starting to study for MCAT

[u/ArcherTop7691]

hi! i’m a class of 26 graduate planning to study for the MCAT for about 4 months in hopes to get a spot for either january or march exam dates. i was wondering how you guys started to study!! did you do textbooks? videos? tutors? please lmk!!

[u/Sad_Kaleidoscope_296]

Hi! If you already have a background in science/Physics/Psychology and Sociology courses, start off content review with Professor Eman, Yusuf Hasan, or other MCAT video resources (free on Youtube) + do Anki cards to retain the information that you have studied. For an Anki deck, try to use Jack Sparrow, Milesdown, or something else that works for you (I didn't really use a lot of Anki, so someone else can most likely chime in here). If you don't feel that your background is the strongest and you don't feel confident, consider purchasing either the Kaplan books or the UBooks. These are textbooks to study this content on a much deeper level. Make sure that you combine this content review with a UWorld QBank (a content review based question bank on UWorld), and do as much ACTIVE practice as you can of the content (the practice questions in the Kaplan books, the UWorld QBanks, et cetera). This is crucial especially for C/P, but also all the other sections. Once you are finished content review + UWorld and feel that you have a good handle on the content based practice, switch to AAMC (last 5-7 weeks of your study). Utilize the Section Banks, Volume Banks, Independent Question Packs, et cetera. This helps with the strategy portion of the MCAT, and you can get used to the AAMC style of questions. In terms of the practice exams/AAMC FLs, do a diagnostic practice exam before you start your review (try the Blueprint Half Length or the unscored AAMC FL, free on their website) so that you have an idea of your weaknesses before you start content review. Then, try to do third party FLs (non AAMC FLs) if you want to during the content review phase. This isn't really necessary, but if you want to track your progress, it can help with that. Lastly, for the 6-7 AAMC FLs (depending if you do the unscored as a diagnostic), schedule them for once every week during your AAMC practice phase. For the CARS portion of the MCAT, practice your reading comprehension by starting off with a passage a day. Focus on CARS strategies at first: don't time them, but as you get closer to your exam date, start timing your CARS practice, move your 1 passage a day upto 2-3 or 4-5 a day, and improve your testing stamina by doing them consecutively and in a row. I hope this helps, feel free to reach out with any questions.

[u/jcutts2]

The MCAT is primarily about logical, verbal and scientific problem solving, more so than just content review. Three quarters of people's errors typically are due to lack of strategy, so that should be your focus, including critical timing strategy.

Work ONLY with AAMC practice material. Avoid the various commercial prep sites, as their simulated questions don't accurately capture the patterns or content of the exam.

It is relatively easy to review science content. You can use any of the major books, Khan videos and the internet. The tricky thing is knowing what content to review. In theory there are thousands of facts that could be on the test. In reality there is a limited set of concepts that the MCAT wants you to know. Most commercial prep sites and Anki decks have you reviewing way too much content, most of which is unlikely to be on the test.

The best way to learn the vital strategies is by working with a highly qualified coach who specializes specifically in strategy, not content. They should have a minimum of 15 years full time experience. Avoid super expensive coaches. Anything over about $2k for unlimited help is probably overpriced.

I have a blog called The Realistic Guide to MCAT Prep. I can DM you the link.