How did I study for the MCAT?

Asked by: Madaline Ledner II  |  Last update: June 18, 2022
Score: 4.1/5 (56 votes)

In general, you should spend at least 300–350 total hours studying for the MCAT. This includes content review, taking practice tests, reviewing the practice tests, and studying what you miss.

How long should it take to study for the MCAT?

Most people need 10–15 hours per week to study for the MCAT over a period of at least four to six months . In total, you should aim for at least 200 to 300 hours of MCAT study time.

What is the most effective way to study for the MCAT?

Top 10 MCAT Study Habits
  1. Find Your Baseline. ...
  2. Don't Sacrifice Practice for Content Review. ...
  3. Focus on Accuracy. ...
  4. Build Stamina. ...
  5. Take as Many Full-length Practice Tests as Possible. ...
  6. Simulate REAL MCAT Conditions. ...
  7. Practice Dealing With Distractions. ...
  8. Manage Your Stress.

Is 3 months enough to study for MCAT?

The AAMC recommends that the average pre-med student spend between 300 and 350 hours over several months preparing for the MCAT. Three months might seem like plenty of time to prep, but you'll still need to set aside many hours of study time each week in order to score competitively on the MCAT.

How should I start studying for the MCAT?

How to Study for the MCAT in 3 Months
  1. Gauge your performance by taking a free online practice test. ...
  2. Let your baseline guide your content review. ...
  3. Grab a copy of the AAMC outline of topics that will be on the exam . ...
  4. Consider taking a prep course to keep you on track. ...
  5. Practice, practice, practice.

How I Studied for the MCAT (99th PERCENTILE SCORE IN 2 MONTHS!)

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What is highest score on MCAT?

Your MCAT total score will be in the range of 472-528 with an average score of 500. Each of the four MCAT sections is scored between 118-132 with an average score of 125. Applicants accepted to allopathic (MD-granting) medical schools for the 2021-2022 year had an average MCAT score of 511.9.

Is the MCAT hard?

The MCAT is a hard test, but it's manageable if you approach it diligently and efficiently. In other words, you'll need to work hard and smart. Let's look at what makes the exam more challenging than other tests you might have taken or heard of.

Is Kaplan enough for MCAT?

Bottom Line: Kaplan provides a good overall review of MCAT-level research themes. However, their literature will need to be supplemented with more practice problems, ideally passage-based and integrated with other MCAT topics (biology, physics, etc).

How can I study 15 hours a day?

Having said that here are seven steps you can take to study long hours without getting overly tired or drowsy:
  • Prioritize your schedule: take up difficult topics early in the day. ...
  • Exercise. ...
  • Steal a nap. ...
  • Eat to maintain energy levels. ...
  • Conserve your mental energy. ...
  • Take regular breaks. ...
  • If possible, study/ work in daylight.

Is 14 weeks enough time to study for the MCAT?

12 weeks, or 3 months, is generally sufficient time to spend studying for the MCAT at about 20 hours per week.

Is 4 months enough time to study for the MCAT?

This can range from 2 months of full-time MCAT study to 4 months of part-time MCAT study just for content review. You'll then have to focus on passages/practice questions (phase 2) and, of course, full lengths (phase 3). I recommend 6-8 months TOTAL prep for the average student studying 20+ hours per week.

Can I study for the MCAT in 2 months?

As the official MCAT prep of the AMSA, Kaplan recommends that you spend 300-350 hours studying so you can be above average. If you're planning on taking the MCAT in two months, you'll need to put aside a significant amount of study time each week for in order to be able to score competitively.

Is 5 months enough time to study for the MCAT?

Plenty of students can work full-time during their prep and still excel on the MCAT – but if this applies to you as well, consider setting aside 4-5 months instead of 2-3. It's best to take at least 5 full-length exams.

Is MCAT multiple choice?

The Medical College Admission Test, or MCAT, is more than just a formality for medical school admissions. It is a multiple-choice, computer-based, standardized exam that is required for admission to med schools in the United States and Canada.

Is 6 months too long to study for MCAT?

Even with six months to prepare, you will need to put aside a good chunk of study each week to attain a competitive score on the MCAT.

How many times can you take MCAT?

The MCAT exam can be taken up to seven times in a lifetime.

How can I avoid sleeping while studying?

Related Stories
  1. Sit in a chair, not on the bed. ...
  2. 10 Interesting things a student should do when bored.
  3. Avoid heavy meals. ...
  4. Drink lots of water. ...
  5. Follow 'Early to bed, early to rise' funda. ...
  6. Take a nap in the afternoon. ...
  7. Keep your body parts alert and awake. ...
  8. Read out aloud while studying.

What's the best position to study?

The correct posture for studying is when your back is touching the chair and is well-supported. Sit in a vertical posture and do not try to lean forward. The height of your chair should be adjusted in a way that your feet are placed well on the floor and you do not keep them dangling.

What is the best timetable to study?

According to our partner Monash University, the most effective way to create a study routine is to schedule in your study time at the same time every day—soon enough you will build a consistent study routine. Generally studying in 1-hour blocks with a ten-minute break is the most effective way.

Should I highlight MCAT books?

Typically, when studying for a test, you might take notes as you go through your textbook, following that up with a final review of the material. Not so on the MCAT. You need to read through your MCAT books multiple times. ... Then carefully read through it, taking notes and highlighting just as you would a textbook.

Is Kaplan or Princeton Review better for MCAT?

The primary difference between the Kaplan and Princeton Review MCAT offerings revolves around instruction. Kaplan provides better quality on demand, video-based instruction, while we tend to like the quantity and approach of Princeton's live classes better.

Are MCAT prep courses worth it?

For these students, are MCAT prep courses worth it? Yes, definitely. But even at this level, you don't need to spend $3,000. Well, you could go to companies out there that charge thousands of dollars for a class.

What is the hardest part of the MCAT?

The Most Difficult MCAT Test Section

Many students report that the most difficult section is CARS, and the average scores reported by AAMC back that up. The lowest average section scores overall and for matriculants are in CARS.

Is the MCAT harder than med school?

Medical school takes 4 years, while the MCAT is a one day test. Yes, medical school is harder than the MCAT. Many people describe the practice medicine as more of an art than a science.

Is PCAT easier than MCAT?

PCAT is easier than MCAT on several fronts, including a narrower knowledge-base, shorter reading passages, fewer subjects covered, and length of test. This determination is based on the number of subjects covered, length of reading passages, and the length of the test itself.