The MCAT CARS Podcast

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-121-understanding-passage-structures-and-interpreting-tone/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/more-than-a-feeling/ (https://reallifemag.com/more-than-a-feeling/) 

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-120-exploring-hypnosis-in-comparison-to-psych-experiments/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hypnosis-experts-cast-doubt-on-famous-psychological-experiments/ (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hypnosis-experts-cast-doubt-on-famous-psychological-experiments/)

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-119-how-to-discern-facts-assumptions-and-opinions-in-cars/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/28/first-winged-reptiles-were-clumsy-flyers-research-suggests (https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/28/first-winged-reptiles-were-clumsy-flyers-research-suggests)

In this episode, Jack and I discuss how to find article passages that are similar to MCAT CARS passages. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-118-practicing-empathy-with-mcat-cars-passages/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) https://aldaily.com/ (aldaily.com) Link to the article: https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28/the-worlds-banks-must-start-to-value-nature-and-stop-paying-for-its-destruction-aoe (https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28)

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-117-how-to-critically-think-when-reading-deep-passages/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/roots-reality (https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/roots-reality) 

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-116-taking-mcat-cars-to-outer-space-and-beyond/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/rogue-planets-milky-way/616897/ (https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/rogue-planets-milky-way/616897/)

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-115-experiments-and-observations-media-multitasking/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/media-multitasking-disrupts-memory-even-in-young-adults/ (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/media-multitasking-disrupts-memory-even-in-young-adults/)

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-114-social-media-polarization-influencers-and-echo-chambers/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-social-media-makes-us-more-polarized-and-how-to-fix-it/ (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-social-media-makes-us-more-polarized-and-how-to-fix-it/) 

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-113-whats-up-with-app-users-data-abuse-and-exploitation/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/subscriber-city/ (https://reallifemag.com/subscriber-city/)

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-112-how-to-deal-with-an-authors-questions-within-a-passage/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/gas-stoves-are-bad-you-and-environment/616700/ (https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/gas-stoves-are-bad-you-and-environment/616700/)

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-111-voting-prediction-finding-trends-in-an-mcat-cars-passage/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/what-the-chart-wants/ (https://reallifemag.com/what-the-chart-wants/)

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-110-is-charity-crowdfunding-just-a-game-of-would-you-rather/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/mercy-markets/ (https://reallifemag.com/mercy-markets/) 

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-109-where-to-find-the-main-idea-in-an-mcat-cars-passage/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://harpers.org/archive/2020/10/reason-not-the-need-self-storage (https://harpers.org/archive/2020/10/reason-not-the-need-self-storage) 

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-108-how-to-find-clues-in-the-details-of-an-mcat-cars-passage/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/springtime-everywhere/ (https://reallifemag.com/springtime-everywhere/) 

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-107-how-to-approach-easy-mcat-cars-passages/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2046694228515/pleasant-dreams (https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2046694228515/pleasant-dreams)

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.

Today we talk about assumptions and the connections we make as we tackle this MCAT CARS passage about adaptability and evolution. Join us! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-105-how-does-individual-adaption-contribute-to-evolution/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (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 (https://theconversation.com/chimpanzees-in-volatile-habitats-evolved-to-behave-more-flexibly-it-could-help-them-weather-climate-change-143125) 

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-104-does-training-your-brain-help-you-in-the-real-world/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Email jack@jackwestin.com Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-brain-training-actually-work/ (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-brain-training-actually-work/)

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-103-a-philosophical-passage-about-memes-and-captchas/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/ (https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/) 

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:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-102-understanding-an-article-about-surveillance-in-nature/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/ (https://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/) 

We read a passage about how language and culture are commonly conflated. And we discuss what to do when you're confronted with words you don't know! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-101-how-to-handle-words-you-dont-know-in-a-cars-passage/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) Link to the article: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/were-french-people-born-to-speak-french (https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/were-french-people-born-to-speak-french)

Today we read a passage about England that exemplifies the importance of contrast words like "yet," "but," and "however" in MCAT CARS passages. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-100-the-importance-of-contrast-words-like-however-in-mcat-cars/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200724-colonial-countryside-facing-up-to-britains-murky-past (https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200724-colonial-countryside-facing-up-to-britains-murky-past) 

Dr. Gray and Jack Westin unfold a passage about ideological corruption and contemporary science. Join us in dissecting this CARS passage.

As we dive further into CARS prep, this passage is a doozy. We get down and dirty with a philosophical passage and how to breakdown a confusing passage. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-98-what-to-do-when-you-get-lost-in-a-cars-passage/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/issue-positivity/ (https://reallifemag.com/issue-positivity/)

In the CARS Practice Passage, Dr. Gray and Jack Westin unfold this passage about Ellen Degeneres and always having to be a "nice person." Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-97-a-passage-about-ellen-degeneres-and-being-a-nice-person/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/ellen-degeneress-relatability-crisis (https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/ellen-degeneress-relatability-crisis)

What do you do when you get to a passage that you have no clue what it is talking about? We dive into how to break it down and defeat the passage. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-96-picking-up-topics-in-the-passage-you-do-not-know-much-about/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/08/accidental-creation-hybrid-fish/614974/ (https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/08/accidental-creation-hybrid-fish/614974/)

Are you just beginning CARS prep? We take a look at a fundamental passage to understanding tone in CARS passages. The deed is done and what that means. https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cancelling-flannery-oconnor (https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cancelling-flannery-oconnor) Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-95-beginner-level-cars-passage-to-understanding-tone/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) http://www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cancelling-flannery-oconnor (https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cancelling-flannery-oconnor)

In this CARS practice passage, Jack and I take a look at a great article about the robots taking over the world. Come learn how to better our MCAT CARS score! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-94-breaking-down-an-article-about-robots-taking-over/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/automatic-for-the-bosses/ (https://reallifemag.com/automatic-for-the-bosses/)

The movie Clueless is a classic. In our passage today, we learn about the makeover storyline and how Clueless was also a makeover movie. Read and follow along! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-93-a-cars-passage-about-clueless-hopefully-you-wont-be/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Jack Westin's https://jackwestin.com/courses/casper-strategy-course (CASPER strategy course) Link to the article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200716-how-clueless-transformed-the-movie-makeover (https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200716-how-clueless-transformed-the-movie-makeover)

Come explore another article to understand the author's views as they write about why glass is so popular. Try pre-reading and then listening to us discuss. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-92-cars-passage-breakdown-glass-vs-porcelain/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200714-why-glamorous-glassware-is-booming (https://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200714-why-glamorous-glassware-is-booming)

In this MCAT CARS practice passage, we look at how the author views violence as a form of entertainment. Join us and see if you can pick up on the author's view! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-91-mcat-cars-investigates-violence-in-movies/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cinema-atrocity (https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cinema-atrocity)

UX writers play a critical role in driving how we interact with technology. In today's MCAT CARS practice passage, we look at what they do and why it matters. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-90-mcat-cars-asks-whos-really-leading-the-conversation/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin)

What should you do when you encounter a conversational MCAT CARS passage? What about topics with which you are unfamiliar? Follow along and find out! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-89-mcat-cars-asks-accurate-portrayal-or-cinematic-betrayal/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) https://jackwestin.com/mcat-question-of-the-day (Jack Westin's daily passage section)

How should you handle MCAT CARS passages with which you don't agree? Jack and I break it down for you as we look at the role of technology in creating identity. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-88-mcat-cars-asks-what-constitutes-identity/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/who-goes-there/ (https://reallifemag.com/who-goes-there/)

Science and society are captivated by the inexplicable synchrony of the natural world, but are we missing the evolutionary significance of the outliers? Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-87-mcat-cars-asks-a-beautiful-synchrony-or-lovely-loners/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.quantamagazine.org/out-of-sync-loners-may-secretly-protect-orderly-swarms-20200521/ (https://www.quantamagazine.org/out-of-sync-loners-may-secretly-protect-orderly-swarms-20200521/)

Are financial technology startups leveraging technology to ameliorate the economic crisis, or are their motives more duplicitous? Follow along and decide! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-86-mcat-cars-asks-fintechs-friends-or-foes/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin)

Is U-Haul really trying to create a health-conscientious culture, or do they ulterior motives? Follow along in today's MCAT CARS passage and find out! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-85-mcat-cars-asks-whats-driving-u-hauls-tobacco-policy/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin)

Today we talk about finding common themes in sporadic passages as we look at this MCAT CARS passage that leaps from COVID-19 to zoos and beyond. Follow along!

The advent of podcasts offered listeners the opportunity to have thoughts without having to think. But is that a good thing? Let's discuss! Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-83-mcat-cars-penetrating-radios-and-podcast-passivity/ (Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://reallifemag.com/podcast-passivity/ (https://reallifemag.com/podcast-passivity/)

In this MCAT CARS passage about planets, pandemics, and unpredictability, we investigate the subtle nuances that bring long, mundane passages to life. Links:https://medicalschoolhq.net/cars-82-mcat-cars-celestial-bodies-and-mundane-afflictions/ ( Full Episode Blog Post) https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to the article: https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/gone-viral (https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/gone-viral)

Some of the smartest machines on earth can't tell you what would happen if you dropped a match on a stack of logs—so, are they really that smart? Let's discuss! Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Jack Westin's Chrome extension Link to the article: https://www.quantamagazine.org/common-sense-comes-to-computers-20200430/

In this MCAT CARS passage, we investigate what it is about our nostalgia for Vines from the past that endures in a world driven by novelty and innovation.   https://reallifemag.com/this-website-was-free/

How should you approach MCAT CARS passages about random topics? We analyze a passage about rebel botanists to show you how to uncover the point of the passage. https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/may/01/not-just-weeds-how-rebel-botanists-are-using-graffiti-to-name-forgotten-flora-aoe Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin)

The AAMC just dropped a BOMB on the premed world — a shorter MCAT. What does this mean for you? How should you go about studying? And more! Don't miss it! Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin)

Easy CARS passages are often accompanied by tough questions. We'll show you how to interpret the author's message and what types of questions you might expect. Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to article: http://nautil.us/issue/46/balance/why-power-brings-out-your-true-self

Are scary stories little more than folktales and urban legends told in the dark? How has folklore contributed to the rise in their popularity? Let's dive in! Links: Full Episode Blog Post http://www.mededmedia.com (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to article: https://daily.jstor.org/the-folklorist-behind-scary-stories-to-tell-in-the-dark/

Using our CARS skills, Jack Westin and I tackle this TOUGH practice passage and learn about how social physics can be used to predict human behavior. Join us! Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) Check out our YouTube channel on Premed.tv  https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin)  Jack Westin's YouTube videos Link to article: https://www.realclearscience.com/2019/07/10/can_physics_be_applied_to_society_286658.html

What kinds of emotions do animals feel? Are they similar to human emotions? How should we address personal biases when answering CARS questions? Let's discuss! Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (JackWestin) Link to article: https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_kind_of_emotions_do_animals_feel

Using our CARS skills, we'll look at the cultural significance and history of first words. What types of questions might students see from this passage? Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to article: https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2019/07/26/a-cultural-history-of-first-words/

When so much of what we are told about diet, health, and weight loss is inconsistent and contradictory, can we believe any of it? Follow along and find out. Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/meded-media/ (Meded Media) https://jackwestin.com/ (Jack Westin) Link to article: https://undark.org/2019/07/18/science-of-eggs/

This MCAT CARS passage looks at the history of mirrors and the intangible power they hold over us. Follow along in the show notes! Links: Full Episode Blog Post https://medicalschoolhq.net/ (Meded Media) AAMC's CARS Question Pack Volume 2 http://www.jackwestin.com (Jack Westin) Link to article: https://longreads.com/2019/07/11/the-ugly-history-of-beautiful-things-mirrors/