Jack Westin MCAT Podcast

Electrons jumping around shouldn’t tank your score. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down redox reactions so it finally clicks: - LEO goes GER – the one mnemonic you actually need - Spotting oxidizing vs. reducing agents (and why the wording trips people up) - Assigning oxidation numbers without rote memorization—yes, even the LiAlH₄ exception - How redox drives real bio: NADH/FADH₂, the ETC,...

You can memorize every formula in the Kaplan book and STILL miss those sneaky MCAT acid–base questions. Let’s fix that. In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike & Molly walk you from first-semester chem definitions all the way to high-yield clinical tie-ins—so you understand (not just memorize) acids and bases. 🔑 What you’ll master - Choosing the right definition (Arrhenius, Brøn...

Struggling to keep the nervous system straight—or just worried you’ll blank on that -70 mV resting potential? 🧠 In this episode, Mike & Molly break down EVERY high-yield concept the AAMC loves to test—from CNS vs PNS and “fight-or-flight” pathways to action potentials, neurotransmitters, and real-world drug tie-ins like lidocaine, SSRIs, and Botox. Why watch? - Highest-yield system on the MCA...

In this week’s CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Molly and Jack dissect the June 2 daily passage, “Mutiny of 1857.” You’ll see—in real time—how 129 + scorers turn dense paragraphs on British-Indian politics into a clear, test-day game plan. What you’ll learn: - How to spot the true argument inside a long list of dates, names, and facts - Why the trial of India’s Mughal Emperor signaled a power shift—a...

Feeling lost when a “dry” history passage pops up in CARS? In this week’s Jack Westin CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Molly and Jack prove that even the most yawn-inducing topic—British colonial revolutions—can become score-boosting gold once you know how to read it like a 129 + scorer. 🔑 What you’ll see us do: - Turn a six-paragraph history excerpt into one crystal-clear main idea - Stay focused t...

Struggling to keep peptide, steroid, and amino-acid hormones straight—or how the HPA, HPT, and HPG axes actually work? In this of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly unpack the entire endocrine system from first principles, so you’re not memorizing random facts—you’re learning the why behind every hormone and pathway the MCAT loves to test. 🔑 What you’ll learn -Nervous vs. endocrine spee...

In this week’s Jack Westin CARS Workshop, Molly and Jack work through an entire passage live (see link below). You’ll hear their unfiltered thought-process, why they slow down on certain lines, and exactly how they decide between tempting answer choices. 🔎 In this session you’ll learn to: - Map each paragraph so you never ask “Wait… what’s the author’s point?” - Spot subtle tone shifts and hidden...

In this high-yield episode Mike and Molly travel through the entire nephron—from Bowman's capsule to the collecting duct—to show how the kidneys quietly run four huge homeostatic jobs: - Water balance (ADH / vasopressin & aquaporins) - Sodium-potassium balance (aldosterone & the distal convoluted tubule) - Blood-pressure regulation (the full RAAS pathway + ACE) - Acid-base regulation (H⁺ /...

In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT CARS Podcast, Molly and Jack tackle a notoriously difficult CARS passage focused on European finance—and show you exactly how to break it down with confidence. Try this exact passage and its questions for free: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/european-finance 👉 What you’ll learn in this workshop: - How to handle de...

Are negative-feedback loops really the body’s default setting? 🤔 How do Le Chatelier’s principle and the bicarbonate buffer keep your blood pH rock-steady at 7.4? In this Jack Westin MCAT Podcast episode, Mike and Molly break down the science of homeostasis and chemical equilibrium—then show you exactly how to apply those concepts on test day and in medicine. 🔑 What you’ll learn - Dynamic vs. st...

In this Jack Westin CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Molly and Jack tackle a challenging passage about translating opera, helping you master unfamiliar topics with confidence. Click here for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/translating-opera ✅ Learn how to stay focused even when the topic feels foreign or technical. ✅ Discover how to identify t...

Feeling like you’re drowning in O-Chem, extracurriculars, and MCAT prep? In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly sit down with Dr. Sona Vasudevan, professor of biochemistry at Georgetown University and director of a top post-bacc program, to unpack why the pre-med journey feels so overwhelming — and what you can do about it. We dive into: - The hidden emotional toll of pre-...

In Episode 14 of the Jack Westin Podcast, Mike and Molly break down everything you need to know about fluid dynamics within the respiratory and cardiovascular systems for the MCAT.You'll learn how real-world physics—like Boyle’s Law and pressure gradients—directly impact lung ventilation, gas exchange, and blood circulation across the body. ✅ Understand the "why" behind O₂ intake an...

Ever felt lost in a philosophical CARS passage about art, symbolism, or abstract metaphors? Today’s workshop is exactly what you need. In this Jack Westin CARS Reading Skills Workshop, Jack and Molly work through a challenging passage about the "Mother Mound," unpacking the complex ideas and hidden reasoning the MCAT loves to test. Click here for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily...

In this episode, Mike and Molly breaks down everything you need to confidently tackle fluids on test day. From understanding pressure and density with relatable examples (like suitcases, watermelons, and sleeping on nails!) to mastering Bernoulli’s equation, Venturi effect, and fluid continuity, you'll finally grasp the intuitive logic behind fluid dynamics. ✅ In this episode, you’ll learn: How t...

In this episode, Jack and Molly walks you through the “Expressways” CARS passage, breaking it down line by line to show you how top scorers approach complex arguments, tone, and author intent. Learn how to: – Identify the main idea in tricky passages – Navigate abstract language and structure – Use line-by-line reasoning to avoid trap answers – Think like the AAMC test makers Click here for the pa...

In this episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast, Mike and Molly dive into one of the most important topics for MCAT success: how to actually learn the content like a top scorer. 🚀 They break down common mistakes students make—like forgetting last week’s content—and introduce their favorite method for mastering material: Preview, Engage, Review. You’ll learn when to use Anki, how to identify your...

In this deep-dive CARS workshop, Jack and Molly walks you through a real MCAT passage ('Horatii') and shares practical strategies to help you read with purpose, analyze with clarity, and avoid the traps that hold students back. Whether you're stuck on timing or struggling to connect ideas, this session will help you shift your mindset and build the skills you need to improve your score. Click here...

Feeling overwhelmed by the medical school application process? In this episode, Mike and Molly walk you through everything you need to know to get started on your application with confidence. From understanding the AMCAS and MSAR to tackling your personal statement and Work & Activities section, we break down every major component with expert-backed tips and timelines. You'll hear practical ad...

In this special episode, join Jack Westin—the "King of CARS" himself—for an interactive workshop focused entirely on mastering CARS reading skills. Jack shares his proven strategies for active reading, efficient analysis, and avoiding common pitfalls. If you're struggling to improve your CARS score or simply looking to sharpen your comprehension, this episode will transform your approach and boost...

You’ve made it to the final week—now what? In this episode, Mike and Molly break down exactly how to manage your time during the last 7 days before your MCAT. From when to take your final full-length exam, to what not to do the day before, to expert-backed tips that help you stay sharp, focused, and calm—we’ve got you covered. 🚫 Hear Molly’s top mistakes to avoid (like studying too much or trying...

Wondering when you should take the MCAT? Timing your exam strategically can make all the difference in your medical school application process. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down exactly how to know if you're ready to test, the biggest red flags that signal you need more prep time, and expert-backed tips to optimize your study plan. You'll learn: ✅ The key signs that you’re not re...

CARS is one of the most frustrating sections of the MCAT—but it doesn’t have to be. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down the strategies that 130+ scorers use to master CARS, improve reading comprehension, and avoid common traps. 🔍 What You’ll Learn: ✔️ Why CARS is different from other MCAT sections ✔️ The biggest mistakes students make (and how to fix them) ✔️ How to read efficiently and sp...

Struggling with MCAT science passages? Reading isn’t enough—your review process is what makes the difference. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down how top scorers approach science passage review to maximize retention, improve accuracy, and boost scores. Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com! 📱 📚 Free Resources: https://jackwestin.com 🎓 L...

Taking full-length MCAT tests is one thing—reviewing them effectively is what really boosts your score. In this episode, Mike and Molly break down how top scorers analyze their mistakes, track progress, and refine their test strategy to improve with every practice exam. Want to learn more? Shoot us a text at 415-855-4435 or email us at podcast@jackwestin.com! 📱 📚 Free Resources: https://jackwest...