Tested?
14.4 What Is Formal Logic?
14.5 What Are the Elements of Formal Logic?
14.6 How Will Formal Logic Be Tested?
14.7 Getting the Edge Using Arguments and Formal
Logic
CHAPTER 15: CARS Question Types
15.1 What Kinds of Questions Will You Be Asked?
15.2 Foundation of Comprehension Questions
15.3 Reasoning Within the Text Questions
15.4 Reasoning Beyond the Text Questions
15.5 How Will CARS Question Types Appear on the
Exam?
15.6 Getting the Edge Using CARS Question Types
CHAPTER 16: Reasoning Within Passages
16.1 CARS Worked Example I: A Philosophy Passage
16.2 CARS Worked Example II: A Social Science
Passage
16.3 CARS Practice Passage I
16.4 CARS Practice Passage II