How to Study for the MCAT

It's well known that an armed gunman once broke in on a Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) session and stole copies of the exam, probably to pirate them. This story only adds to the hype surrounding the MCAT, but here are a few hints that might help you deal with the Mother of All Entrance Exams.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• AAMC Publications
• Calendars
• Personal Organizers
• Spiral Notebooks
• Computers
• Grad School Aptitude Tests
• MCAT

What is the MCAT? When should I take it?

1. Keep in mind that the MCAT is primarily a critical thinking test. Think about and understand basic scientific principles and their applications instead of concentrating only on facts and information.

2. Check specific medical school admission policies. While nearly all126 U.S. medical schools require MCAT scores for admission, some schools like Johns Hopkins and combined undergraduate/medical degree programs do not require the exam.

3. Decide whether you will take the MCAT that is offered in mid-April or the one offered in mid-August.

4. Fill out a registration packet, which can be obtained after February 1 from your college advisor or the MCAT Program Office at [phone].

5. Inquire about test fee-reduction plans if you believe you are eligible.

Preparation

1. Start preparing for the exam two or three months in advance, although the length of time you need to study depends on how busy your schedule is. Pace yourself, since cramming is difficult.

2. Try to take a lighter class load during the time you are studying for the MCAT.

3. Develop a long-range schedule and determine when you want to have learned a given subject covered by the exam.

4. Schedule time to take full-length mock tests on each section at regular intervals under real testing conditions. Test yourself at the beginning of your studies to determine your strengths and weaknesses, in the middle, to assess your progress, and at the end to determine your readiness for the exam.

5. Buy the following official study materials from the AAMC: MCAT Student Manual, Practice Items, and Practice Tests II, III and IV. They can be found at college bookstores or ordered online.

6. Obtain an MCAT study guide. There are many to choose from, so browse bookstores or ask those who have already taken the exam to suggest resources.

7. Dig up old class notes on biology, physics and general and organic chemistry to use as references.

8. Consider a prep course to help you study. Ask around to determine which prep courses people have found useful and try borrowing the course's study materials from friends who have already taken it. Remember to register early.

Tips & Warnings

• Once taken, the MCAT is generally good for three years. Check each school's specific policy.

• Read "Medical School Admission Requirements," published by the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC). This standard reference book can be found in college libraries, college pre-medical advising offices, college bookstores or online (see Related Sites).

• Find study partners with whom you can share the misery.

• Practice waking up and mobilizing your brain at 8:00 a.m. the week before the exam. Be able to do verbal reasoning questions at this hour, since you will be tested on this section first on exam day.

• Use college notes only as a supplement to clarify any ambiguities since the knowledge base required for this test is probably smaller than what you've been exposed to in upper-level college classes.

• Avoid shrugging off the verbal section of the exam. It's difficult to score well on this section.

• Since the medical school application process begins in June, avoid taking the exam in August of the year you begin applying to schools, as this will delay your application. For example, try to avoid taking the August 2000 MCAT if you plan on applying to medical schools in 2000.

• The main disadvantage of a prep course is cost, typically in the $800-$1,000 range.