Hey everyone! I’ve been reading a lot of posts about studying for the MCAT, and it seems that everyone’s advice is to study for it for a few months in the summer right before taking it. Based on this, it sounds like a “sprint”.
However, I’m also aware that studying for the MCAT would have required knowledge and understanding that’s accumulated from the pre-requisite courses, so that’s the part that’s considered a “marathon.”
My question is, Is it possible to just study for the MCAT early/year round and then officially hard core study within those summer months?
I’m aware that it’s recommended to study the MCAT during summer when there are no classes and distractions, but does anyone else study throughout the year or is it completely a waste of time/pointless to be gradually studying for the MCAT when so much else is going on?
MCAT prep consists of two parts, 1st is content review and 2nd is practice tests. For content review, you’ll need to complete courses for MCAT covered content, up to Biochem in Chem area. You probably won’t need to take Physics 1/2 courses if you had AP Physics and/or did good in SAT2 since it is pretty lite on MCAT. For practice tests, it is best if you can simulate the 7 hour test environment by doing the test at a library for the entire day. You’ll need 3-4 weeks just doing practice tests and review after tests. Only you can decide how much time you can devote on MCAT during school time…without messing up your school work (hence your grades/GPA). MCAT prep is super intense, time consuming and mentally exhausted.
It really depends on you. As I remember S took it in March/April while working PT, participating in ECs. The only thing he did school wise was instead of 4 courses, he only took 3 courses (all UD bio) still maintaining FT status, He also took formal MCAT prep course in the 3 months leading up to test. He had a very good result.
Just remember that every moment you dedicate to the MCAT is a moment you’re not dedicating to something else.