Simple MCAT Mnemonics Every Pre-Med Student Should Know

Why Mnemonics Matter for MCAT Success

Preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) means mastering a vast amount of scientific detail. Whether it's biochemistry, genetics, or organic chemistry, you’ll need to memorize key facts quickly—and retain them long-term.

One of the most effective tools for this? Mnemonics. These memory aids have helped generations of students recall complicated information through catchy phrases, acronyms, and visual associations.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the most useful and easy-to-remember mnemonics for MCAT topics like strong acids, enzyme classifications, and RNA processing—perfect for anyone studying hard or complementing their preparation with a Go Elective pre-med internship in global health.

MCAT Mnemonic for Strong Acids: “So I Brought No Clean Clothes”

Strong Acids You Need to Know

You’ll need to memorize the six strong acids that dissociate completely in aqueous solution:

HClO₄ (Perchloric Acid)
HCl (Hydrochloric Acid)
H₂SO₄ (Sulfuric Acid)
HNO₃ (Nitric Acid)
HI (Hydroiodic Acid)
HBr (Hydrobromic Acid)

Mnemonic Breakdown

So I Brought No Clean Clothes:

So – Sulfuric Acid (H₂SO₄)
I – Hydroiodic Acid (HI)
Brought – Hydrobromic Acid (HBr)
No – Nitric Acid (HNO₃)
Clean – Hydrochloric Acid (HCl)
Clothes – Perchloric Acid (HClO₄)

This phrase helps you recall the list quickly when faced with acid-base questions under pressure.

Enzyme Classifications: “Over The HILL”

What You Need to Know

Enzymes are categorized by the types of reactions they catalyze—and this classification appears regularly on the MCAT. Here are the six main enzyme classes:

Oxidoreductases – Catalyze redox reactions
Transferases – Move functional groups between molecules (e.g., kinases)
Hydrolases – Use water to break chemical bonds (hydrolysis)
Isomerases – Rearrange atoms within a molecule
Ligases – Link molecules together via condensation
Lyases – Break/form bonds without water or redox reactions

Mnemonic Breakdown

Over The HILL:

O – Oxidoreductase
T – Transferase
H – Hydrolase
I – Isomerase
L – Ligase
L – Lyase

Bonus tip: Remember that Ligases link, and Lyases loosen—a quick way to recall their opposing actions.

Understanding RNA Processing: “Exons are Expressed, Introns are In the Trash”

Quick Review: Pre-mRNA to mRNA

In eukaryotic cells, DNA is transcribed into pre-mRNA, which must then be processed to become functional mature mRNA. This includes:

Splicing: Removing introns
Capping: Adding a 5′ GTP cap
Tailing: Adding a 3′ poly-A tail

Mnemonic Breakdown

“Exons are Expressed, Introns are In the Trash”:

Exons remain in the final mRNA and are translated into protein.
Introns are removed during splicing—they’re literally “trashed.”

This phrase helps clarify the function of each RNA segment, especially in tricky genetics questions.

Personalizing Your Mnemonics Can Make Studying Easier

While popular mnemonics are often the easiest to remember, creating your own can be even more powerful. Personalized phrases tie information to things that already make sense to you—whether it’s a reference to a movie, a personal story, or even your favorite snack.

When you're abroad on a Go Elective internship, for example, you might come up with mnemonics inspired by clinical rotations or your mentors in Kenya or Tanzania. Tying science to lived experience boosts retention and engagement.

Final Thought: Study Smarter, Not Just Harder

The MCAT is tough—but mnemonic devices give you a fast-track way to lock down foundational facts. Whether you're memorizing enzyme classes or mastering molecular biology, simple phrases like these can make a huge difference on test day.

And remember, strong MCAT prep isn’t just about flashcards. Clinical context matters. Programs like Go Elective’s global health internships can help you apply your knowledge while gaining valuable insight into healthcare systems, patient interaction, and real-world medicine.

Keep these mnemonics handy, and you’ll be one step closer to a high MCAT score—and to medical school.