CARS
The Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section on the MCAT can be challenging as it tests your ability to analyze and reason through passages on humanities and social sciences topics. Comprising 53 questions across nine passages in 90 minutes, the CARS section is filled with tough language and tricky questions, requiring a clear-headed approach to succeed. In contrast to the science sections, intense studying of facts and concepts is of little help in mastering CARS.
To excel in CARS, one needs a good strategy, a toolbox of efficient techniques, and consistent practice. By implementing methods like the Sketchy way, understanding the choices authors made when writing passages, and practicing daily with difficult texts like newspaper editorials, it is possible to train the brain to tackle CARS passages effectively. Finally, incorporating CARS practice tests, preferably from the testmaker (AAMC), can solidify progress and measure overall improvement.
Lesson Outline
<ul> <li>CARS overview <ul> <li>53 questions across nine passages in 90 minutes</li> <li>Humanities and social sciences topics</li> <li>Somewhat similar to the SAT/ACT, but more difficult</li> </ul> </li> <li>Challenges of the CARS section <ul> <li>Difficult language and tricky questions</li> <li>Switching between science and CARS sections on test day</li> <li>Time pressure and discomfort with CARS material</li> </ul> </li> <li>Strategies for success on CARS <ul> <li>Understanding choices made by passage writers</li> <li>Strategy, technique, and practice</li> <li>Sketchy's unique approach to CARS</li> <li>Passage walkthroughs using the Sketchy method</li> </ul> </li> <li>Practice tips <ul> <li>Reading difficult texts like newspaper editorials and long-form journalism daily</li> <li>Using the Sketchy method while reading</li> <li>Taking CARS practice tests, ideally from the AAMC</li> </ul> </li> </ul>
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FAQs
The purpose of the MCAT CARS section (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) is to assess a medical student's ability to read, comprehend, and analyze passages from various disciplines in humanities and social sciences. It evaluates critical thinking and reasoning skills that are essential for success in medical school and as a healthcare professional. The CARS section does not require specific content knowledge but focuses on the ability to understand and analyze the given information within a passage.
Effective CARS strategies include daily reading, practicing passage questions, using passage walkthroughs, and applying good strategies like the Sketchy method. Becoming comfortable with difficult texts from a variety of disciplines and improving reading comprehension are crucial. Additionally, focusing on time management, identifying the main idea, analyzing the author's tone and arguments, and using process of elimination for answering questions will significantly increase your chances of scoring high on the CARS section.
Incorporating daily reading into your MCAT study plan is important for improving your reading comprehension and critical analysis skills. Set aside dedicated time each day to read and analyze complex passages from various sources, such as literary texts, philosophical essays, and social science articles. Practice summarizing the main idea, identifying the author's perspective, and recognizing underlying assumptions or moral philosophies. Balancing daily reading with passage questions practice is effective for mastering the CARS section.
The AAMC (Association of American Medical Colleges) is the test maker for the MCAT. They provide official resources, such as books, practice tests, and question banks, to help students prepare for the exam. The AAMC resources contain passages and questions that closely resemble the actual CARS section in terms of difficulty and style. By practicing with AAMC resources, students can familiarize themselves with passage structures, question types, and strategies that are most relevant to the test.
Passage walkthroughs involve breaking down a given passage, analyzing the content, structure, and author's perspective, and answering the related questions. This technique helps students understand the approach to take when tackling the CARS section. The Sketchy method is a strategy that incorporates visual learning by mentally constructing images or symbols to represent the main ideas or key concepts within a passage. This method helps students quickly recall and organize information while answering questions on the CARS section. Combining these strategies with daily reading and practice questions can lead to a well-rounded preparation and higher scores in the CARS section.
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