In this episode we slow-walk a brand-new Psych/Soc passage—“Aging Brain” showing you, sentence-by-sentence, how top scorers: - Decode unfamiliar social-science jargon without getting stuck - Spot author attitude and trap wording that hide inside “friendly” topics - Build quick mental maps that link each paragraph back to the central thesis - Translate real-world quotes (yes, even a Henry Ford cameo) into testable MCAT questions - Turn every practice passage into timed, active-reading reps you ca...
Jul 02, 2025•44 min
In this Jack Westin MCAT Podcast episode, Mike and Molly turn the intimidating world of enzyme kinetics into a step-by-step masterclass you can use on your very next practice exam. What you’ll learn - The real meaning of a Michaelis-Menten hyperbolic curve—and why enzyme concentration must stay fixed - How to picture Vmax, kcat, Km, and catalytic efficiency (kcat/Km) without memorizing charts - Rapid hacks for reading a Lineweaver-Burk plot (1/Vmax on the Y-intercept, –1/Km on the X) - Competiti...
Jul 01, 2025•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 24
Thinking about becoming a doctor—but not sure medicine is really your calling? In this two-part conversation, Mike and Molly get brutally honest about the realities of the journey and share a practical framework to help you decide.What we cover:- “Why Medicine?” Discovery Tips – exercises to uncover your true motivations before you apply.- The Real Price Tag – tuition, lost income, lifestyle costs, and how long it actually takes to break even.- Alternatives to an MD/DO – rewarding health-care ca...
Jun 30, 2025•25 min
Struggling to keep all the rate-law rules and enzyme facts straight? In this Jack Westin MCAT Podcast episode, Mike and Molly break down exactly what the AAMC expects you to know—no fluff, just high-yield kinetics you’ll see on Test Day.What we cover in Part 1* Big-picture difference between K (equilibrium) vs k (rate)* The Arrhenius equation & how Ea and T really control reaction speed* How to recognize zeroth, first & second-order rate laws in passages* Why the rate-determining step ru...
Jun 26, 2025•58 min•Season 3Ep. 23
In this episode, Molly and Jack dive into a refreshingly relatable CARS passage—this time, it's all about architecture and the city of Las Vegas. 🏙️ Learn how to tackle neutral passages, stay engaged with real-world context, and apply the power of visualization—a core strategy we emphasize in our CARS skills workshop. Whether you're prepping for test day or just want to sharpen your reading comprehension, this episode is packed with practical tips and real-time breakdowns to help you think like...
Jun 26, 2025•40 min
Confused about Gibbs Free Energy, reduction potentials, or how batteries actually work? 🔋 This episode of the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast is your go-to breakdown of Thermodynamics & Electrochemistry—taught through real MCAT examples, from redox reactions to the electron transport chain. Join Mike and Molly as they simplify key MCAT science concepts and help you understand why reactions happen and how to think through reduction, spontaneity, energy transfer, and electrochemical cells. 🧠 Get th...
Jun 26, 2025•1 hr 25 min•Season 3Ep. 21
Not sure how to plan your pre-med journey? 📅 In this episode of the Jack Westin Pre-Med Podcast, Lauren and Christina walk you through exactly what to focus on each year of undergrad—from freshman mistakes to GPA comebacks and everything in between. This is your year-by-year academic guide to building a competitive med school application without the stress. ⏱️ Timestamps: 01:05 – Freshman Year: Building the foundation 04:35 – Sophomore Year: MCAT mindset + strategic course planning 15:28 – Juni...
Jun 26, 2025•35 min
Welcome back to the Jack Westin MCAT Podcast – CARS Reading Skills Workshop edition! In this episode, your hosts Jack and Molly tackle a passage that’s deceptively simple yet rich in critical reasoning practice: “Turns” 🎨 While the topic may sound like a snooze, this passage is the perfect test of your ability to stay focused on something totally unfamiliar—a challenge many MCAT students struggle with in the CARS section. 📚 Here’s what you’ll get out of this episode: - Why “Turns” is one of ou...
Jun 16, 2025•33 min
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, cyanide poisoning, and antioxidant myths - High-yield orgo reagents: PCC vs. CrO₃/KMnO₄ for oxidati...
Jun 16, 2025•56 min
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, Brønsted, or Lewis) in seconds - Predicting acid/base strength from conjugate stability - Fast mental ma...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr
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 MCAT (Molly’s tip @ 7:21) - Walkthrough of neurons, myelin, action-potential phases, refractory periods...
Jun 16, 2025•1 hr 30 min
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—and how the author uses that to prove a point - “Mythological symbols” as a hidden theme the MCAT lov...
Jun 02, 2025•47 min
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 through filler sentences and tricky vocabulary (no background knowledge required) - Spot extreme auth...
May 26, 2025•36 min
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 speed: why hormones act “slow but steady” - Peptide, steroid, and amino-acid hormones—structure, recepto...
May 21, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 3Ep. 17
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 comparisons that fuel inference questions - Control timing with mini-pauses and margin notes (watch...
May 19, 2025•36 min
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⁺ / HCO₃⁻ handling) Along the way we connect the dots to the cardiovascular, respiratory and endocrine ...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 8 min•Season 3Ep. 17
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 dense, intimidating passages without panicking - The key reading strategies to stay focused and avoid ...
May 12, 2025•31 min
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. static homeostasis—and why “set points” constantly shift - Positive-feedback mechanisms (oxytocin, pro...
May 07, 2025•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 16
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 the author's perspective—even when you're lost in the details. ✅ Practice spotting comparisons, cause-e...
May 05, 2025•48 min
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-med life - Common mistakes students make with time and stress management - Practical strategies for ...
May 02, 2025•16 min
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 and CO₂ removal (and how biochemistry plays a role) ✅ Master the mechanics of inspiration and expiration (and why bre...
Apr 30, 2025•1 hr•Season 3Ep. 14
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/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/mother-mound ✅ Learn how to decode symbolism and focus on the a...
Apr 28, 2025•32 min
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 to clearly define fluids, density, and pressure for MCAT-style questions. Real-world applications of p...
Apr 23, 2025•59 min•Season 3Ep. 13
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 passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/expressways Whethe...
Apr 21, 2025•33 min
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 weak areas with JW’s free diagnostic tools, and why learning less might actually help you remember m...
Apr 16, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 12
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 for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/cars-practice-passages/horatii...
Apr 14, 2025•44 min•Season 3Ep. 12
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 advice on starting early, being authentic in your writing, and managing key deadlines—including how ro...
Apr 09, 2025•56 min•Season 3Ep. 11
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 your confidence! Click here for the passage: https://jackwestin.com/daily/mcat-practice-passages/ca...
Apr 07, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 11
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 new foods on test day). ✅ Get Mike’s all-time favorite tip (spoiler: it involves peanut butter). 😌...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 10 min•Season 3Ep. 10
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 ready to take the MCAT yet ✅ How to assess your FL scores and content gaps ✅ The importance of simulating your ...
Mar 18, 2025•52 min•Season 3Ep. 9
