The MCAT CARS Podcast

Science & Technology News

The CARS section of the MCAT gives thousands of premeds nightmares every night. Whether you're an ESL student, lack confidence while reading, or are a slow reader like me, Jack Westin and the Medical School Headquarters are here to help you score higher in every section so that you can be confident you are ready to get the MCAT score of your dreams.

Location:

United States

Genres:

Science & Technology News

Medical

Science Podcasts

Education Podcasts

Description:

The CARS section of the MCAT gives thousands of premeds nightmares every night. Whether you're an ESL student, lack confidence while reading, or are a slow reader like me, Jack Westin and the Medical School Headquarters are here to help you score higher in every section so that you can be confident you are ready to get the MCAT score of your dreams.

Language:

English

Website:

http://mcatcarspodcast.com

Episodes

121: Understanding Passage Structures and Interpreting Tone

3/31/2021

Tone provides a deeper sense of one's attitude. Understanding tones and structures in a CARS passage will help you get a better sense of the passage and author. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/more-than-a-feeling/

Duration:00:22:39

120: Exploring Hypnosis in Comparison to Psych Experiments

3/24/2021

If you want more free practice for MCAT CARS, visit jackwestin.com. Today, Jack and I focus on learning as we read this passage about hypnosis. Listen now! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hypnosis-experts-cast-doubt-on-famous-psychological-experiments/

Duration:00:20:40

119: How to Discern Facts, Assumptions, and Opinions in CARS

3/17/2021

Today, we talked about the difference between facts and opinions/assumptions that sounds factual. Understanding the differences can help you score high in CARS. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/28/first-winged-reptiles-were-clumsy-flyers-research-suggests

Duration:00:20:34

118: Practicing Empathy With MCAT CARS Passages

3/10/2021

In this episode, Jack and I discuss how to find article passages that are similar to MCAT CARS passages. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin aldaily.com Link to the article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28

Duration:00:23:15

117: How to Critically Think When Reading Deep Passages

3/3/2021

MCAT passages are all about giving a message. You don't have to understand everything, but you can't make just assume or predict things that aren't there. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/roots-reality

Duration:00:27:28

116: Taking MCAT CARS to Outer Space and Beyond

2/24/2021

The recent landing of the Mars Perseverance rover reminds us that our universe is vast, as are opinions on the MCAT. What are my thoughts? Listen to find out! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/rogue-planets-milky-way/616897/

Duration:00:18:50

115: Experiments and Observations: Media Multitasking

2/17/2021

Experiment-based passages are found all over the MCAT. Today, we focused on following the details of the passage, and keeping track of the different ideas. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/media-multitasking-disrupts-memory-even-in-young-adults/

Duration:00:17:32

114: Social Media Polarization, Influencers, and Echo Chambers

2/10/2021

We all think of the world in specific ways. However, success in CARS requires you to keep an open mind. Leave your biases at the door and question everything. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-social-media-makes-us-more-polarized-and-how-to-fix-it/

Duration:00:25:04

113: What's Up with App Users, Data Abuse, and Exploitation?

2/3/2021

This week, we look at the consequences of using apps that exploit user data. We discuss how to determine the author's tone from keywords throughout the passage. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/subscriber-city/

Duration:00:17:04

112: How to Deal With an Author's Questions Within a Passage

1/27/2021

Today, we discuss how to approach questions within MCAT CARS passages. Don't insert your own answers! Let the author convince you with evidence and examples. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/gas-stoves-are-bad-you-and-environment/616700/

Duration:00:17:01

111: Voting Prediction: Finding Trends in an MCAT CARS Passage

1/20/2021

Today we look at trends in the author's voice and context specifics. Join us as we dive into this passage on elections and voting outcome predictions. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/what-the-chart-wants/

Duration:00:18:14

110: Is Charity Crowdfunding Just A Game of "Would You Rather?"

1/13/2021

Does charity crowdfunding create similar choices to "Would You Rather?" That's what Jack and I discuss in today's thought-provoking MCAT CARS practice passage. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/mercy-markets/

Duration:00:19:06

109: Where to Find the Main Idea in an MCAT CARS Passage

1/6/2021

Finding the author's main point in an MCAT CARS passage takes practice. Today, we'll give you a few tips for how to sift through the details to find it. Join us! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://harpers.org/archive/2020/10/reason-not-the-need-self-storage

Duration:00:15:54

108: How to Find Clues in the Details of an MCAT CARS Passage

12/30/2020

Today, we examine an MCAT CARS practice passage about Google Earth and discuss the importance of reading a passage and paying attention to the details. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/springtime-everywhere/

Duration:00:24:15

107: How to Approach "Easy" MCAT CARS Passages

12/23/2020

What should you pay attention to when you come across straight-forward passage on the MCAT? Jack gives us tips for how to tackle deceptively-easy passages Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2046694228515/pleasant-dreams

Duration:00:16:20

106: Does the AAMC Ask Polarizing Questions on the MCAT?

12/16/2020

Our passage today is about a topic that might be considered controversial—QAnon. Will you see these types of passages on the MCAT? Listen and find out.

Duration:00:17:21

105: How Does Individual Adaption Contribute to Evolution?

12/9/2020

Today we talk about assumptions and the connections we make as we tackle this MCAT CARS passage about adaptability and evolution. Join us! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://theconversation.com/chimpanzees-in-volatile-habitats-evolved-to-behave-more-flexibly-it-could-help-them-weather-climate-change-143125

Duration:00:16:11

104: Does Training Your Brain Help You in the Real World?

12/2/2020

Today's passage is all about brain training. Maybe it will help you with your MCAT CARS prep! Don't forget to read the text first and then come back and listen. Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Email jack@jackwestin.com Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-brain-training-actually-work/

Duration:00:20:18

103: A Philosophical Passage About Memes and CAPTCHAs

11/18/2020

What do memes and CAPTCHAs have in common? That's the question we hope to answer in today's MCAT CARS passage. Follow along! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/

Duration:00:26:36

102: Understanding an Article about Surveillance in Nature

11/11/2020

We practice our critical reading skills with an article about surveillance in nature and rural areas. Listen as we break down the author's perspective! Links: Full Episode Blog Post Meded Media Jack Westin Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/

Duration:00:17:48