MCAT Cheat Sheet 2026

The 30 highest-yield MCAT facts, distilled from real exam questions. Print it, save it as a PDF, or study it here — free, no sign-up.

1. Which muscle is the primary medial rotator and adductor of the arm? → Subscapularis
2. Which of the following amino acids is both glucogenic and ketogenic? → Isoleucine
3. Which of the following best describes the role of ubiquitin in protein degradation? → Ubiquitin marks proteins for degradation by the 26S proteasome
4. Which linkage type is found in cellulose but NOT in starch? → β-1,4-glycosidic
5. The dentate (pectinate) line in the anal canal marks a transition between which two types of epithelium? → Simple columnar to stratified squamous
6. According to Erikson's psychosocial stages, the central conflict of adolescence is: → Identity vs. Role Confusion
7. A researcher finds that as ice cream sales increase, drowning rates also increase. The most likely explanation is: → Both variables increase in summer, making temperature a confounding variable
8. Which of the following statements is the author most likely to agree with based on the article? → Heart surgery patients who cannot run on treadmills may benefit from sauna use.
9. In MCAT science preparation, what does homeostasis refer to? → The tendency to maintain stable internal conditions
10. Which of the following correctly pairs a metabolic pathway with its subcellular location in eukaryotes? → Heme synthesis — both mitochondria and cytoplasm
11. Which enzyme is responsible for removing RNA primers during DNA replication in eukaryotes? → RNase H combined with FEN1
12. Which sleep stage is characterized by large-amplitude, low-frequency delta waves and is most important for physical restoration and immune function? → Stage 3 (N3) slow-wave sleep
13. Which of the following correctly describes a nucleophilic addition reaction to a carbonyl compound? → The nucleophile attacks the electrophilic carbonyl carbon
14. DNA methylation of CpG islands in a gene's promoter region typically results in: → Gene silencing and decreased transcription
15. In a dihybrid cross between two heterozygous parents (AaBb × AaBb), what is the expected phenotypic ratio in the offspring? → 9:3:3:1
16. According to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium, which condition must be met for a population to remain in equilibrium? → Allele and genotype frequencies remain constant across generations
17. A student runs a reaction of 1-bromopropane with NaCN in DMSO. What is the major product? → Propanenitrile (butanenitrile)
18. The concept of 'cognitive dissonance' predicts that when a person behaves in a way inconsistent with their beliefs, they will most likely: → Alter their attitude to align with the behavior
19. What is the effect of a catalyst on an equilibrium reaction? → It lowers the activation energy of both forward and reverse reactions equally
20. What role does collaboration play in sociology for MCAT professionals? → It enhances outcomes through diverse perspectives and shared expertise
21. Which of the following molecules has the highest boiling point? → NH3
22. Erving Goffman's concept of 'impression management' refers to: → The process by which people control how others perceive them in social interactions
23. The Thomas Theorem states that: → If people define situations as real, they are real in their consequences
24. What is the role of a control group in scientific experiments related to MCAT? → To provide a baseline for comparison
25. Which reagent would best convert a carboxylic acid to a primary amine via a Curtius-type rearrangement? → DPPA (diphenylphosphoryl azide) followed by heat and hydrolysis
26. Light travels from glass (n = 1.5) into air (n = 1.0). If the angle of incidence is 30°, what is the angle of refraction? → 48.6°
27. A patient presents with elevated homocysteine levels. Which vitamin deficiency is most likely responsible? → Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
28. What is the best way to describe Sergey's relationship with his half-brother? → Affectionate
29. Which quantum number describes the shape of an orbital? → Angular momentum quantum number (l)
30. The lac repressor protein is inactivated (prevented from binding the operator) when it binds to: → Allolactose (a metabolite of lactose)