The MCAT CARS Podcast

https://reallifemag.com/more-than-a-feeling/

Link to the article:

120: Exploring Hypnosis in Comparison to Psych Experiments

Tue, 23 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0500

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://www.scientificamerican.com/article/hypnosis-experts-cast-doubt-on-famous-psychological-experiments/

Link to the article:

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

Tue, 16 Mar 2021 17:00:00 -0500

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://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/oct/28/first-winged-reptiles-were-clumsy-flyers-research-suggests

Link to the article:

118: Practicing Empathy With MCAT CARS Passages

Tue, 09 Mar 2021 15:00:00 -0500

In this episode, Jack and I discuss how to find article passages that are similar to MCAT CARS passages.

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/commentisfree/2020/oct/28

aldaily.com

Link to the article:

117: How to Critically Think When Reading Deep Passages

Tue, 02 Mar 2021 23:04:00 -0500

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://www.commonwealmagazine.org/roots-reality

Link to the article:

116: Taking MCAT CARS to Outer Space and Beyond

Tue, 23 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/rogue-planets-milky-way/616897/

Link to the article:

115: Experiments and Observations: Media Multitasking

Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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://www.scientificamerican.com/article/media-multitasking-disrupts-memory-even-in-young-adults/

Link to the article:

114: Social Media Polarization, Influencers, and Echo Chambers

Tue, 09 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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

Link to the article:

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

Tue, 02 Feb 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/subscriber-city/

Link to the article:

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

Tue, 26 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/10/gas-stoves-are-bad-you-and-environment/616700/

Link to the article:

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

Tue, 19 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/what-the-chart-wants/

Link to the article:

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

Tue, 12 Jan 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/mercy-markets/

Link to the article:

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

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 08:32:00 -0500

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://harpers.org/archive/2020/10/reason-not-the-need-self-storage

Link to the article:

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

Tue, 29 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/springtime-everywhere/

Link to the article:

107: How to Approach "Easy" MCAT CARS Passages

Tue, 22 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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://www.newsbreak.com/news/2046694228515/pleasant-dreams

Link to the article:

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

Tue, 15 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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.

105: How Does Individual Adaption Contribute to Evolution?

Tue, 08 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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://theconversation.com/chimpanzees-in-volatile-habitats-evolved-to-behave-more-flexibly-it-could-help-them-weather-climate-change-143125

Link to the article:

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

Tue, 01 Dec 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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://www.scientificamerican.com/article/does-brain-training-actually-work/

Email jack@jackwestin.com

Link to the article:

103: A Philosophical Passage About Memes and CAPTCHAs

Tue, 17 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/

Link to the article:

102: Understanding an Article about Surveillance in Nature

Tue, 10 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/camera-traps/

Link to the article:

101: How to Handle Words You Don't Know in a CARS Passage

Tue, 03 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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://www.scientificamerican.com/article/were-french-people-born-to-speak-french

Link to the article:

100: The Importance of Contrast Words Like "However" in MCAT CARS

Tue, 27 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200724-colonial-countryside-facing-up-to-britains-murky-past

Link to the article:

99: A Passage about Ideologic Bias

Tue, 20 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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

98: What To Do When You Get Lost in a CARS Passage?

Tue, 13 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/issue-positivity/

Link to the article:

97: A Passage About Ellen DeGeneres and Being a Nice Person

Tue, 06 Oct 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/ellen-degeneress-relatability-crisis

Link to the article:

96: Picking Up Topics in the Passage You Do Not Know Much About

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2020/08/accidental-creation-hybrid-fish/614974/

Link to the article:

95: Beginner Level CARS Passage to Understanding Tone

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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

Links:

https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cancelling-flannery-oconnor

Link to the article:

94: Breaking Down an Article about Robots Taking Over

Tue, 08 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/automatic-for-the-bosses/

Link to the article:

93: A CARS Passage about Clueless. Hopefully you won't be.

Tue, 01 Sep 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200716-how-clueless-transformed-the-movie-makeover

Jack Westin’s CASPER strategy course

Link to the article:

92: CARS Passage Breakdown: Glass vs. Porcelain

Tue, 25 Aug 2020 23:09:00 -0500

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://www.bbc.com/culture/article/20200714-why-glamorous-glassware-is-booming

Link to the article:

91: MCAT CARS Investigates Violence in Movies

Tue, 18 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://www.commonwealmagazine.org/cinema-atrocity

Link to the article:

90: MCAT CARS Asks: Who's Really Leading the Conversation?

Tue, 11 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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:

89: MCAT CARS Asks: Accurate Portrayal or Cinematic Betrayal?

Tue, 04 Aug 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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:

Jack Westin's daily passage section

88: MCAT CARS: What Constitutes Identity?

Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/who-goes-there/

Link to the article:

87: MCAT CARS Asks: A Beautiful Synchrony or Lovely Loners?

Tue, 21 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://www.quantamagazine.org/out-of-sync-loners-may-secretly-protect-orderly-swarms-20200521/

Link to the article:

86: MCAT CARS Asks: Fintechs: Friends or Foes?

Tue, 14 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0500

Are financial technology startups leveraging technology to ameliorate the economic crisis, or are their motives more duplicitous? Follow along and decide!

Links:

85: MCAT CARS Asks: What's Driving U-Haul's Tobacco Policy?

Tue, 07 Jul 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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:

84: MCAT CARS: Taking Control of the Natural World

Tue, 16 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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!

83: MCAT CARS: Penetrating Radios and Podcast Passivity

Tue, 09 Jun 2020 17:00:00 -0500

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://reallifemag.com/podcast-passivity/

Link to the article:

82: MCAT CARS: Celestial Bodies and Mundane Afflictions

Wed, 03 Jun 2020 00:00:00 -0500

In this MCAT CARS passage about planets, pandemics, and unpredictability, we investigate the subtle nuances that bring long, mundane passages to life.

Links:

https://www.commonwealmagazine.org/gone-viral

Link to the article:

81: MCAT CARS Asks: Can Computers Learn Common Sense?

Wed, 27 May 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

Jack Westin’s Chrome extension

Link to the article:

https://www.quantamagazine.org/common-sense-comes-to-computers-20200430/

80: MCAT CARS: An Affectionate Nostalgia for Vines of Old

Tue, 19 May 2020 23:48:59 -0500

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/

79: MCAT CARS: Chalking to Raise Awareness of Urban Flora

Wed, 13 May 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

78: The New MCAT Format: What Does It Mean for Premeds Now?

Wed, 29 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

77: MCAT CARS Asks: Does Power Illuminate Your Character?

Wed, 22 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

http://nautil.us/issue/46/balance/why-power-brings-out-your-true-self

Link to article:

76: MCAT CARS: Finding Folklore In Scary Stories

Wed, 15 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

https://daily.jstor.org/the-folklorist-behind-scary-stories-to-tell-in-the-dark/

Link to article:

75: MCAT CARS Asks: Can Statistics Be Used to Predict Behavior?

Wed, 08 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

Check out our YouTube channel on Premed.tv

https://www.realclearscience.com/2019/07/10/can_physics_be_applied_to_society_286658.html

Jack Westin’s YouTube videos

Link to article:

74: MCAT CARS Asks: Are Human and Animal Emotions Similar?

Wed, 01 Apr 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/what_kind_of_emotions_do_animals_feel

JackWestin

Link to article:

73: MCAT CARS Investigates the Cultural History of First Words

Wed, 25 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

https://www.theparisreview.org/blog/2019/07/26/a-cultural-history-of-first-words/

Link to article:

72: MCAT CARS Asks: Is Nutrition Science Broken?

Wed, 18 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

https://undark.org/2019/07/18/science-of-eggs/

Link to article:

71: MCAT CARS: Power, Suspicion and Mystery in Mirrors

Wed, 11 Mar 2020 00:00:00 -0500

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:

AAMC’s CARS Question Pack Volume 2

https://longreads.com/2019/07/11/the-ugly-history-of-beautiful-things-mirrors/

Link to article:

70: MCAT CARS: Would Working Less Reduce our Carbon Footprint?

Tue, 03 Mar 2020 22:00:00 -0500

Can we save the planet by switching to a four-day workweek? The author of today's MCAT CARS practice passage thinks so! Follow along and decide for yourself.

Links:

The OldPreMeds Podcast, Specialty Stories

The Premed Years Podcast

Link to article:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/jun/21/help-the-planet-work-a-four-day-week

69: MCAT CARS: Confronting an Infection of Desires

Tue, 25 Feb 2020 22:00:00 -0500

How much control do we really have over what new desires we acquire? Follow with this great MCAT CARS practice passage as we investigate.

Links:

https://aeon.co/essays/can-you-stop-yourself-being-infected-with-other-peoples-desires

Link to article:

68: MCAT CARS: Shape-Shifting Across Time

Tue, 18 Feb 2020 22:00:00 -0500

In today's MCAT CARS passage, we're looking at history as the interrelation of self-consciousness and society. Is history dead or is it a window to the future?

67: MCAT CARS Unmasks the Comedy in Slaughterhouse-Five

Tue, 11 Feb 2020 22:00:00 -0500

Finding hope through horror, this author dissects Slaughterhouse-Five. What can we learn about his stances on life, death, and comedy in this CARS passage?

https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/what-kurt-vonneguts-slaughterhouse-five-tells-us-now?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Links:

CARS passages from the AAMC

Jack Westin (Text MCATCARS to 44222 so you can be given a link to the code.)

Link to article:

https://www.newyorker.com/books/page-turner/what-kurt-vonneguts-slaughterhouse-five-tells-us-now?utm_source=pocket-newtab

66: How to Answer Vague Questions on the MCAT

Tue, 21 Jan 2020 22:00:00 -0500

Today we read about fancy shoes that were banned in 15th-century London. We identify the point of the article and how to answer vague MCAT questions on it!

Links:

The MCAT Podcast

https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/medieval-europeans-pointy-shoes

Link to article:

65: MCAT CARS Asks: Are Inequality and Education Related?

Tue, 14 Jan 2020 22:00:00 -0500

What is the greatest driver of student achievement, and is education everything when it comes to social mobility? Let's see what the passage has to say.

Links:

The MCAT Podcast

Jack Westin’s passage of the day

Link to article:

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/07/education-isnt-enough/590611/

64: MCAT CARS Dives Into the Legacy of Orwell's 1984

Tue, 07 Jan 2020 22:00:00 -0500

CARS passages are likely to reference things you're not familiar with. In this episode, we'll show you how to tackle a passage about a novel you haven't read!

63: How to Tell Apart Opinion from Fact with MCAT CARS

Tue, 31 Dec 2019 22:00:00 -0500

The key to answering CARS questions is to think like the author of the passage. Try reading this passage on your own first, then following along!

Links:

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/things-that-go-bump-in-the-wild

Get your free daily CARS passages!

Link to article:

62: MCAT CARS Compares Facts, Knowledge, and Beliefs

Tue, 24 Dec 2019 22:00:00 -0500

Are you up for a philosophical challenge? Follow along with a great practice passage that teases apart the differences between knowledge, beliefs, and facts.

Links:

https://aeon.co/essays/knowledge-is-a-stone-age-concept-were-better-off-without-it

Jack Westin (Text CARSCOUPON to 44222 for $100 off coupon.)

free MCAT CARS passages

Link to article:

61: MCAT CARS Investigates How We Recall Information

Tue, 17 Dec 2019 22:00:00 -0500

What's the best way to review and retain information? We'll cover this, plus a practice passage delving into the same topic as our discussion!

Links:

Jack Westin (free daily MCAT CARS passage)

Link to article:

https://www.theatlantic.com/science/archive/2018/01/what-was-this-article-about-again/551603/

60: MCAT CARS Learns How Keanu Reeves Stays Mysterious

Tue, 10 Dec 2019 22:00:00 -0500

Follow along with this challenging passage, where we talk about the news cycle and how to stay as mysterious as Keanu Reeves in an age of social media.

Links:

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/keanu-reeves-is-too-good-for-this-world

Jack Westin (Text CARSCOUPON to 44222 and get a link to the $100 off)

Link to article:

59: Here’s Why You Should Never Skim a CARS Passage

Tue, 03 Dec 2019 22:00:00 -0500

This passage features different points of view about the nature of the U.S. president’s power, and whether it resembles a monarch’s authority.

Links:

Jack Westin (Save $100 off his course by going to medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin.)

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/06/executive-power-doesnt-mean-much/590461/?utm_source=pocket-newtab

58: Is 10,000 Steps The ticket to Good Health? MCAT CARS

Tue, 26 Nov 2019 22:00:00 -0500

This MCAT CARS pacrtice passage takes on the conventional wisdom around health and wellbeing. Is 10,000 the magic number when it comes to step count?

57: MCAT CARS Asks: Is Online Retail Creating Overabundance?

Tue, 19 Nov 2019 22:00:00 -0500

Follow along with the practice passage featured in this episode. We'll ask: do online retailers create more variety at the expense of value?

56: Reproducing the Past in Pop Culture With MCAT CARS

Tue, 12 Nov 2019 22:00:00 -0500

Whether you enjoy a CARS passage or not, you have to get used to the discomfort! Here, we dive into visual culture, smartphones, and resurrecting the past.

Links:

https://productivityhub.org/2019/05/30/hanging-on-the-telephone-real-life/amp/

free daily CARS passages

Link to article:

55: MCAT CARS: International Relations and Game of Thrones

Tue, 05 Nov 2019 22:00:00 -0500

This passage draws connections between European history and Westeros. Not a Game of Thrones fan? Remember: don't spend too much time on any one paragraph!

Links:

https://foreignpolicy.com/2019/05/23/ir-theory-and-game-of-thrones-are-both-fantasies/

Link to article:

54: Testing Our Capacity for Empathy with MCAT CARS

Wed, 30 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0500

If there is such a thing as the in-group and the out-group, can we expect to have absolute empathy for everyone? We tackle this big question with MCAT CARS.

http://nautil.us/issue/35/boundaries/no-you-cant-feel-sorry-for-everyone

Links:

Jack Westin’s free daily CARS passages

53: MCAT CARS: Are Esports a Bubble, or Big Business?

Wed, 23 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Everyone is excited about esports, or competitive video gaming. But do the metrics and the money match the hype? Follow along in the show notes!

Links:

Jack Westin daily free passage

The Premed Years Podcast

Link to article:

https://kotaku.com/as-esports-grows-experts-fear-its-a-bubble-ready-to-po-1834982843

52: MCAT CARS: What Shapes the Diagnosis of Mental Disorders?

Wed, 16 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0500

What is the pathogenesis of mental illness? Follow along as we dive into a passage loaded with differing viewpoints, history, and context.

Links:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/05/27/the-troubled-history-of-psychiatry

Link to article:

51: The Subtleties of Paid Parental Leave With MCAT CARS

Wed, 09 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Are you ever actually ready for the MCAT? Jack Westin joins me to reveal his answer to the question, plus a challenging passage on parental leave policies.

Links:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/05/normalize-parenthood-workplace-dont-hide-it/589822/

Click on medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin and automatically activate a $100-coupon for Jack’s course. Or text MCATCARS to 44222 and get a link directly to that activated coupon.

Link to article:

50: MCAT CARS: Is There Value in Sequels and Spinoffs?

Wed, 02 Oct 2019 00:00:00 -0500

The CARS section of the MCAT is all about learning on the spot. What can we learn about this author's stance on pixar, sequels, and artistic integrity?

Links:

Jack Westin’s free daily MCAT CARS passage

https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2017/06/how-pixar-lost-its-way/524484/

Link to article:

49: Tracing the Genealogy of Words with MCAT CARS

Wed, 25 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0500

This linguistics text traces words from different languages to their common ancestors. Can you find the core concept in today's passage?

Links:

http://nautil.us/blog/the-english-word-that-hasnt-changed-in-sound-or-meaning-in-8000-years

AAMC MCAT Interface

Link to article:

48: MCAT CARS and the Economics of Paid Paternity Leave

Wed, 18 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Using our CARS skills, we'll look at the consequences of a paternity leave policy in Spain. Also, what if a question is not related to the passage?

Links:

https://qz.com/work/1614893/after-men-in-spain-got-paternity-leave-they-wanted-fewer-kids/

Link to article:

47: MCAT CARS Asks: How Do Humans Perceive Giant Numbers?

Wed, 11 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Today's MCAT CARS passage uses the idea of overpopulation to kick off a discussion about how humans perceive orders of magnitude. Follow along!

Links:

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/how-to-understand-extreme-numbers

Link to article:

46: Civil War History and Reconstruction with MCAT CARS

Wed, 04 Sep 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Let's apply MCAT CARS reading skills to a critical analysis of American history! Also, how to keep track of key points in complex passages!

Links:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/the-failure-of-reconstruction-was-a-ruthless-act-of-sabotage/2019/05/06/64f72e3a-7030-11e9-8be0-ca575670e91c_story.html?noredirect=on

The Premed Years

Link to article:

45: Self-Appointed Messiahs, Capitalism, and MCAT CARS!

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Practice your MCAT CARS skills with this complex passage about a doctor and self-appointed prophet with radical views on labor, gender, and sex.

Links:

https://www.newyorker.com/books/under-review/how-cults-corrected-america

CARS Strategy Course

Link to Article:

44: MCAT CARS Ponders the History of the Meatpacking Industry

Wed, 21 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Using your MCAT CARS skills, follow along as we examine a passage that shines a light on the technology and labor issues behind modern meatpacking.

Links:

MCAT CARS Strategy Course

43: MCAT CARS Asks: Can Moving Make a Person Healthier?

Wed, 14 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0500

This passage looks at the connection between housing, proximity to poverty, and health. Check out Jack's course to learn a stepwise approach to CARS passages!

Links:

https://getpocket.com/explore/item/why-living-in-a-poor-neighborhood-can-change-your-biology

Link to article:

42: How Capitalism Has Changed How We Work, with MCAT CARS!

Wed, 07 Aug 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Work has been a part of human history. How has the invention of capitalism changed it? This passage has economics, politics, and opinion. Perfect for CARS!

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2019/apr/24/capitalism-is-failing-workers-people-want-a-job-with-a-decent-wage-why-is-that-so-hard

Link to article:

41: MCAT CARS Examines The Preoccupations of Protagonists

Wed, 31 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Follow along as we read about how western literature describes its protagonists, from medieval social roles, to inner thoughts and feelings.

Links:

http://nautil.us/issue/65/in-plain-sight/why-doesnt-ancient-fiction-talk-about-feelings-rp

Link to article:

40: MCAT CARS Looks Into Open Office Spaces and Productivity

Wed, 24 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Office walls are a thing of the past, and cubicles are distant memories. How do open offices impact productivity, and do headphones reduce distractions?

Links:

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2019/04/airpods-open-plan-offices/588112/

Link to article:

39: The Expanding Marvel Cinematic Universe, a CARS reading!

Wed, 17 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Follow along as we use MCAT CARS reading and analysis skills to ask, how far can a narrative reasonably expand? Can non-linear plot tell a compelling story?

Links:

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/culture-desk/the-narrative-experiment-that-is-the-marvel-cinematic-universe

Link to article:

38: MCAT CARS asks: Can Modernization Stave Off Disaster?

Wed, 10 Jul 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Are accidents inevitable, and does using technology to boost safety features just make for more complicate systems? Be sure to follow along with the text!

Links:

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2019/04/why-accidents-like-notre-dame-fire-happen/587956/

Link to article:

37: Celebs Attacking the Media Passage—Improve Your MCAT Score

Wed, 03 Jul 2019 05:46:45 -0500

In our passage today, the author is discussing celebrities fighting back after criticism online. We even have a great MCAT style question to test you.

Links:

The Premed Years Podcast Episode 337: How to Overcome Test Anxiety and Take Back Control

Link to article:

https://www.theringer.com/2019/4/25/18516587/olivia-munn-go-fug-yourself-ariana-grande-blogs-michael-che-lizzo-pitchfork

36: Why is Gotham Everywhere? Using Our MCAT CARS Skills

Wed, 26 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Gotham, the font, is found everywhere from Netflix to Spotify to Twitter. The design of Gotham makes it easy to read, but can you find the reason Gotham is everywhere?

Links:

https://theoutline.com/post/7356/gotham-font-is-everywhere?zd=1&zi=uxcooekv

Link to article:

35: MCAT CARS Skills—Our Comprehension of the Universe

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Fundamental physics is currently dealing with a dilemma regarding the concepts of multiverse and uglyverse. Can you find the main point surrounding these two concepts?

Links:

https://blogs.scientificamerican.com/observations/quantum-monism-could-save-the-soul-of-physics/

Link to Article:

34: Analyzing the Need for Fake Meat Using Our MCAT CARS Skills

Wed, 12 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Today we're using Jack Westin's MCAT CARS techniques to analyze why the author believes fake meat is necessary for society. Follow along in the show notes to find out!

Links:

https://www.wired.com/story/embrace-fake-meat-future-benefits/

free CARS Daily Passages

Link to article:

33: Critically Thinking Through a Passage About Obesity

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Researchers are working to combat the growing concern of childhood obesity. Could removing snacks and sweets in the checkout aisle be a solution? Read along to find out!

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/society/2018/dec/18/removing-sweets-from-checkouts-could-help-tackle-obesity-study

www.medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin (Save $100 off the course)

Text CARSCOUPON to 44222.

Link to article:

32: Are Parents a Problem in the Cafeteria? Using CARS Skills!

Wed, 29 May 2019 00:00:00 -0500

School cafeterias are becoming inundated with parents at lunch due to increasing parental involvement. Follow along to see if you can identify the author's tone!

Links:

free CARS Passage of the Day

Link to article:

https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/12/should-parents-eat-lunch-their-children-school/577117/

31: The Greatest Record Ever? Using Our MCAT CARS Skills!

Wed, 22 May 2019 01:30:12 -0500

The Beatles White Album, according to the author, is the greatest record ever because of what the album achieved. Can you find the reasoning behind why the author thinks so?

Links:

https://www.newyorker.com/culture/cultural-comment/the-accidental-perfection-of-the-beatles-white-album

Link to article:

30: Studying a Passage About the Importance of Old English Books

Wed, 15 May 2019 00:00:00 -0500

There are only four remaining known Old English books. Each book is a unique piece of history that reminds us of the past. Follow along to improve your CARS Skills!

Links:

https://newrepublic.com/article/152111/oldest-books-say-us

Link to article:

Jack Westin (Text MCATCARS to 44222 to activate the $100-coupon)

29: We Use Our MCAT CARS Skills to Analyze Storytelling

Wed, 08 May 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Storytelling has been a form of communication throughout history and offered wisdom to listeners. Storytelling has evolved into a new form, follow along to find out!

Links:

https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/11/19/how-podcasts-became-a-seductive-and-sometimes-slippery-mode-of-storytelling

Link to article:

28: MCAT CARS Skills—The Problem With Perfectionism

Wed, 01 May 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Perfectionism is often touted as a positive trait and something many work to achieve. Follow along to see if you can find the point the author makes about perfectionism!

Links:

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2018/11/how-perfectionism-can-be-destructive/574837/

Link to article:

27: Using Our MCAT CARS Skills to Analyze the Homework Gap

Wed, 24 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0500

The need for technology is increasing in our schools, although access to technology differs for each student. Read along to understand the homework gap!

Links:

Link to article: https://www.theatlantic.com/education/archive/2018/10/lacking-internet-millions-teens-cant-do-homework/574402/

26: MCAT CARS Skills—The Impact TB had on Architecture

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0500

When thinking of infectious disease, the focus is often on the impact on the population. Can you find the reason why TB impacted modern architecture? Follow along!

Links:

Jack Westin’s MCAT CARS course

Jack Westin’s daily CARS passages

Link to article: https://www.citylab.com/design/2018/10/how-tuberculosis-epidemic-influenced-modernist-architecture/573868/

25: Analyzing a Passage That Uses Monsters as a Metaphor

Wed, 10 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0500

We often associate the word monsters with scary movies. Yet, in this passage, monsters mean something different. Follow along and see if you can interpret the metaphor.

Links:

Link to article:
https://aeon.co/essays/there-be-monsters-from-cabinets-of-curiosity-to-demons-within

24: MCAT CARS Skills—The Impact of Constant Interruptions

Wed, 03 Apr 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Every day we have constant interruptions; from emails to texts. While this has become the norm, we use our CARS Skills to find the impact it has on our concentration!

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/oct/14/the-lost-art-of-concentration-being-distracted-in-a-digital-world

Link to article:

23: Do Charming People Still Exist? Using our MCAT Skills

Wed, 27 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Is the most charming person you know really charming? Follow along and use your MCAT CARS Skills to see if you can define what it means to be charming.

Links:

https://www.weeklystandard.com/joseph-epstein/charm-is-a-disappearing-luxury-like-chivalry-and-good-manners

Link to article:

22: Using Our MCAT Skills to Examine a Passage About Bananas

Wed, 20 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Some people love bananas, some don't. Despite your feelings towards bananas, we use our MCAT Skills to break down our passage and increase your score!

Links:

Link to article: https://www.wired.co.uk/article/cavendish-banana-extinction-gene-editing

Check out Jack Westin’s MCAT CARS Strategy Course

Click on medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin to activate a $100-off coupon

21: MCAT CARS—Analyzing A Vocab Heavy Passage About Democracy

Wed, 13 Mar 2019 00:00:00 -0500

Today we are delving into a passage about democracy. Can you find the paradox and the reasons why democracy is being threatened using your CARS Skills?

Links:

20: Is Geoengineering Unavoidable? Using Our CARS Skills!

Tue, 05 Mar 2019 22:00:00 -0500

Geoengineering concerns scientists, climate change does as well. Use your MCAT CARS Skills to see if you can find the main point regarding geoengineering!

Links:

Link to article: https://earther.gizmodo.com/geoengineering-is-inevitable-1829623031

19: MCAT CARS Skills—Machine Learning in the Finance Sector

Tue, 26 Feb 2019 22:00:00 -0500

Computers and machines are heavily used and studied in society. While although they may increase ease, are they really always better? Follow along to find out!

Links:

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-09/the-big-problem-with-machine-learning-algorithms

Link to article:

Jack Westin (Get $100 off coupon by texting the word CARSCOUPON to 44222.)

18: Analyzing A Passage About Transportation Using CARS Skills

Tue, 19 Feb 2019 20:00:00 -0500

In today's article, we use Jack Westin's MCAT CARS techniques to analyze why the US public transportation system is different and why it is needed in society.

Link to article:

https://www.citylab.com/transportation/2018/10/while-america-suffocated-transit-other-countries-embraced-it/572167/

Links:

17: MCAT CARS Skills—A Passage About Evolution and Technology

Tue, 12 Feb 2019 20:00:00 -0500

The author of this article today draws parallels between two dissimilar things: bacteria and technology. Follow along to find out how the author compared these two!

Links:

16: We Use Our MCAT CARS Skills to Analyze The Way We Eat

Tue, 05 Feb 2019 20:00:00 -0500

The way we eat has a large impact on the environment, but to what extent? Read along in the show notes to improve your MCAT CARS Skills.

Links:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2018/oct/10/huge-reduction-in-meat-eating-essential-to-avoid-climate-breakdown

Link to article:

15: Finding The Link Between DNA and Privacy Using CARS Skills

Tue, 29 Jan 2019 20:00:00 -0500

As premeds, we know about DNA, but with increasing access to DNA, how does that impact our privacy? Follow along with our article to find out!

Links:

MedEd Media

jack@jackwestin.com

ryan@medicalschoolhq.net

Link to article: https://www.latimes.com/science/sciencenow/la-sci-sn-dna-genealogy-privacy-20181012-story.html

14: MCAT CARS Skills—The Engines of Infatuation

Tue, 22 Jan 2019 20:00:00 -0500

Reddit and Youtube are commonly used internet sites. Follow along and see if you find the main point the author is making about these two internet giants!

Links:

jack@jackwestin.com

ryan@medicalschoolhq.net

Link to article: https://www.wired.com/story/youtube-reddit-rabbit-holes/

13: Using Our MCAT CARS Skills to Learn About Hallucinating

Tue, 15 Jan 2019 20:00:00 -0500

In today's Atlantic article, we're putting Jack Westin's #MCAT #CARS techniques to the test to understand the author's ideas on hallucinating. Follow along with us!

Links:

12: AAMC MCAT Passage and Questions Review Breakdown

Tue, 08 Jan 2019 20:00:00 -0500

Today we are diving into the AAMC MCAT Mini-Test e-Book CARS passage and questions. We're using our MCAT CARS techniques to crush the passage! Follow along!

Links:

http://offers.aamc.org/mcat2015-mini-test

11: MCAT CARS and What's Happening to Scientific Research

Tue, 01 Jan 2019 20:00:00 -0500

Project Syndicate takes a look at what is threatening science. This is great for premeds to learn and use the MCAT CARS reading skills we're trying to teach you!

Links:

10: We Use Our MCAT CARS Skills to Read About an Author

Tue, 25 Dec 2018 20:00:00 -0500

What happens when an author helps influence our understanding of another culture? We learn in our read of Lapham's Quarterly article today on the podcast.

Links:

9: Do Longer Books Equal Better Books? Using Our MCAT Skills

Tue, 18 Dec 2018 20:00:00 -0500

The Guardian has a great article about how books are getting longer. Follow along and use your MCAT CARS skills to break it down and increase your score.

Links:

Premed Years Podcast

8: CARS Skills to Learn if All Famous People Have Footnotes

Tue, 11 Dec 2018 20:00:00 -0500

Commonweal Magazine has a great article about famous people and the footnotes, or patriarchal baggage, that they carry with them.

Links:

7: How Can Beyonce Help Our MCAT CARS Reading Skills?

Tue, 04 Dec 2018 20:00:00 -0500

Our New York Times article today is a fun look at the world of celebrity gossip and reporting. Who talks and who doesn't. Follow along!

Links:

Text MCATCARS to 44222 in order to get notifications on how to sign up for that.

Link to the full article: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/09/19/arts/music/celebrity-profile-death.html

6: Using Our CARS Skills for a Passage About the Printed Word

Tue, 27 Nov 2018 20:00:00 -0500

Our article this week, from Harpers, is an interesting look at the impact of digital screens on books and our life as a whole! Follow us at mcatcarspodcast.com.

Links:

Link to article: https://harpers.org/archive/2018/10/the-printed-word-in-peril/

5: MCAT CARS Skills—A Passage About Horror and Culture

Tue, 20 Nov 2018 20:00:00 -0500

As a lover of Horror, this passage was an interesting one to follow. The author talks about his history with horror and its impact on culture. Follow along!

Links:

If you’re looking at using Jack Westin to help you with your CARS, click on medicalschoolhq.net/jackwestin to get a $100-off coupon code.

4: Critically Thinking Through a Dry Passage about a Book

Tue, 13 Nov 2018 20:00:00 -0500

Our article this week, from Slate, was a hard one to follow for me. Follow along with the article in the show notes and see how well you understand the author.

Links:

The MCAT Podcast

ALDaily.com

3: MCAT CARS Skills—Quantum Computers in a Hot Tub

Tue, 06 Nov 2018 20:00:00 -0500

This week we break down another great article, this time from Gizmodo, about quantum computers. Read along in the show notes to improve your MCAT CARS score.

Links:

Full article: How Quantum Memory Could Change Computing

2: MCAT CARS Passage Skills—Times Article Breakdown

Tue, 30 Oct 2018 21:00:00 -0500

The first MCAT CARS Podcast breaking down an article sentence by sentence to help you better understand what you're reading to improve your MCAT CARS score.

Links:

Article of the Week

1: Welcome to the MCAT CARS Podcast with Jack Westin

Mon, 22 Oct 2018 16:06:50 -0500

The MCAT CARS Podcast is here to help you maximize your MCAT score, not just your CARS score. Learning good CARS techniques will help you improve everywhere.

Links:

PMY Session 259: How Can I Improve My CARS Section Score on the MCAT?