Are MCAT CARS tutors worth it? The MCAT CARS is arguably the most difficult part of a challenging test, and many students want to know the best MCAT CARS strategy or the key to acing this exam. An MCAT tutor can be an invaluable study resource, especially if you want to improve your CARS score or you need to retake the MCAT. But it’s important to know why you should consider hiring a tutor and if they are worth the cost. In this blog, we’ll look at what makes the MCAT CARS section so hard, why a tutor might be needed and how they can help you score well on this tricky test section.
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What Makes the MCAT CARS so Hard?
How hard is the MCAT, you wonder? It’s a tough test, and the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS) section of the MCAT is generally considered to be the hardest section of the entire exam. Overall, test takers present the lowest average scores on this section of the exam compared to the other three sections.
As your MCAT score factors into US med schools’ admission statistics and acceptance rates, it’s important to score as high as possible on your CARS section. Most med schools will look at your overall MCAT score when evaluating your application, but some schools will weigh your CARS score more heavily in their decision-making.
The CARS section is considered to be the most unpredictable and mysterious section of the test, and many believe it is not possible to prepare ahead of time, making it a veritable challenge. The good news is that it is possible to prepare and study for the MCAT CARS section with the right MCAT prep strategy and help.
The MCAT CARS section is comprised of 53 multiple choice questions split between 9 passages. You’ll be required to read each passage and answer 5 to 7 questions about it. The tricky part is these passages contain complex, unfamiliar information that you’ll need to break down and analyze in order to answer the questions. The CARS section is so tough because it relies on your intellectual and analytical skills and not on your ability to remember or recall information. The CARS section will test you on your ability to absorb and understand new information and apply your critical thinking skills to a problem or case. Since you won’t know what the passages in the CARS section will contain ahead of time, it might seem like you won’t be able to prepare. But in this case, you can study by learning the strategies and improving the skills you need, rather than storing the answers in your brain.
Practice for your MCAT CARS with the hardest MCAT CARS passage!
Should You Hire an MCAT CARS Tutor?
An MCAT CARS tutor can help you prepare for the notoriously difficult section of this test. An MCAT CARS tutor is someone who specializes in helping students study for this particular exam and will have insight into acing this particular section. Often times, the tutor might have personal experience taking the MCAT and facing down the CARS section, so they can provide more than just study tips and strategies but advice on managing stress, creating a good study schedule, tips for what to do on test day and so much more.
MCAT CARS tutors can be especially helpful for students who want to retake the MCAT or if you’re worried you aren’t hitting the scores you need to get accepted and want to improve your MCAT CARS score. Studying for the MCAT can take several months, so it’s normal for students to feel like they’ve hit a plateau in their studies or want a better strategy for retaking this exam, such as a CARS strategy for slow readers. An MCAT CARS tutor can be the answer if you feel you need a bit more help or an outside eye to help you identify where you can improve your study game or your test skills.
MCAT CARS tutors will also be familiar with the testing process and other important information, such how to get MCAT accommodations or this year’s MCAT test and release dates, which can help you plan your study schedule and test-taking date. Having a good source for all of this information means you’ll be more organized and better prepared, which can significantly decrease some of the stress associated with taking the MCAT in the first place.
Tutors can also provide useful advice on when to start studying for the MCAT or the best MCAT prep course to use. An MCAT CARS tutor will help diversify and expand your studying for the test, as they will have not only specialized knowledge and the right, proven strategies and tips for success, they may have access to resources and tools you wouldn’t normally. Many students also benefit from having one-on-one, personalized study help and having someone provide feedback on their study habits and testing skills.
How MCAT CARS Tutors Can Help You
As we’ve mentioned, there are many ways MCAT CARS tutors can help you study for the MCAT, improve your scores and basically prepare you for the unpredictable. But what specific areas do they help with and how? If you’re thinking of hiring a tutor, it helps to know what areas you need the most help with and why.
In the CARS section, there are a number of skills required of you. You may possess some of the necessary skills to ace this section, or none of them. Fortunately, an MCAT CARS tutor can help you develop and strengthen all of them. The breakdown of skills you need include reading comprehension, critical thinking and analytical skills, and even a good vocabulary.
Why Choose BeMo as Your MCAT CARS Tutor
At BeMo, we are student-focused. We know how challenging the MCAT can be, especially the CARS section of the exam. Which is why we offer unlimited prep for the entire MCAT, personalized help and proven study strategies to our students. Your MCAT prep with us is also 100% customizable to your needs.
Here's what BeMo offers to students who are prepping for the MCAT:
- BeMo Guarantees -- We guarantee to improve your score by 15 points. If you score over 520, your prep is free!
- Unlimited prep with our MCAT experts
- Personalized, one-on-one help, anytime and anywhere
- Proven strategies for acing the MCAT and the CARS section
- Practice tests, question banks and official MCAT prep material
- No B.S. repeat. If you don't like your score, repeat your MCAT prep with us free!
Learn more about BeMo's MCAT prep or book a free initial strategy call with us today to see if we're the right fit for you.
Learn how to score 528 on your MCAT by watching this video!
Conclusion: Is MCAT CARS Tutoring Worth It?
Even with all the advantages of hiring an MCAT CARS tutor, many students wonder if its worth the cost. When it’s recommended that you spend 300 plus hours studying for the MCAT, this total can add up very quickly so it's important to use a trusted source with a lot of verified 5-star reviews on something like Trustpilot and iron-clad satisfaction guarantee and performance guarantees.
For students who are on a budget, there are some alternatives to MCAT CARS tutors and other ways to save. There are always MCAT prep courses or MCAT prep books which are useful in preparing you for this important test. If you feel that the one-on-one help provided by a tutor is worth the cost for you, at least for the CARS section, you can decide how many hours is sufficient and within your budget to prepare you for this section. Some MCAT tutors offer comprehensive help with all sections of the test, but if you feel the CARS is your weakest point, consider hiring a tutor just to help you develop the skills you need to ace it.
The individual assistance provided by a tutor certainly has advantages, and it may be the best help for students who are struggling with studying for the MCAT or who need to retake the test. Hiring a tutor won’t be in everyone’s budget, but even a few hours with a tutor might be both feasible and advantageous for some students.
If you decide to hire an MCAT CARS tutor, be sure to do your research and compare prices, services and quality of service to ensure you hire the best one for you! Give yourself your best chance of success on the MCAT and carefully consider your choices of tutors both online and offline. There are countless professional services and independent tutors you can hire to help you, so be sure to look around and choose the right one.
Keep in mind that MCAT tutors are just one piece of the puzzle. Make use of all the study resources and help available to you in order to show the MCAT CARS who’s boss!
FAQs
1. Is MCAT CARS tutoring worth it?
It depends on the student and their individual situation, but MCAT CARS tutors can definitely make a difference. If you need to retake the test, or you’re particularly anxious about this hard section of the test, a tutor can teach you the skills for success.
2. Is the CARS section of the MCAT the hardest?
Generally speaking, it is considered the hardest section of the exam because of its unpredictable nature and the required use of critical thinking skills.
3. What is the best way to study for CARS section of the MCAT?
The best way is to use practice tests while exercising your reading comprehension and critical thinking skills. An MCAT CARS tutor can be a great addition to this if you feel that you need extra study help.
4. How can I improve my MCAT CARS score?
If your practice tests scores aren’t where you want them to be, it might be time to change your study methods. Try using MCAT prep courses, prep books or an MCAT CARS tutor who can give you personalized feedback and advice while you’re studying.
5. What does an MCAT CARS tutor help with?
MCAT CARS tutors help with a variety of aspects of your studying. Not just your study habits and test-taking strategies, but your time management, critical thinking abilities and reading comprehension.
6. Which MCAT CARS prep is best?
It depends on the student. Some learn best from prep books or prep courses, others learn best from taking practice tests or using flashcards. Identify the methods that work best for you and consider which ones are available and within your budget.
7. Should I use a CARS tutor to retake the MCAT?
If you need to retake the MCAT and the CARS section was particularly difficult for you, a tutor might be able to help you better prepare the next time around with improved strategies and individual, personalized aid.
8. Do medical schools see my CARS score on the MCAT?
Yes; medical schools will be able to see your test scores for each section of the MCAT, but how your scores are factored into your medical school applications differs from school to school. Some med schools consider your CARS section and others don’t see it as important as other parts of your application.
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2 Comments
Hana Bagheri
Hello, I am looking for MCAT CARS section tutoring. If you have any suggestions or recommendations, I would love to hear them. Thank you so much, Hana
ReplyCathy Di
How do I work with a tutor? Is it via Zoom Call?
Reply