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MCAT Test Prep: Critical Analysis and Reading Skills

This guide is designed to be a resource for students who are taking the MCAT. It is specifically focused on preparation for the Critical Analysis and Reading Skills section (CARS). Use this guide to find substantive articles in newspapers, magazines, and

MCAT Test Prep: Critical Analysis and Reading Skills

MCAT: Critical Analysis and Reading Skills (CARS)

The American Association of Medical Colleges, the organization responsible for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), notes that the CARS section of the test is designed to:

  • "test your comprehension, analysis, and reasoning skills by asking you to critically analyze information provided in passages;
  • include content from ethics, philosophy, studies of diverse cultures, population health, and a wide range of social sciences and humanities disciplines; and
  • provide all the information you need to answer questions in the passages and questions themselves."

More information can be found on the AAMC's CARS Section Overview.

Guidelines for Stevens Students

If you are preparing to take the MCAT, Stevens' Health Professions Advisory Committee (HPAC) recommends that students spend at least 15 minutes every morning and evening reading and thinking about substantive articles on current events to prepare for the CARS portion of the exam.

For more information, contact Professor Kumbaraci or Professor Muisener, co-chairs of the Health Professions Advisory Committee.

Recommended Publications

Below are links to a variety of newspapers and magazines containing articles and essays that will be helpful in preparation for the MCAT CARS section. Please note that the links below will take you into the Library database that contains our subscription to the publication.

You may be able to access these publications online, but publishers may have limitations and/or paywalls in place.

To search for other publications, use our Journal Finder.

You will be prompted to log in with your myStevens credentials in order to access these publications.

Below are links to a variety of trade publications containing articles and essays that will be helpful in preparation for the MCAT CARS section. Please note that the links below will take you into the Library database that contains our subscription to the publication.

You may be able to access these publications online, but publishers may have limitations and/or paywalls in place.

To search for other publications, use our Journal Finder.

You will be prompted to log in with your myStevens credentials in order to access these publications.