Pre-Health
Mastering the MCAT: A Guide to Preparation
Written by Alexsandra Smith '23, Pre-Med
The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a critical step in the journey towards a career in medicine. This standardized test assesses a candidate’s knowledge of various sciences, as well as critical thinking and problem solving skills. Aspiring medical students often find preparing for the MCAT to be a daunting task, but with the right approach and strategies, success is within reach! Here is my comprehensive guide on how to prepare effectively for the MCAT.
Understand the Exam Structure
Before diving into preparation, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the structure and content of the MCAT. The exam consists of four sections:
- Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems (Bio/Biochem)
- Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems (Chem/Phys)
- Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior (Psych/Soc)
- Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Each section tests specific knowledge areas and skills, so understanding the content and format of each section is crucial.
Create A Study Schedule
Developing a structured study schedule is key to effective MCAT prep. Allocate sufficient time to review each content area, and ensure you have set aside large blocks of time for practice tests and review. Consider your strengths and weaknesses when planning your schedule and be realistic about how much time you can commit each day.
For me, summer break was conducive to very effective MCATstudying. This worked well because I was not having to split my time between coursework, volunteering, social activities, and MCAT studying. I diligently stuck to a schedule with approximately 8 hours of review and practice per day. I took a full-length practice exam every Saturday and gave myself Sunday to review the exam thoroughly. I studied in this way for 3 months and felt well prepared for my exam.
Utilize Quality Study Materials
There is an overwhelming amount of resources available online for MCAT preparation. Check that resources are from reputable publishers and organizations that align with the content and format of the MCAT. Popular resources include Kaplan, Princeton Review, Examkrackers, and Khan Academy.
I personally feel that the AAMC MCAT review materials are critical to success on this exam. I would recommend using a third party review company alongside AAMC materials, if possible, because it can be helpful to see the content presented in different formats. However, the bottom line is that AAMC is the test writer, so it is essential that you familiarize yourself with the language and format of their questions. If you find yourself needing to choose between AAMC materials or a third party, such as Kaplan, I highly recommend that you choose the AAMC Prep Bundle.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Practice is essential for success on the MCAT. Complete as many practice questions and full-length exams as possible to familiarize yourself with the exam format and timing. Analyze your performance on practice exams to identity areas for improvement and adjust your study plan accordingly.
I personally took 11 full-length practice exams and felt that this was an appropriate amount of preparation for my exam.
Simulate Test Conditions
In the weeks leading up to the exam, simulate test conditions during practice exams. Time yourself accurately, eliminate distractions, and replicate the testing environment as closely as possible. Practicing under simulated test conditions will help you build endurance and improve your performance on exam day.
This might seem silly, but you should also experiment with what food and drinks you will consume during breaks on test day. It would not be wise to try a new energy drink or chicken salad recipe on the day of your real exam. I found that small snacks such as a banana, protein bar, or peanut butter crackers were perfect power-ups between sections.
Take Care of Yourself
Lastly, and most importantly, don’t overlook the importance of self-care during MCAT preparation. Set yourself up for success by fueling your body with nutritious meals, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep. Take breaks when needed and prioritize activities that help you relax and recharge. Studying for the MCAT during the summer can be isolating. To combat this, I gave myself the Saturday evening after full-length exams off and would prioritize spending time with friends and family to recharge and prepare for the upcoming week of studying.
Keep pushing forward, stay resilient, and remember that the challenges you face now are preparing you for the rewarding career that lies ahead. You’ve got what it takes to succeed on the MCAT and beyond. Keep going, and trust the process!