It is definitely that time of the year again. The time of eventful welcomes, re-encounters, and underlying stress. Yes, we are once again strolling down the serene Evergreen campus as
another year at Loyola begins, but for some of us, this year also brings with it an immensely overwhelming uncertainty that can only be described as the elephant in the room. What sets this elephant aside from the rest is the little knowledge we have of it. So we say to this creature with outmost thrill: the MCAT is changing this spring, and everyone who has studied is advised to take it on the last January date. But for those who don’t have that opportunity, what should we do?
Spotted: MCAT Elephant revealing what will be on the 2015 test.
As most of us have probably heard, the MCAT has always been regarded as a very challenging test that will measure your knowledge in subjects that pertain to your future medical career. This test has always been comprised of subjects such as biology, organic chemistry, general chemistry and physics. However, as of spring of 2015, the MCAT will restructure the sections that make up the current test. According to the American Association of Medical Colleges, the test will now cover a whole new and extensive variety of subjects. It will now have a Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems section; Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems section; Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior section; and a Critical Analysis Skills and Writing Skills section.
Okay, so let’s break down the ‘science-y’ foundations of the test, hydrolysis style:
The Biological and Biochemical section will cover three distinct fundamental topics. Topic one is about how biomolecules have distinct properties that help define cells and, as a result, life. Topic two is about how highly organized molecules and cells carry out their functions in living organisms. Topic three is about how the internal and external environment affects all living organisms.
The Chemical and Physical section will cover two fundamental topics. Topic one will cover the ways that living organisms transport messages and cause changes through physical principles, according to the AAMC. Topic two will cover the principles of chemical interactions that make out the molecular systems of living organisms.
The Psychological and Social section will cover five fundamental concepts. Topic one will consider the “biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors that influence the ways individuals perceive, think about, and react to the world.” The second topic will cover “biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors influence behavior and behavior change.” The third concept will cover “psychological, sociocultural, and biological factors influence the way we think about ourselves and others, as well as how we interact with others.” The fourth topic would cover “cultural and social differences influence well-being.” Finally, the fifth topic would cover “Social stratification and access to resources influence well-being.”
Other than the scientific foundations, the MCAT will also test a series of skills that are crucial for medical school, such as research and writing skills.
