The MCAT writing section requires practice and addressing the prompt clearly. Using transition words and building a sophisticated argument can boost scores. Test takers should organize their essays based on the prompt’s instructions and review past test requests for insight.
Scoring well on the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) will require some degree of study and practice, especially when it comes to the writing section of the MCAT. The writing portion of the MCAT exam features two 30-minute essays that are usually completed on a computer. Both the human grader and the computer program are generally used to calculate the score; therefore, it is important to consider the writing traits that will be scored by both. General tips for higher scores on the MCAT Writing section include clearly addressing the prompt, using transition words and expanded vocabulary, and building a sophisticated argument. Practicing and reading sample essays from previous admissions tests will give participants the advantage of becoming familiar with the style and structure of the MCAT essays.
The clear address of the prompt is essential for getting a good score on the recording portion of the MCAT, as there are several questions and instructions that must be followed in the prompt. The prompt usually involves a statement, as well as various instructions to address it, such as providing an example or counterexample, explaining the statement, or possibly creating a new statement with more nuance. A formulaic five-paragraph essay is generally not the best format for the MCAT writing test, as it may not allow enough freedom to cover all aspects of the prompt. Test takers should organize the structure of their essays based on the ready-made instructions to ensure complete coverage of the requirements. This will also allow for a much more sophisticated argument, with space for supporting evidence in each paragraph.
Using transition words, such as however, consequently, or even so, is also important for scoring high on the writing portion of the MCAT exam. Since one of the students is actually a computer program, his ability to read and understand certain sentence constructions is limited. Instead, it relies on cues such as transitional words, complex diction, and varied sentence structure to judge how well-written and detailed an essay is. Using higher diction and appropriate transition words can help boost scores and make the essay more fluid.
While some writers benefit from sketching out an outline before starting their essays, others prefer to skip writing to maximize the time spent on the essay. Highlight practices and note-taking will also vary based on an individual’s test-taking habits, and no single method of planning or review will be best for all tests. Those studying for the MCAT writing section should study some practice essays and review examples of past test requests posted on the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) website. Practice can provide insight into the best and most effective methods for planning and writing essays.
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