Do I Need to Take Sociology to Do Well on the MCAT?

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Session 16

In today’s episode, we talk about whether sociology is something you have to take to prepare for the MCAT. To what degree is sociology on the MCAT, and how can you best prepare for it?

We also talk about the importance of understanding the nuances and subtleties of certain terms used in sociology to help you get questions right.

Listen to this podcast episode with the player above, or keep reading for the highlights and takeaway points.

Should You Take a Class to Prepare for Sociology on the MCAT?

You don’t necessarily have to take sociology as a college course. This is because good MCAT prep already involves reviewing sociology. That said, it’s important to study sociology for the MCAT. Don’t brush it off.

Being an adult in society will not give you all the knowledge needed to answer sociology MCAT questions. Many students know what “discrimination” means in its common usage. But that is not be good enough for MCAT sociology questions.

[Related episode: What Prereqs Do I Have to Have to Take the MCAT?]

You Need to Study Specific Terms for Sociology on the MCAT

The MCAT demands that you know the technical definitions of sociology terms and not just the way they are commonly used in society. For example, many students don’t realize the very precise distinctions between prejudice, discrimination, and stereotypes. Students commonly miss practice test questions because of this.

• Discrimination is a behavior.
• Stereotypes are cognitive (ideas or beliefs).
• Prejudice is a feeling.

These are simple definitions that will allow you to get sociology questions right on the MCAT. Many students aren’t aware of these subtle differences, and they lose some easy points. The MCAT has a lot of these subtle distinctions between technical terms used in sociology or psychology.

[Related episode: Breaking Down MCAT Sociology Questions.]

How Much Do I Need to Study Sociology for the MCAT?

You can take a sociology class in school or self-study it with good MCAT prep materials. It’s up to you. But don’t treat it as a common sense subject for the MCAT. You have to know a lot of technical terms for the MCAT. So study it seriously.

If you’re looking for an MCAT course, check out Best MCAT Course (with a Promo Code).

Links and Other Resources

• Check out my book about the MCAT, co-written with Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep): The Premed Playbook: Guide to the MCAT.
• Related episode: Are There Hidden Prereqs That I Should Take for the MCAT?
• Related episode: Breaking Down Sociology Discrete MCAT Questions.
• Need MCAT Prep? Save on tutoring, classes, and full-length practice tests by using promo code “MSHQ” for 10% off Next Step full-length practice tests or “MSHQTOC” for $50 off MCAT tutoring or the Next Step MCAT Course at Blueprint MCAT (formerly Next Step Test Prep)!