MCAT Must Do

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    "rather than + or - differences, consider ranges and averages when analyzing table data" support often comes in the form of a missing link (rather than alternative explanation) correct AC must be responsive to the Q look to tables and other resources before number crunching "to snapshot graph, consider fixed vertical or horizontal line (i.e. hold one axis value

    constant while tracing through values on the other axis)" "do not simply snapshot graphs, trace effects moving along both axes" sketch out the math translate the question into your own words. what is the question asking you to do with the

    information in the passage? don't be afraid to retranslated until you find the most intuitiveiteration.

    answer the question in your own words. articulate what the correct answer will need to do based on the question.

    read each question as if you have never seen it before. focus on each word rather thantaking it in as a chunk.

    consider the initial and final states of the rxn (the pathway itself is often less clear).

    read and evaluate each answer choice fully. word for word. keep it simple. don't overlook the obvious. be able to step back from the math and consider conceptually "don't automatically settle for your hunch. do the work to verify it, especially when you

    have reason to doubt." "remember to consider stoichiometry. always ask \"how many?\"" consider: how are the ACs different? how are they the same? "use your own analysis. don't lean on the passage for unnecessary support. However, use

    all available information (per passage)." use all available information intuition is often aided by drawing a diagram basic thoughtful deliberate algebra is your friend "ask \"how?/why?\" until you get to the bottom of it" helpful to map out simplified pathways and diagrams to get at the crux of the question get at the crux of the question SIMPLIFY SIMPLIFY SIMPLIFY "use common sense to eliminate ACs, then move on to mathematics" thinking > memory "solve using inequalities, ranges, and landmarks" a = b is the same as a = 2b. the latter version is often easier to evaluate. keep your head on a swivel start by establishing desired units assume a 100g sample for easy math use simple fractions or etc. as landmarks "check your answers, but do not change them without a compelling reason" "if you're unhappy with an AC, think harder and think differently, consider an alternative

    approach" simplify by considering initial and final states simplify by separating into vector components scan ACs first for formatting

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    "note the units or scale of graphs. when comparing graphs, these may not be equivalent." "for physics all units must be SI (m, kg, s)" "On each question, ask yourself if it is based on Experiment 1 or on Experiment 2. This

    will help greatly on passages with multiple experiments." "delineate criteria for correct AC, particularly if convoluted, complex, or unclear"

    really read the question "changing your angle of attack can clarify the problem. ex. \"what happens if the reverse path is considered?\""

    don't get suckered into thinking the eqn. given is the only eqn. to consider do the easy math! (not all math is a time suck!) "do not need to avoid extreme sounding ACs in science passages (that's a verbal

    strategy.) Hwvr, one exception disproves an extreme statement. " "if none of the ACs are attractive, revisit the Q: what exactly is it saying?" sometimes it helps to spell out your train of thought always use your physical intuition first understand the passage

    "for physics especially, really try to visualize what's going on" you don't always need to know the background information to get the correct AC. it's areasoning test.

    trending: look at three table values "That a passage does not mention something is not sufficient grounds for its elimination

    (i.e. lack of evidence is not evidence of lack.) Hwvr, the best AC will be correct BASEDON THE PASSAGE"

    the best AC will be correct BASED ON THE PASSAGE "use ratio method to compare. all other variables and constants fall out of the eqn. Can set

    \"proportional to\" ( \"equal to\" (=)." "be mindful of x \"times\" and % \"percent increase\"" "write out the cardinal rules and relationships for a passage up front (ex. kinematics or

    enthalpy equations, moles, etc.)" use the tables and charts given to answer questions. do the work to establish trends using

    inequality signs. this is particularly important if the AC is not apparent from priorknowledge.

    use table values for similar species to approximate be methodical "for stoichiometry, lay it all out. look for errors and math shortcuts " be mindfully conservative in your inference "keep it simple. if there's an easier route to the correct AC (more direct, closer to the

    question asked, fewer hoops, or given plainly in a table or graph), use that way." don't create work for yourself. "often best to look at the ACs for formatting, do the math setup independently, and then

    return to the ACs" "beware verbatim, seek context" visualization is key read word for word like you know they're trying to trick you understand what's happening ensure that multi-clause ACs make sense together

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    Read flanking clauses when referring back (for context) "For analogies, clearly spell out the relationship." Use the main point to set your scope. What does the test maker think is the right answer

    in light of the main point? meaning = definition + connotation

    "\"comparison\" = \"alike\"" Be wary of vagueness. Think about why someone says something. What is the motivation behind the utterance? Breakdown criteria for correct AC. Do not equate. alternative explanation > head-to-head Time frame No outside information. Consider the implications (not just the meaning) of each AC prior to eliminating. Read

    and EVALUATE all ACs. "Role (ex. \"supporting an idea\" \"elaborating upon it.\" serve different roles.)"

    "If you are unhappy about choosing a certain AC, there's probably a reason." parse to simplify "you are looking for the \"best\" answer" read in caricature do not over infer. do not supply your own meaning. stick to a close reading of the

    passage. no logical leaps. translate the question into your own words. what is the question asking you to do with the

    information in the passage? answer the question in your own words. articulate what the correct answer will need to do

    based on the question. read each question as if you have never seen it before. focus on each word rather than

    taking it in as a chunk. "even when Q refers you to a paragraph, you're better off answering based on your

    understanding rather than referring back. referring back skews context and weight." read and evaluate each answer choice fully. word for word. keep it simple. don't overlook the obvious. "a la LSAT, pay close attention to the strength of statements (ex. \"would\" vs.

    \"might\")." "don't get suckered into thinking a passage is easy, the difficulties may be subtle. (booby

    traps!)" "organize, but don't compartmentalize" "don't read through names. typical trickery is to give foreign sounding names and expect

    you won't differentiate. be clear on the \"who\" of any passage as you're reading." "correct AC in the setting of the MP (of the passage, of the paragraph)" keep track of where things are in the passage keep to a close reading of the passage. be conservative in your inference. evaluate as premises and conclusion (strengthen/weaken premises to strengthen/weaken

    conclusion) as well as incidental clauses (which do not directly affect strength ofargument)

    "note the source of support for a statement (authority, example, accepted theory, etc.)"

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    "keep track of the \"when\" of things" invoke the author's reasoning order of precedence gestalt > verbatim sometimes a tricky Q just needs fresh eyes

    "conservative (specific, well supported) inference" get at the crux of the question. what's it really asking? "when referring back, be sure to evaluate in terms of gestalt" what are the author's priorities? "when you refer back, read closely" correct AC must fit Q flawlessly. one wrong word is grounds for dismissal. (and one right

    word is not enough for a correct AC.) "identify exceptions (ask, \"why might this not necessarily be the case.\")" climb into the passage. (you have to read it differently than science passages.)