GRE Chemistry Subject Test and the MCAT

[Kalarae]

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if anyone knew if the MCAT chemistry review books would be relevant/useful in studying for the Chemistry GRE Subject test? There don't seem to really be any books written for the chemistry subject exam, but the MCAT has review books for general chemistry, organic chemistry, etc. I wanted to know if anyone knew how the difficulties compared? Is the MCAT chemistry a lot easier than the chemistry subject test?

Thanks!

[emmm]

My guess is that the MCAT is easier. Years ago, at least, it only covered topics in a very superficial manner. So you had to know a lot of topics, but none in depth. Unless the GRE subject test is similar, I would think it might be harder.

[NYLA]

They don't cover even close to the same topics (in my opinion) The GRE Chemistry, for instance, includes topics in inorganic chemistry, organic chemistry AND physical chemistry. The MCAT may have brief ventures into organic chemistry but definitely does not include most of the stuff on the chemistry GRE. The Princeton Review is the only company that I found made a prep book for the GRE chemistry (and it was soso).

[arw]

I used the Kaplan MCAT organic chem review book to help prepare for the chem GRE. It was definitely helpful for refreshing my memory for common reactions, but overall it doesn't cover much of the material you will find on the GRE. Honestly, I think the only way to effectively prepare is to take the practice exam that ETS sends you and hit the textbooks to brush up on your weaknesses.