What physics should I take for MCAT?

What are the actual prerequisite courses for the MCAT? All students need to take Physics 1 and 2 – without exception. Physics 1 will generally cover Newtonian Mechanics (kinematics, forces, work and energy, fluids and waves).

What level of physics is on the MCAT?

To be clear, physics questions will be found only in the first part of the MCAT—the Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems portion. 59 questions are included in this part of the test, and about 25% of them will be related to introductory physics.

Is Physics 1 or 2 more important for MCAT?

Physics 2, which covers electricity and magnetism, has relatively less weightage on the MCAT compared to physics 1 (mechanics). While electricity questions are likely to appear, magnetism questions are fewer in number. Therefore, it is possible for students to encounter a test day without any magnetism questions.

Do I need Physics 2 for MCAT?

The MCAT includes both Physics 1 and Physics 2. The focus is more on Physics 1, but since the physics section is weighted heavily on the test, it is in your best interest to take Physics 2.

How much physics should I study for the MCAT?

Physics will represent somewhere between 20-30 percent of your MCAT Chem/Phys section, which is one of four MCAT sections. Hence, you can expect to see 12 to 18 physics questions (out of 230 total questions) on the entire MCAT—about 5 to 8 percent of the exam.

The Map of The MCAT

Should I retake physics for MCAT?

Answer: You'd be surprised how often we get this question, or a similar one from someone with AP in Chemistry. No, you do not need to retake Physics to prepare for the MCAT. You have the knowledge of introductory physics, necessary to do well on the test, from your high school AP experience.

What is the most heavily tested subject on the MCAT?

This data should help you understand the relative importance of specific topics on the MCAT. As we can see, Biology is an extremely important subject on the MCAT, with 45 out of 230 questions dedicated to Biology alone, and Biology questions appearing in each of the science sections.

Can you self study Physics 2 for MCAT?

Next Step Test Prep Tutor

Just a quick thought in addition to the input from others -- if you're self-studying physics 2 for the MCAT, be sure to use physics 2 resources for the MCAT, including practice materials. (This actually applies to physics 1 too, but it's especially important if you're self-studying it).

How hard is physics on MCAT?

Some students consider MCAT physics one of the MCAT's most challenging aspects. It is because aside from the terms and definitions you must memorize, it also involves memorizing equations and formulas. Therefore, you must also have your basic math skills mastered for MCAT physics.

Do you need physics 1 and 2 for med school?

Depending on your school, physics 1 may cover the vast majority of MCAT Physics, but Physics 2 is usually required by med schools. This is where doing your research is helpful.

Does it look bad to take the MCAT twice?

Retaking the MCAT multiple times isn't necessarily bad as long as your score improves each time. If your score worsens with each attempt or stays the same, it won't strengthen your med school application.

Does the MCAT get harder every year?

While the exam is challenging, the short answer to that question is “no.” Each and every year, plenty of our students do well on the MCAT, making them even stronger candidates for medical school.

Do you need to know all physics equations for MCAT?

No, you do not need to memorize all equations for the MCAT. For MCAT Physics, there are many equations that you should memorize in order to maximize your score. Occasionally, the AAMC will provide physics formulas during the exam itself, but never basic formulas.

Is there more chemistry or physics on the MCAT?

On the MCAT, biology (at 65% of the Bio/Biochem section) will be by far the most important of the four “classic” MCAT subjects, followed in importance by general chemistry (30% of the Chem/Phys section); physics (25% of the Chem/Phys section); and finally organic chemistry (15% of the Chem/Phys section).

Is the MCAT math heavy?

One of the challenges of the MCAT is that you won't be allowed to use a calculator of any kind on Test Day. Although the current MCAT has very few heavy calculations, there are many questions that require you to demonstrate your ability to manipulate some math.

What is the hardest portion of the MCAT?

What is the hardest section of the MCAT? The two sections that students typically have the most difficulty with on the exam is either Chem/Phys or CARS.

What is the easiest subject on the MCAT?

MCAT CARS is often considered the easiest section of the MCAT since it does not test specific knowledge in any particular subject.

Is the MCAT a lot of memorization?

Yes, the MCAT involves a lot of memorization. Subjects like biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology require memorizing important details and principles.

What year of college should I take the MCAT?

We sometimes get this variant of the "What is the earliest/latest I should take the MCAT?" question. While you can technically take the MCAT any time, you should take it during the summer after sophomore year at the earliest, and April of your application year at the latest.

Is physics 1 enough for MCAT?

All students need to take Physics 1 and 2 – without exception. Physics 1 will generally cover Newtonian Mechanics (kinematics, forces, work and energy, fluids and waves). Physics 2 will typically cover (electrostatics, electricity and magnetism, geometric optics, and quantum mechanics).

Can you self study physics for MCAT?

Suppose you come across unfamiliar MCAT physics topics or subtopics early in preparation for the MCAT. In that case, you'll have to learn them on your own. Most medical schools do not have strict medical degree requirements. Some of them do not even require applicants to have knowledge of physics.

Is calculator allowed on MCAT physics?

You aren't allowed to use a calculator on the MCAT, so you need to practice doing arithmetic calculations by hand. Fortunately, the amount of calculation you'll have to do is small.

What score is 100% on MCAT?

They act as placeholders, however, and can be useful in better understanding the score range. Scores of 524-528 are in the 100th percentile, meaning no one has achieved them.

What is top 90% MCAT?

Maybe you want to aim high, maybe you're naturally a high achiever, or you want to get into that top medical school. If you want to be in the top 10 % of MCAT test takers, you need to have an MCAT total score range of 514-528. This will put you in the 90th percentile range - applicants who have the best scores.

How rare is a perfect MCAT?

While test designers make it difficult, it is possible to achieve a so-called “perfect score” on the MCAT. According to the AAMC, out of the approximately two hundred thousand students who take the exam each year, between 30 and 70 achieve the highest score of 528 on the MCAT.