MCAT Test Physical Sciences Testing Tips - Problem Solving Questions

The physical sciences section of the MCAT test consists of four primary types of questions, which includes comprehension questions related to informational passages, comprehension questions related to research passages, problem-solving questions, and argument evaluation questions. The problem-solving questions in this section of the MCAT test are specifically designed to determine whether or not an individual is capable of identifying the cause of a problem or the solution to a scientific equation using basic chemistry and physics concepts. These questions may often appear to be more complicated than they actually are so there are certain key pieces of information that an individual may want to keep in mind. First, even though some of the problem-solving questions on the exam will require some mathematical knowledge in order to determine the correct solution, it is important to realize that most of these questions will only require the use of basic mathematics. The exam does not require the use of calculus or any other advanced mathematics so if a question looks like it requires complex calculations in order to solve the problem you are probably making the question more difficult than it really should be. Secondly, try to look for shortcuts or ways to make logical estimations. The exam's designers realize that each individual taking the MCAT test only has about a minute and ½ on average to answer each question in the physical sciences section so there is usually a simple way of finding the answer to each question.

Topics Covered
Informational and Research Passages
Argument Evaluation Questions