How to Prepare for the MCAT

A top score on the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is an essential component of acceptance into med school. The test measures your knowledge of biology and physical science as well as writing, problem solving and verbal reasoning. Because the MCAT is so important to your placement in MCAT, a lot of preparation will help you succeed.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• MCAT study guides and practice tests
• Commitment to study long hours
• MCAT application to take test

1. Review the various methods available for MCAT preparation. There are prep courses, books and software that can help you improve your writing, verbal reasoning, physical science and biology knowledge.
2. Sign up for a MCAT prep course, which generally lasts 8 weeks. Programs to consider include Kaplan and The Princeton Review (see Resources below). Check out an informative article that compares these two MCAT test leaders (see Resources below).
3. Get a study buddy who is also committed to preparing for the MCAT. You can motivate and quiz each other to make it fun and stimulating.
   Plan ahead for the MCAT. Those who have taken the test suggest that at least a 4-month period of studying is essential for a good score. You and your study buddy should prepare for a test that will take 8 hours to complete. Practice tests are the best way to get ready for the mental gymnastics that the MCAT demands.
4. Register online at AAMC (see Resources below). The test is available in most major cities during April and August. Take the test in April so that, if you do not do well, you can try again in August to better your score. Do not wait until your application is already submitted to med school to take the test. It is best to take it in the spring of your junior year of your undergraduate program.
5. Take the MCAT and wait patiently. It takes at least 8 weeks to receive your score.
6. Start the process of studying for the MCAT all over again if you have not scored as high as you feel is necessary to get into the med school of your choice. Many med schools either take your top score or average the results together.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not rely on individual study only. Try to include some prep courses to keep you on track.
• Even if you do not plan on attending med school for a few years, take the MCAT while the knowledge is still fresh.

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