Tackling the dreaded exam soon? We have you covered in the CEC!
Preparing for the MCAT is like training for a marathon: you need strategy, stamina, and perseverance to succeed and reach your goals. Juggling academics, jobs, and life, here’s a blog to help break down how to tackle the MCAT with intention:
Diagnostic
To begin your journey with the MCAT effectively, students should start with a free diagnostic test to gauge knowledge gaps and the format of the exam. Before diving into content review, take a full-length or half-length practice exam to identify your baseline. This helps you save time reviewing information that you already know.
Study Schedule
Next, build a realistic study schedule that fits your commitments during the time period that you are studying. This is all based on preference. Some people study for 3 months full-time, while others study for 6-9 months part-time. Consistency matters more than intensity. I recommend splitting your schedule into thirds. The first third should consist of content review, the next third should be practice questions, and the last third should be AAMC questions and full-length tests.
Using space repetition tools, such as Anki, is critical during the content review phase so you keep up with the information as you continue through your study schedule.
UWorld will become your best friend throughout the second phase of studying as you apply the knowledge you learned from content review and find out your weaknesses. You should also be doing daily CARS passages (I personally liked Jack Westin and AAMC resources for CARS). Make sure to add Anki cards for every question you get wrong.
The last phase should be AAMC practice questions and taking a full-length test every week leading up to your exam. There are 6 AAMC exams offered, so you should start 6 weeks before your test date. Thoroughly review these practice exams because they are your best resource and the best gauge for how well you are going to do on the exam. However, do not be discouraged. Every wrong question is a new thing that you learn, and you will keep improving your strategy every week.
Rest!!
My #1 tip is to take rest days. I understand how easy it is to feel behind or like you are not doing enough. However, your brain needs rest for you to perform optimally and continue to retain previous information. Go for a walk, cook, or hang out with friends to decompress to stay mentally sharp. Burnout is real, and the MCAT is a test all about endurance!
Resources
My final advice is to keep your “Why” in the front of your mind. This test is a stepping stone to your final destination, not the end of the world. As long as you try your best, you should be proud of the work you put in!
Stop by the CEC for personalized study planning or peer support as you prepare! Good luck!