If you’re in the process of tackling your MCAT prep, you might have heard a bit of buzz about a new AAMC section bank. Let’s take a quick look at what the AAMC’s most recent product, Section Bank Vol. 2, has in store for students prepping for the MCAT, why it matters, and how it might impact your study plans.
What’s in the New Section Bank Vol. 2?
Back in September, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) pulled the wrapping paper off their latest resource for MCAT prep: the MCAT Official Prep Section Bank, Vol. 2. Building on the popularity of its predecessor, Section Bank Vol. 1, this installment maintains a similar format, but also introduces a couple of twists.
Just like Vol. 1, the new Section Bank is packed with 300 officially endorsed MCAT practice questions, divided across the three science sections of the MCAT. That means 100 questions per section, creating a solid bank of material. The questions are multidisciplinary, drawing from the breadth of scientific knowledge covered in the MCAT, making them valuable for comprehensive review and practice.
Sign up to get expert tips and exclusive invites to free MCAT classes and medical school admissions workshops!
The Essence of AAMC
One of the hallmarks of both editions of the AAMC Section Bank is that the developers of the MCAT exam themselves author the questions. This means we get practice questions that mimic the complexity, style, and content level of the questions you’ll face on test day. Practicing with AAMC-designed materials offers a clear advantage, as they are created by the very authors who define what test-takers are expected to know.
💡 Did you know? Blueprint MCAT courses include access to all online AAMC Practice Resources for the most optimal MCAT prep experience!
Furthermore, each question comes with detailed explanations for all answer choices. AAMC explanations have caught some flak in the past for their brevity. However, the more recent releases have improved explanations. That makes the newest edition of the Section Bank potentially more attractive than the first!
A Sneak Peek at a New Passage Style?
While most of the subject matter within these questions has appeared in AAMC’s other MCAT prep materials, the AAMC Section Bank, Vol. 2 offers a sneak peek at a possible new passage type.
A case study presentation format is used in two of the science section banks. Could this signal a transition to integrating more realistic, clinical reasoning-based questions in future exams? If this becomes a staple in MCAT passages, it might add an interesting, medically relevant twist to the current paradigm. Old MCAT passages used to involve things like shooting circus clowns out of cannons, so the closer the exam gets to practical applications, the better! Still, who doesn’t want to calculate the maximum height of a clown shot out of a cannon?
Interface Improvements – Small Changes with Potentially Large Impacts
Although we’re usually interested in the questions while prepping for the MCAT, the AAMC also made a few noteworthy updates to the MCAT interface. These user-friendly adaptations aim to improve the user experience and cater to diverse student needs.
- Basic Zoom Function. This allows you to adjust content size, which is a welcome feature for those who might need larger text for easier readability or smaller text to view more information at once.
- Background Color Choices. Students can now toggle between a default white, a black background with white text, or a salmon shade with black text. These options are particularly helpful for reducing eye strain during long study sessions or for students with specific visual preferences.
- Blue Highlighter Option. Adding blue to the existing yellow highlighter allows for categorizing or prioritizing information in a more structured manner.
Final Thoughts
The AAMC’s unveiling of the MCAT Official Prep Section Bank, Vol. 2 marks a significant addition to the resources available to future testers. As the format of the MCAT continues to evolve, it’s beneficial for study materials to reflect these changes. As you embark on your MCAT journey, remember that the essence of preparation is adaptability. Staying responsive and innovative in your learning strategies will set you on the path to success.
Blueprint MCAT students learn how to integrate AAMC practice resources with the most comprehensive MCAT prep. Whether you need the flexibility of a Self-Paced Course, the instruction of a Live Course, or 1:1 assistance of a private MCAT tutor, Blueprint MCAT has the MCAT prep option that works for your learning style!
Start today with a free MCAT diagnostic, one free practice exam, and tons more MCAT prep resources.
Further Reading
Integrating AAMC Materials into your MCAT Prep: The AAMC Prep Resources are an invaluable part of your MCAT prep, but you can’t rely on them alone. Find out how to integrate the AAMC materials into your MCAT study plan.
The Ultimate 6-Month MCAT Study Schedule: Learn how to organize all your prep resources into an effective 6-month plan.
