For pre-meds taking the MCAT later this summer, our team of editors has assembled a list of high-yield topics to study on Firecracker. Flag and review from the topics listed below, follow your Firecracker study plan, and crush the MCAT this summer!
Biology
- Mitochondria: Structure and Function
- Lysosome
- Endoplasmic reticulum
- Plasma Membrane
- Cytoskeleton: Microfilament, microtubules, intermediate filaments
- Cilia and Flagella
- Centrioles
- Osmosis
- Membrane Channels and Transporters
- Membrane Receptors
- Glycolysis
- Kreb’s Cycle
- Electron transport chain
- Metabolism of fats and proteins
- Arteries, Veins and Capillaries
- Oxygen Transport
- Kidney: Function
- Kidney: Structure
- Urine Formation and Bladder
- Endocrine System: Hormones
- Endocrine System: Structure and function
Physics
- Kinetic Energy
- Potential energy
- Conservation of energy
- Coulomb’s law
- Motion of a Pendulum
- Amplitude, Period, and Frequency
- Phase
- Transverse and Longitudinal Waves
- Wavelength, frequency, wave speed
- Superposition of Waves and Interference
- Resonance
- Standing waves
General Chemistry
- Equilibrium in Reversible Chemical Reactions
- Law of mass action
- The equilibrium constant
- Ionization of water
- Strong Acids & Bases
- Weak Acids & Bases
- Conjugate Acids & Bases
- Equilibrium Constants Ka & Kb
- LeChatelier’s Princple
- Balancing Chemical Equations
- Balancing Redox Reactions
- Oxidation Number
- Limiting Reagent
- Percent Yield & Theoretical Yield
Organic Chemistry
- Alkanes: Nomenclature and Physical Properties
- Multiple Bonding
- Stereoisomers
- Conformational Isomers
- Electrophilic Addition to Alkenes
- Alcohols: Description and Nomenclature
- Alcohols: Properties
- Alcohols: Substitution
- Alcohols: Oxidation
- Carboxylic Acids: Physical Properties
- Amines: Physical Properties and Stereochemistry
Nate Green, managing editor of Firecracker’s pre-medical content, offers helpful tips for studying for the MCAT:
- Study consistently. With larger tasks or goals it is easier to lose the sense of urgency. It is easy to feel urgency knowing we have a test in four days, however, when we have a test in four months it is much easier to be complacent and procrastinate. The key to overcoming this is consistency. One who studies consistently will be much better off than someone who crams. And you can’t cram for a big test like the MCAT.
- Enjoy studying for the MCAT. Take it just one topic at a time. Don’t study hungry or thirsty or tired. Make sure you are in an excellent state of mind and it will be much easier to learn and enjoy learning.
- Finally, remember why you are studying. I think reminding yourself of the big picture keeps the mind strong and dedicated. Envision yourself at the first day of medical school or at your white coat ceremony.
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Get crackin’ on the MCAT!
–The Firecracker Team
