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If you intend on pursuing a career in medicine, you will need to take the Medical College Admission Test. This is a computer-based standardized test administered by the American Association of Medical Colleges, and it is a prerequisite to being accepted into medical school. It tests your knowledge of biology and other sciences, while evaluating your critical-thinking and problem-solving skills.

In order to keep up with the changes and advancements in the medical community, the AAMC revised the MCAT exam in 2015. This was the first time that the exam had been changed since 1991, and has been revised in order to reflect the changes in scientific research. As part of these updates, it transitioned from a pencil-and-paper exam to a computerized one. The benefit of these changes means that you are given access to an updated curriculum that reflects the current landscape in science and medicine.

The MCAT exam is offered roughly 25 times each year at licensed testing centers. The test is divided into three sections: physical science, verbal reasoning, and biological science. The physical science portion tests you on topics like chemistry and physics, and you will be given 70 minutes to complete 52 questions. For the verbal reasoning, you have one hour to complete 40 multiple-choice questions regarding various written passages provided. After a 10-minute rest, you will be tested on your knowledge in life sciences, during which you are given a total of 70 minutes to complete 52 questions.

Because the MCAT is a comprehensive exam, you are required to have an extensive knowledge of a number of skills. You should be familiar with concepts related to physics, such as speed, acceleration, and velocity. Additionally, you should know about Sir Isaac Newton’s Laws, and balanced and unbalanced forces. You will also be required to know a variety of laws related to fluids, gas, and magnetism.

In order to receive a high mark on the MCAT, you should have a working knowledge of natural science. This includes understanding the Bohr Model, electromagnetic radiation, and the atomic spectrum. You should also know about atomic structures, electron configurations, and the momentum of photons.

As you move into biology, it is important that you have an understanding of prokaryotes and eukaryotes. You should understand the various structures within a bacterium, and what function each serves. Furthermore, you will need to explain the differences and similarities between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, identify the structures of chromosomes, and describe the function of the nucleolus in a eukaryotic cell.

It is important for a health practitioner to be knowledgeable of viruses and how they work. You should have an understanding of virology, and know that viruses are infectious agents that replicate in living organisms. Also know the structures of a virion that protect it as it exists outside of a host. You should also understand how viruses replicate, and have detailed knowledge about the replication of DNA and RNA viruses. As you dig deeper into viruses, you are expected to know about the “Retroviridae” family, which is home to the Human Immunodeficiency Virus, or HIV. Be aware that this virus is replicated through reverse transcription, and that it is fatal without antiretroviral medication.

As you prepare more for the MCAT, you will find yourself spending more time studying the human body. It is important that you have a good understanding of anatomy and the functions of parts of the body. This includes the anatomy of neurons and what purpose they serve, and how they relate to the nervous system. You should also be well acquainted with muscle tissues and how they function. This includes important proteins like myosin and actin, which both play an important role in muscle movement.

Another important part of medicine is understanding how the body stays healthy. Because of this, you are expected to know about the lymphatic system and understand how it works to keep the body free of toxic and unwanted material. You should be able to explain the body’s immune system, and know the difference between its two divisions: the innate and adaptive immune systems. Furthermore, you’ll want to be able to identify the differences between T cells and B cells, and how they act as your body’s weapon against foreign invaders.

Knowing the function of the nervous system is essential to comprehending the body’s complex system of organs. This includes the neural network, the gray and white matter in the brain, and the function of each brain structure. While studying for the MCAT, you should make sure you know about the endocrine system and how it regulates a variety of bodily functions through hormones. You should also know about the circulatory and hematologic systems, which regulate blood flow and blood content, the respiratory system, and the renal system.

There are a number of other important concepts that you should know in order to successfully pass the MCAT. One of these concepts is genetics, and how certain genes can increase the likeliness of disease in some individuals. You will also be expected to know about mutations, on an evolutionary level and on a practical level, and how the environment can influence mutation rates. Moreover, you need to have a working knowledge of sex determination and chromosomes.

Psychological and social concepts are important factors to consider when working in healthcare. Because of this, you are expected to have a working knowledge in psycho-social issues, from mental health problems to cultural factors that can influence one’s perception. You are also advised to develop an understanding of social inequality, and how poverty can have a negative effect on one’s health. Furthermore, you will not only look at how the environment can inform one’s thoughts and opinions, but you will also look at how things like trauma and stress can have a physical impact on the brain’s development and chemistry.

By understand all of these areas, you will be working to prepare yourself for the MCAT. While the test is comprehensive, you can make use of a variety of supplemental material to help prepare you for test day. MCAT preparation material is easy to find, and some of it is even available free of charge.