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

6. 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.

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

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

9. 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.

10. 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.

11. 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.

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

13. 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

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

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[msmcat]

on 8/1/2009 Verbal Reasoning is killer! I got a 7 on the VR section of the MCAT and then used a very good book, ended up retaking and got an 11 on VR. The book is published by IvyHallReview.com - "MCAT Verbal Reasoning Mastery" I think. Hope that helps! -Good luck.

on 8/8/2006 Do not take any simulation tests the day before the exam.

Do not do any practice questions the morning of the exam.

Remember, your mind needs to rest. Therefore the best thing to do is to stop studying 3-5 days before the exam as if you have not learned something by that point, chances are slim that you will be able to learn it in the days leading up to the exam.

Again, there is no need to put useless strain on your brain. This is as much a test of endurance and the ability to perform under stress as it is a test of critical thinking. Make sure you go to bed early for the whole week leading up to test day.

Since you are expected to be at the test site at 8:00 AM, make sure you practice getting up early for the whole week leading up the exam.

Relax as much as possible during the final week, but don't become a couch potato. If you enjoy jogging, roller blading, riding your bike or lifting weights, then do that. If you don't engage in physical activities, then I suggest finding some activity that you can do (perhaps taking a 30 minute walk every day).

Be prepared to encounter fellow test-takers that will try to plant seeds of doubt in your mind. It is best to keep to yourself and in your "zone" during test day (this means not calling any friends or family until the test is complete).

Eat healthy. If you don't already, then start now. People underestimate the importance of eating properly when it comes to optimal performance on exams. Remember, you want to have loads of energy and endurance on test day.

The most important tip that anyone will give you is this:
Think Positive! You'll be surprised what a positive mindset can do for you. Trust me on this!

on 8/8/2006 My advice is to go over all the material once. It's okay if you don't understand everything the first time around. Then make a note of all your weak areas. Make a note to study those first. Then go back and re-review everything. Then do lots of practice exams. Good luck!

on 11/22/2005 Whatever method or source you choose to use for studying for the MCAT, begin early (several months before the test date). The only way to study effectively for the verbal reasoning section is to practice, practice, and practice. After you've done that, practice some more. I also highly recommend that you save one verbal reasoning passage to be done the morning of the test, before you take the test. This will serve as a sort of warm-up for the test.

on 11/22/2005 The MCAT classroom review courses run much higher than the $800-1000 range. For Kaplan or Princeton Review, you are easily going to pay $1500-1700 for a three month review course.