The Medical College - Page 6
Body Systems: namely, the organs that compose
the major body systems (skeletal,
muscular, circulatory, digestive, respiratory,
excretory, nervous, reproductive, and
endocrine) should be known.
Genetics and Evolution: both Mendelian and
modern concepts of genetics should
be understood as well as concepts of evolution
such as natural selection, specia-
tion, and basic structure of
chordates.
Organic Chemistry
This area requires a knowledge of organic
compounds, including nomenclature, classifi-
cation of functional groups, and reactions
including reaction mechanisms. The major
topics covered are:
Biological Molecules: namely, knowledge of the
types of biologically active mole-
cules (e.g., amino acids and proteins,
carbohydrates, lipids, and phosphorus com-
pounds) is required.
Oxygen-Containing Compounds: namely, knowledge
of the principal reaction of
the oxygen-containing compounds (e.g.,
alcohols, aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic
acids, ethers, and phenols) is
required.
Amines: namely, knowledge of the
nitrogen-containing compounds is required.
Hydrocarbons: namely, knowledge of the alkanes,
alkenes, and benzene deriva-
tives is required.
Molecular Structure: namely, knowledge of the
structure of organic compounds in
terms of bonds; bond strengths, and
stereochemistry of bonded molecules is nec-
essary.
Separation and Purification: namely,
familiarity with the methodology and the
characteristics of different organic compounds
as related to their separation and
possible purification if needed. This requires
knowledge of the processes of
extraction, distillation, recrystallization,
and chromatography.
Spectroscopy: namely, knowledge of nuclear
magnetic resonance (NMR) and
infrared (IR) spectroscopy is
necessary.
A full description of the test is included in
The MCAT Student Manual, obtainable
from AAMC, 2450 N Street, NW, Washington, DC
20037.
PREPARING FOR THE MCAT
It can be categorically stated that your
performance on the MCAT will be better if you
prepare for it in an organized manner. This
means that a structured study plan should be
developed before initiating your review
process.
Developing a study plan involves (1) setting a
realistic starting date to begin your
study program (such as one and a half to three
months prior to the test date, depending
on your ability, time available for study,
etc.); (2) requisitioning fixed blocks of time on
a weekly basis to be used exclusively for study
(with alternate time-blocks if you cannot
keep to your schedule); (3) proportioning your
study time relative to each of the sub-
tests, in direct proportion to your strength or
weakness in each area; (4) arranging your
study schedule to allow for completion of
preparation for taking the exam a few days
before the test date. This will reduce the
chance or need for cramming, which would be
counterproductive. Moreover, a brief interlude
available just prior to the test will afford
you a chance to relax physically and mentally
in preparation for the examination. You
can then better meet the very demanding
challenge for a 5
3/
4-hour
test.
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