How To Study For The MCAT? - Expert Tips & Tricks
To ace your MCAT you might have a question how to make a perfect MCAT study schedule that fits you easily. As you know that It’s not only a test, it's a rite of passage, a culmination of years of hard work, and, for some, the most daunting challenge. But don’t take it stressful, with this expert guide, you can easily make your own MCAT study plan, and open gates of success by breaking the previous records. So, let's dive into it.
Why Should You Learn How To Start Studying For The MCAT?
There are several reasons why you should learn how to start studying for the MCAT. These reasons help you know exactly what is on MCAT and how to prepare for it mentally and physically. This include:
It builds your foundation for success.
It helps you in effectively managing your time in study in other activities too.
When starting your MCAT prep it strategically enhances memory retention, making it essential for the test's extensive content.
It helps in boosting your confidence due to proper and clear preparation and a positive tone for the entire prep process.
Ultimately, with a well-planned study score you can achieve a higher score to get your admission in medical college.
That’s why it’s crucial to know about how to start studying before starting it.
How To Build A Study Plan For MCAT?
Before knowing how to start studying for MCAT you need to make a study plan for it.
1. Choosing an MCAT testing date
Select your MCAT test date as the starting point for your study schedule. This isn't always a straightforward question, but there are several things you may consider before settling on a test date.
When do you see submitting your medical school application?
Do you have the necessary MCAT coursework under your belt?
2. Planning the MCAT study schedule
Let's have a look at how the MCAT study plan is organized. The time it takes to prepare for the MCAT should be split into two halves. It is recommended to devote 70% of study time to reading and watching videos, and just 30% to actual practice.
The second section of the study focuses mostly on application and just briefly covers theory. During this transition, you might switch your focus from spending 70% on practice to only 30% on material.
3. Timetable for MCAT prep classes based on research
You've reached the point in your MCAT preparation when you're plotting out the next steps. Seventy percent of the process will include planning and just thirty percent will involve actual content.
During this phase of MCAT preparation, it is not sufficient to just take the practice part, click through the answer to the explanations option, and move on.
4. Modify your MCAT study strategy
Once a student has planned out their timetable, they may be hesitant to alter it. The purpose of the study schedule is to direct your studies; it is not a rule, and it is not meant to be rigidly adhered to.
It is not only necessary but also strongly advised to adjust your schedule while you prepare for a test like the MCAT.
The Practical MCAT Study Schedule Template
The following is the MCAT study schedule template for 3 months to prepare well for exam:
Week 1
Take a diagnostic practice exam or work through a set of MCAT-style questions to get a feel for the material and gauge where you are before delving deeper.
The outcomes of the practice exams might help you determine whether parts of the course require additional attention.Create a weekly study schedule for yourself. Prepare for your exams by blocking off at least three hours each day, six days per week on your calendar.
Week 2-8
Study biochemistry, biology, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, and the social sciences for a certain amount of time every other week. Keep on with your regular studies of the CARS material devoted to critical thinking and sound reasoning. Plan your time so that it fits in with your current obligations.
Week 9-11
Start each week with a mock exam, and then devote an entire day to studying the results. Plan your studying around the topics and question formats you'll be encountering. Keep returning to the CARS area for frequent reviews on critical thinking and reasoning.
A Week Ago
Take your practice test first thing in the week, analyze it down to the last detail, and use the results to adjust your study strategy as needed. Spend the next several days reviewing the content areas in which you performed poorly on your most recent full-length test.
Take a day off the day before the exam; your mind will need a break before the grueling study session that lies ahead.
How To Start Studying For The MCAT? - Best Tips
To start studying for the MCAT here are the 6 actionable tips and tricks you should consider when it’s your turn:
1. Make A Timetable To Avoid Procrastinating
Getting an early start and keeping your focus throughout your preparation for the MCAT are two of the most important pieces of advice given by many sites. Pre-med students should devote at least 200–300 hours to preparing for the MCAT. You should expect to devote more time to studying if the information is still new to you or if it has been a while since you last examined it. Simply said, this is not a test that can be prepared for over spring break or the days before it is taken.
2. Make Use Of Your Tried-And-True Study Methods
Medical students know how to study. If you know your MCAT study routine works, don't change it. Your greatest bet is repeating prior successes. Book-based content evaluation should be done weekly. If you want additional structure and supervision, you can take online or in-person lessons. Regardless the study method, a specific study schedule is vital. It will help you study for the MCAT.
3. Practice MCATs
Many medical students swear by practice tests to get used to the exam structure. Reviewing course content isn't enough. These will help you comprehend the test structure and scheduling. Practice exams will assess your MCAT preparation. To avoid surprises on exam day, you'll also practice time limits.
However, most students do better on practice tests than real ones. Remember this when reviewing your MCAT scores.
4. Strengthen Your Weaknesses
You can also assess your weaknesses. See your practice scores to change your study plan to improve your weakest areas. How well you learned the MCAT curriculum in school is also important. You must study any exam topics not covered in your undergraduate courses.
5. Self-Set Objectives
A comprehensive overview may have sufficed for college examinations. But mindlessly examining notes or study tools before the MCAT is not a good plan. You may wish to establish minor goals while studying for the exam, but your main goal is likely to get a certain score. This might include how much information you'll cover in a week, how many hours you'll study each day, or what grade you desire on your practice examinations. These little goals will hold you accountable and help you reach your objective.
6. First-Time Best
Yes, you may retake the MCAT. However, it's expensive, time-consuming, and stressful, and most medical schools will look at both scores or take an average if you retake it. Your first exam should be your finest. It's hard work, but it's worth it to avoid it again.
How Long Should You Study For The MCAT?
To study for the MCAT, you should start preparing for the MCAT at least three months, depending on your skill level. The AAMC found that students spend 240 hours studying for exams, 20 hours of studying every week over 12 weeks.
The amount of hours needed to prepare for the MCAT depends on your present and desired scores, your expertise, and the medical schools you wish to apply to.
FAQs
Q1: How to make a MCAT study schedule?
Ans: For making a MCAT study schedule break down MCAT topics into weekly targets, allocating more time to challenging areas and incorporating regular review sessions.
Q2: How to study for the MCAT while taking classes?
Ans: To do study for the MCAT while taking classes integrate MCAT prep into your daily routine, setting aside specific hours around class schedules, and utilize weekends for intensive review.
Q3: What is the best way to study the MCAT?
Ans: The best way to study for MCAT is to focus on active learning with practice tests, understand core concepts over rote memorization, and consistently review previous topics.
Q4: Are 3 months enough for MCAT?
Ans: Yes, if dedicatedly followed with a structured plan, but individual needs can vary based on prior knowledge and study pace.
Final Thoughts
The Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT) requires a lot of patience and time. You can attain the score you want if you are determined, maintain a steady study schedule, and avoid procrastinating. It might be difficult to figure out where to begin when it comes to studying for the MCAT; but, if you follow the guidance in this article, you will be in a better position to maximize your MCAT preparation!
