Preparing for the MCAT can feel like climbing a mountain, and for many students, the CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) section is the steepest part of the ascent. It’s not about memorizing content or formulas; it's about understanding complex texts, analyzing arguments, and applying logic under time pressure. Sounds intense, right?

But here's the good news: with the right strategies, daily habits, and support system, you can dramatically improve your CARS score. Whether you're self-studying or enrolled in an MCAT prep class in NY, mastering CARS is within reach. This article will walk you through everything you need to know to get there.

What is the CARS Section and Why Does it Matter?

CARS is the wild card of the MCAT. It consists of 9 passages and 53 questions, all to be completed in 90 minutes. The passages encompass topics such as philosophy, ethics, literature, and cultural studies. Unlike the other sections, CARS doesn’t test scientific knowledge. It evaluates your ability to read critically, reason logically, and interpret complex arguments.

Why is it important? Medical schools want future doctors who can make informed decisions, communicate effectively, and think analytically—skills that the CARS section directly assesses. And because it's notoriously difficult to “cram” for CARS, your score reflects your raw cognitive ability, which admissions committees take seriously.

Why So Many Students Struggle with CARS

You're not alone if CARS feels like the hardest part of the MCAT. Here’s why:

• Lack of Exposure to Humanities: Many pre-med students come from STEM-heavy backgrounds and aren’t used to analyzing literature or philosophical texts.
• Reading Fatigue: CARS requires deep focus and mental stamina. Reading dense, abstract passages back-to-back is mentally taxing.
• Misguided Strategies: Some students rely too much on memorization or background knowledge, which won’t help here. Others simply rush or overanalyze.

These challenges are real, but they’re also fixable with the right game plan.

Building the Right Skills: Foundation First

Improving your CARS score starts with building foundational reading and reasoning skills. Here are four things you need:

1. Active Reading

This means engaging with the text. Ask questions as you read: What is the author's main point? What assumptions are they making? How do the paragraphs connect? A highlighter or digital annotation tool can help at first, but try to wean off physical markings to build internal comprehension.

2. Passage Mapping

Get in the habit of summarizing each paragraph in your head. Think: intro, argument, counterpoint, conclusion. A mental map saves time when referencing details later.

3. Tone and Perspective

CARS questions often ask about the author’s tone or point of view. Identifying these early will help you eliminate wrong answers efficiently.

4. Logical Reasoning

This isn't about knowing the right answer, it's about spotting wrong ones. Learn to recognize flawed logic, false assumptions, or answers that go beyond the passage.

Daily Habits That Move the Needle

Improving CARS isn’t just about practice tests; it's about building habits that sharpen your mind over time.

- Read 30 Minutes a Day

Make a habit of reading editorials, philosophical essays, or cultural critiques from sources like The Atlantic, The New Yorker, or Foreign Affairs. Don’t just read, analyze. Ask: What’s the main argument? Why is this important?

- Write Brief Summaries

After reading an article, jot down a 2–3 sentence summary. This builds your ability to identify key themes and articulate them concisely, exactly what CARS demands.

- CARS Mini-Drills

Each day, do one or two CARS passages under timed conditions. Focus more on reviewing your answers than just completing them. Understand why you got a question wrong—and why the correct answer works.

- Practice Mental Stamina

As the exam approaches, simulate full-length CARS sections to train your brain for endurance.

Smart Test-Taking Strategies for Game Day

CARS is as much about timing and strategy as it is about comprehension. Here’s what top scorers recommend:

1. Don’t Skim, Don’t Drown

Read carefully, but not slowly. The goal is efficient comprehension. Don’t get lost in details during the first read; focus on structure and argument.

2. Read the Passage First

While some suggest reading questions first, the CARS section rewards understanding the full context. Unless you’re highly experienced, passage-first usually yields better results.

3. Use POE (Process of Elimination)

Often, 2–3 answers are wrong. Remove them quickly. Then compare the remaining choices based on textual evidence, not personal logic.

4. Flag and Move

If you're stuck, mark the question, make your best guess, and move on. Don’t let one passage derail your timing.

Tools and Resources That Help

Whether you're self-studying or taking an MCAT prep class in NY, the following tools are invaluable:

• AAMC CARS Question Packs – The gold standard. Use them often and review each passage in detail.
• Jack Westin CARS Practice – Offers daily CARS passages with detailed breakdowns.
• Anki Flashcards – Not for memorizing content, but great for drilling logic, tone cues, and question types.
• Best MCAT Tutoring Services – If you’re consistently struggling, consider working with a tutor. A personalized approach can help identify blind spots and refine your strategy faster.

Pro Tip: Students who use a combination of self-practice + expert feedback, especially in programs like the best MCAT tutoring services in major cities like New York, often see 5–8 point jumps in their CARS section.

What NOT to Do When Prepping for CARS

Avoid these common mistakes that sabotage progress:

• Memorizing Terms or Content: CARS isn’t about knowledge—it’s about skill.
• Ignoring the Author’s Voice: Missing tone or intent can skew your answer.
• Rushing Through Practice: Quantity means nothing without reflection.
• Reading Too Slowly: Time is critical—train for speed and accuracy.

Create Your Personalized CARS Study Plan

Improving CARS takes time, so start early and plan wisely:

Week Goal Tasks

1–2 Build baseline Take a diagnostic CARS section, identify weaknesses

3–4 Skill building Daily reading + 3–5 CARS passages/week

5–6 Timed practice Full-length CARS sections + review

7–8 Final push Focus on weak areas, simulate test conditions

If you’re local, enrolling in an MCAT prep class in NY can provide structure, accountability, and live feedback all of which accelerate growth.

Final Thoughts

Improving on the CARS section of the MCAT isn’t about being a natural reader or philosopher. It’s about discipline, strategy, and smart practice. Whether you’re preparing solo, in a group, or using the best MCAT tutoring services near you, remember: CARS can be conquered.

Start today by reading something challenging, writing down what you learned, and reviewing one passage at a time. That’s how you build momentum and a higher score.