So, you’re gearing up for the MCAT. You probably know that it’s a beast of an exam that tests more than just your memory. It gauges your problem-solving skills, critical thinking, and ability to apply scientific principles. Still, there are certain topics that we know will come up more often than others. Let’s walk through the essential high-yield MCAT topics you need to focus on and break them down section by section to make sure nothing is left out.
High-Yield MCAT Topics
Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Biology
First things first, let’s tackle Biology. Have you ever wondered why DNA is so often compared to a Blueprint? [Side note, the pun was totally intended and yes, I’m hilarious.]
Knowing the structure of DNA and how it replicates is fundamental. Dive into nucleotide structures, replication, repair mechanisms, and genetic recombination. RNA and protein synthesis are next on the list—think of transcription as copying a recipe and translation as actually cooking the meal.
What about cellular structures? You need to be well-acquainted with the cell membrane, organelles like mitochondria (the powerhouse of the cell!), and the processes of mitosis and meiosis. Understanding these will give you a solid foundation for everything else.
As a quick recap; here’s a bulleted list of topics to be familiar with:
Molecular Biology
- DNA Structure and Function: Nucleotide structure, DNA replication, repair mechanisms, and genetic recombination.
- RNA and Protein Synthesis: Transcription, RNA processing, translation, and post-translational modifications.
- Gene Expression and Regulation: Operons, epigenetic modifications, and various gene regulation mechanisms.
Cell Biology
- Cell Membrane Structure and Function: Lipid bilayers, membrane proteins, and transport mechanisms like diffusion and osmosis.
- Organelles and Cellular Structures: The functions of mitochondria, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosomes, and the cytoskeleton.
- Cell Division: Stages of mitosis and meiosis, as well as the control mechanisms of the cell cycle.
Biochemistry
Biochemistry is where biology and chemistry meet.
Enzyme kinetics and inhibition are like traffic rules for biochemical reactions. Metabolic pathways, such as glycolysis and the citric acid cycle, are the roads those biochemical reactions travel. Understanding bioenergetics and thermodynamics—how cells use and store energy—rounds out this section.
Enzyme Structure and Function
- Kinetics and Inhibition: Michaelis-Menten kinetics, competitive, non-competitive, and uncompetitive inhibition.
- Regulation of Enzyme Activity: Allosteric regulation, feedback inhibition, and covalent modification.
Metabolic Pathways
- Glycolysis and Gluconeogenesis: Learn the steps, regulation, and significance.
- Citric Acid Cycle (Krebs Cycle): Understand the enzymes, intermediates, and energy yield.
- Oxidative Phosphorylation: Review the electron transport chain and ATP synthesis.
Bioenergetics and Thermodynamics
- Gibbs Free Energy: Understand ΔG and its relationship to reaction spontaneity.
- ATP Hydrolysis: Study the role of ATP in bioenergetics and coupled reactions.
Pro Tip: Mnemonic devices can help you recall high-yield MCAT topics. Download our MCAT Mnemonics Handbooks with 50+ MCAT mnemonics.
Physiology
Next up is Physiology. Imagine your body as a finely tuned machine. Homeostasis keeps all systems running smoothly. You’ll need detailed knowledge of major organ systems—cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems. How do they maintain equilibrium? What the heck even is equilibrium? That’s the million-dollar question.
Physiology
- Homeostasis: Understand the regulatory mechanisms that maintain internal stability in organisms.
- Organ Systems: Structure and function of major organ systems, such as the cardiovascular, respiratory, nervous, and digestive systems.
Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
General Chemistry
Now, onto General Chemistry. Start with the basics: atomic structure and periodic trends like electronegativity and ionization energy. The periodic table is beautiful, and it is your friend.
However, chemical bonding isn’t just about atoms holding hands. It’s about understanding ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds. And don’t forget stoichiometry—balancing equations is like making sure you have the right ingredients in the exact amounts for a recipe.
Atomic Structure and Periodicity
- Atomic Models and Quantum Mechanics: Electron configurations, orbitals, and quantum numbers.
- Periodic Table Trends: Trends such as electronegativity, atomic radius, ionization energy, and electron affinity.
Chemical Bonding
- Types of Bonds: Ionic, covalent, and metallic bonds, along with molecular geometry and polarity.
- Intermolecular Forces: Hydrogen bonding, dipole-dipole interactions, and London dispersion forces.
Stoichiometry and Chemical Reactions
- Balancing Equations: Practice balancing chemical equations and understanding reaction stoichiometry.
- Reaction Types: Different types of reactions including acid-base, redox, precipitation, and complexation reactions.
Organic Chemistry
Organic Chemistry might seem like climbing Mount Everest, but it’s doable. Focus on functional groups and isomerism. Nomenclature is critical. So, if you aren’t sure what you’re reading, don’t worry. Ochem can sometimes feel like another language.
Reaction mechanisms, such as SN1 and SN2 substitutions are also crucial. Think of these reactions as different routes to get from one city to another.
Structure and Properties of Organic Molecules
- Functional Groups: Identify and understand the properties of common functional groups.
- Isomerism: Structural isomers, stereoisomers, enantiomers, and diastereomers.
Reaction Mechanisms
- Substitution and Elimination Reactions: SN1, SN2, E1, and E2 mechanisms.
- Addition Reactions: Electrophilic addition to alkenes and alkynes.
- Oxidation-Reduction Reactions: Oxidation states and common organic redox reactions.
Physics
Physics can be intimidating, but it’s all about understanding the laws that govern our universe. Start with mechanics—kinematics, Newton’s laws, and concepts of work, energy, and power. Thermodynamics deals with heat transfer and the laws governing energy.
Remember, electricity and magnetism aren’t just abstract concepts. They’re everywhere in our daily lives, from the circuits in your phone to the magnetic fields around Earth.
Mechanics
- Kinematics: Motion in one and two dimensions, including velocity, acceleration, and displacement.
- Newton’s Laws of Motion: Principles of inertia, force, and action-reaction pairs.
- Work, Energy, and Power: Kinetic and potential energy, conservation of energy, and power calculations.
Thermodynamics
- Laws of Thermodynamics: First and second laws, entropy, and enthalpy.
- Heat Transfer: Conduction, convection, and radiation.
Electricity and Magnetism
- Electrostatics: Electric charge, electric field, and potential.
- Circuits: Ohm’s law, series and parallel circuits, and Kirchhoff’s rules.
- Magnetism: Magnetic fields and electromagnetic induction.
Sign up to get expert tips and exclusive invites to free MCAT classes and medical school admissions workshops!
Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior Section
Psychology
Don’t overlook the Psychological and Social Sciences section. There are plenty of high-yield MCAT topics there too.
In psychology, delve into behavioral neuroscience—the structure and function of the nervous system. Developmental psychology covers cognitive and social development from infancy to adulthood. And learning and memory? Think classical and operant conditioning; they’re the building blocks of behavior.
Behavioral Neuroscience
- Structure and Function of the Nervous System: Brain regions, neurotransmitters, and neural pathways.
- Behavioral Genetics: The influence of genes on behavior.
Developmental Psychology
- Cognitive and Social Development: Developmental stages from infancy through adulthood.
- Learning and Memory: Classical conditioning, operant conditioning, and various memory processes.
Sociology
For sociology, understand social structures and institutions. Group dynamics and socialization are the glue that holds society together. Cultural norms and values, along with population dynamics and health disparities, are crucial topics.
Social Structures
- Institutions and Social Stratification: Roles of institutions and the impact of social hierarchies.
- Group Dynamics and Socialization: Group behavior, norms, roles, and the socialization process.
Culture and Demographics
- Cultural Norms and Values: Cultural perspectives and the impact of cultural diversity.
- Population Dynamics: Demographic measures, population growth, and migration patterns.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Finally, the CARS section. While there aren’t any high-yield MCAT topics in CARS, it’s no less necessary to prep for. This isn’t just about reading comprehension. It’s about thinking critically. Practice reading complex passages, summarizing key points, and interpreting arguments. Analytical skills are key here. Synthesize information and draw logical conclusions.
Final Thoughts
By zeroing in on these high-yield MCAT topics and employing effective study strategies, you’re setting yourself up for success. Remember, the MCAT is a marathon, not a sprint. Pace yourself, stay focused, and keep your eyes on the prize.
If you need help with any high-yield MCAT topic or the entire test, Blueprint MCAT can help! Whether you need the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, the instruction of a Live Course, or 1:1 attention of a private MCAT tutor, we have the MCAT prep option that works for your learning style!
Ready to start on the path toward your MCAT score increase? Get access to tons of free MCAT resources today when you create a free Blueprint MCAT account!
Remember, no two MCAT students are alike. It’s important to find the right MCAT prep that works for you. Schedule a free consultation with our experienced Student Success Team to start on the path toward MCAT success.
