The MCAT CARS Podcast

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.

121: Understanding Passage Structures and Interpreting Tone

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://reallifemag.com/more-than-a-feeling/ 

03-30
23:09

120: Exploring Hypnosis in Comparison to Psych Experiments

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hypnosis-experts-cast-doubt-on-famous-psychological-experiments/

03-23
21:04

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

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/28/first-winged-reptiles-were-clumsy-flyers-research-suggests

03-16
21:32

118: Practicing Empathy With MCAT CARS Passages

In this episode, Jack and I discuss how to find article passages that are similar to MCAT CARS passages.Links:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaJack Westinaldaily.comLink to the article:https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28

03-09
23:44

117: How to Critically Think When Reading Deep Passages

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/roots-reality 

03-03
27:52

116: Taking MCAT CARS to Outer Space and Beyond

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/rogue-planets-milky-way/616897/

02-23
18:50

115: Experiments and Observations: Media Multitasking

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/media-multitasking-disrupts-memory-even-in-young-adults/

02-16
18:02

114: Social Media Polarization, Influencers, and Echo Chambers

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-social-media-makes-us-more-polarized-and-how-to-fix-it/ 

02-09
25:28

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

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://reallifemag.com/subscriber-city/

02-02
18:02

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

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/gas-stoves-are-bad-you-and-environment/616700/

01-26
17:31

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

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://reallifemag.com/what-the-chart-wants/

01-19
18:14

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

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://reallifemag.com/mercy-markets/ 

01-12
20:03

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

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://harpers.org/archive/2020/10/reason-not-the-need-self-storage 

01-06
15:54

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

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://reallifemag.com/springtime-everywhere/ 

12-29
24:38

107: How to Approach "Easy" MCAT CARS Passages

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 passagesLinks:Full Episode Blog PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2046694228515/pleasant-dreams

12-22
17:18

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

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.

12-15
17:51

105: How Does Individual Adaption Contribute to Evolution?

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://theconversation.com/chimpanzees-in-volatile-habitats-evolved-to-behave-more-flexibly-it-could-help-them-weather-climate-change-143125 

12-08
16:11

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

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinEmail jack@jackwestin.comLink to the article:https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-brain-training-actually-work/

12-01
21:16

103: A Philosophical Passage About Memes and CAPTCHAs

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/ 

11-17
26:36

102: Understanding an Article about Surveillance in Nature

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 PostMeded MediaJack WestinLink to the article:https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/ 

11-10
18:55

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