MCAT Study Plan 101

Cram-time! If you have decided to take the MCAT and apply to medical school. Learn from medical students the best ways to prepare for the MCAT exam and embark on your medical-career!

Understanding the MCAT Test

• Familiarize yourself with the different subjects covered on the MCAT, including Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology, Sociology, and Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS).

• Recognize the importance of each subject's weight and distribution on the MCAT scores.

• Dive into the details of each subject area, identifying key topics and concepts to grasp for optimal performance.

Planning Your Study Schedule

• Plan ahead! Develop a structured study plan tailored to your strengths and weaknesses in each MCAT subject.

• Focus on problem-areas. Remember, not all pre-med concepts are "high-yield on this exam. Keep in mind the number of questions dedicated to each topic on the MCAT.

• Keep track! Allocate time for practice exams and review sessions to gauge your progress and improve efficiency.

Implementing Effective Study Techniques

• Diversify studying techniques! Explore various study methods such as active recall, spaced repetition, and concept mapping to reinforce learning.

• We have all of the resources you need on our members-only spaces. Share MCAT resources, videos, online question banks, Anki-decks, and join our study-spaces with other students.

• Keep to a schedule or study-routine that you can commit to and realistically meet.

Setting Realistic Goals and Milestones

• Small Victories: Establish achievable short-term and long-term goals to track your progress and stay motivated.

• Divide & Conquer: Break down complex topics into manageable chunks to prevent overwhelm and facilitate comprehension.

• Reward Yourself: Celebrate small victories and milestones as you advance through your study plan. You deserve it!

Monitoring and Adjusting Your Progress

• Regularly assess your performance through practice exams. Do as many practice questions as you can to keep track of your progress and to optimize your familiarity with exam questions.

• Identify areas of improvement and adjust your study schedule accordingly to focus on weak areas.

• Seek feedback from peers, mentors, or tutors to gain insights and valuable tips for enhancing your preparation.

Managing Test Anxiety and Stress

• Develop mindfulness techniques, relaxation exercises, and healthy habits to manage pre-test anxiety.

• Establish a calming pre-test routine to optimize your mental and emotional state on exam day.

• Practice positive self-talk and visualization to build confidence and alleviate performance pressure.

• Anxiety and self-doubt will not help you perform. Try and prioritize your mental-health and surround yourself with supportive friends and family members. A good support system will help you keep this to a minimum.

Maximizing Your MCAT Scores

• Replicate test-day time restraints. Strategize your test-taking approach, including time management, question prioritization, and answer elimination techniques. Know how much time you have.

• Review test-day logistics, rules, and regulations to ensure a smooth testing experience.

• Reflect on your preparation journey and study strategies that were most effective. This will help you to enhance future study strategies and efficiency in medical school!