What should i study for mcat

Start with the fundamentals of each subject area, and split your time between different topics each day. In order to get the most out of your study time and really focus on each test topic, you should plan on focusing on individual topics for at least an hour to an hour and a half..

Organize your time around your existing commitments. Some days you may be able to schedule more than one topic; on other days, you may be able to fit in only one subject. Remember to work on CARS every day. An example week might look something like this:. Once again, begin the week by taking and reviewing your practice test, looking over every question and using the results to modify your study plan if needed.

If you can, you should start preparation by choosing classes that will prep you for the exam. Most of what will be on the MCAT exam will be covered during your first and second year of undergrad. On average, students require around hours a week to study for the exam. This is over a period ranging from months, depending on the individual.

In total, you should aim for hours of total study time. Start by reviewing this information, then move onto the next steps we have outlined below. Here are some quick MCAT history facts:. How close are you currently to reaching your goals? How much time do you need to dedicate to studying? You need to know what level of knowledge you possess in order to succeed. It is also important to get used to the format of the MCAT and how the questions will be asked. Which med school do you want to attend?

What MCAT score do you need to achieve to be seen as competitive? Looking at the previous years class profile on medical school websites is a great place to start.

You should aim to meet or exceed the average accepted MCAT scores. It is also important to acquire useful study resources during this time. Talk to people who have already taken the MCAT. Use online resources to your advantage. Use free MCAT tests and practice them as much as you possibly can. Including personal stories, you can find here: Association of American Medical Colleges.

We also recommend you use an online calendar. This is a great way to keep track of and accessing personal study plans on the spot. You can also share a calendar with other colleagues so you both know each other's schedules and can help each other out. Understand that the MCAT is broken down into different formats read above to learn about all of them. A quick recap: there are three, 95 minutes sections and one 90 minutes section. You will be given optional breaks in-between all sections.

Look at your goal score in comparison to your current baseline score. Be realistic about the time it will take to get there. You will need to map out how much time you have each week to study.

Be sure not to burn out and take time for other obligations such as: work, classes, family and friends. The MCAT is a very long test. Taking practice tests will allow you to build up the extra stamina you need to do well on the real test. You should also be frequently reviewing these tests. We recommend tracking practice exams on a spreadsheet to help you learn and improve. On practice problems, study materials, and tests - go over each correct answer and failure.

This is helpful for your long-term study goals. Once you have identified your weaknesses, you will have to put more time into those areas. Your study schedule can be altered in order to meet this goal. Ensure you are well rested, hydrated, and take regular breaks. Overall, the state of your body will have a direct impact on your mind.

Take care of both. However, it's a physical and emotional test as well. You will have to identify what emotions are part of the journey and start controlling them so you can work them to your advantage. For example, most students are fearful of taking the MCAT. As you begin working practice problems, do the section or the passage untimed and focus on improving your accuracy.

Later, start recording how long it takes you to do a passage or section. Even after you have been studying for some time, it is still useful to do some untimed practice problems, focusing on avoiding the types of mistakes you tend to make. It is difficult to maintain concentration over several hours under normal circumstances, let alone under stressful conditions.

Prepare for test day by working passages over longer and longer periods with shorter and shorter breaks, until you can comfortably concentrate for a few hours at a time. Experience builds confidence. Once you have practiced doing several passages at a stretch, take on doing more and more practice tests. Complete full tests in one sitting, taking breaks between sections.

Do passages or practice tests under less-than-ideal conditions. Go to a reasonably quiet coffee house, or an area of the library where people are moving around but not talking loudly. Practice tuning out your surroundings while you work. Managing your psychological and physical condition is just as important as studying and practicing. Build times for relaxation, including working out, into your schedule.

Constant self-evaluation is the key to continued improvement. Use the results to teach yourself how to improve. What kinds of questions do you consistently miss? What kinds of passages slow you down?