MCAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MCAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which of the following statements is the author most likely to agree with based on the article? → Heart surgery patients who cannot run on treadmills may benefit from sauna use.
2. In MCAT science preparation, what does homeostasis refer to? → The tendency to maintain stable internal conditions
3. DNA methylation of CpG islands in a gene's promoter region typically results in: → Gene silencing and decreased transcription
4. In a dihybrid cross between two heterozygous parents (AaBb × AaBb), what is the expected phenotypic ratio in the offspring? → 9:3:3:1
5. According to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which condition must be met for a population to remain in equilibrium? → Allele and genotype frequencies remain constant across generations
6. What role does collaboration play in sociology for MCAT professionals? → It enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise
7. What is the role of a control group in scientific experiments related to MCAT? → To provide a baseline for comparison
8. What is the best way to describe Sergey's relationship with his half-brother? → Affectionate
9. The lac repressor protein is inactivated (prevented from binding the operator) when it binds to: → Allolactose (a metabolite of lactose)
10. Which of the following was a likely basis for the creation of the 22nd Amendment? → The oppression by a monarchy previously was an example of abuse of power.
11. What is Levin's most likely profession, based on the passage? → Farmer
12. Which stimulus has the most impact on circadian rhythms? → light
13. What is the value of continuing education in psychology for MCAT professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
14. In MCAT practice, what is the best approach to quality improvement in sociology? → Use data-driven methods with measurable outcomes
15. What is the most important professional competency for MCAT certification in psychology? → Deep knowledge combined with practical application skills
16. Which scientific method step follows hypothesis formation? → Experimentation and testing
17. Which scientific method step follows hypothesis formation? → Experimentation and testing
18. What is the primary unit of structure and function in living organisms studied in MCAT? → Cell
19. What is the value of continuing education in sociology for MCAT professionals? → It keeps professionals current with evolving standards and practices
20. What would be the most crucial thing for a person to do after using a sauna, according to the article? → Replenish fluids with filtered water.
21. In MCAT science preparation, what does homeostasis refer to? → The tendency to maintain stable internal conditions
22. In the first paragraph, the author most usually omits particular details of the events in order to: → set an expectation that is reversed in the following paragraph.
23. Which of the following correctly describes the central dogma of molecular biology? → DNA → RNA → Protein
24. A man walks east for 30 meters and then north for 40 meters. What is the difference between his displacement and his traveled distance? → 20 m
25. The author's position on "moneyed and proprietied interests" (paragraph 4) is best summarized as: → negative.
26. Who is the Sphinx that the writer is referring to in this passage? → A representative of those that ask questions.
27. Which scientific method step follows hypothesis formation? → Experimentation and testing
28. Which approach best demonstrates mastery of sociology in MCAT practice? → Applying principles to novel situations with sound judgment
29. In MCAT practice, what is the best approach to quality improvement in psychology? → Use data-driven methods with measurable outcomes
30. In the context of MCAT, what does evidence-based practice mean? → Integrating current best evidence with professional expertise