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Preparing for the MCAT? Feeling stressed and overwhelmed with the subjects you need to review?
A study plan for the MCAT helps you organize your time and resources effectively. Without a plan, you might find yourself overwhelmed or unsure of what to study next.
Created by the author using Magic Media
Create an organized and focused study plan so you can ace the test.
What’s tested on the MCAT?
1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems
Focuses on biology and biochemistry.
2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Focuses on chemistry and physics.
3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior
Tests your knowledge of psychology and sociology.
4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)
Assesses your ability to understand and analyze complex texts.
Creating your study plan
The average MCAT test-taker spends around 300 hours studying. Planning can help you use these hours more effectively.
Consider the following before you create your study plan for the MCAT:
1. Set clear goals
Decide on your target MCAT score and the medical schools you're aiming for. This will help you determine how much you need to study and what areas to focus on.
2. Break down your study schedule
Divide your study time into manageable chunks. For example:
Daily: spend time on different subjects.
Weekly: take practice tests and review your performance.
Monthly: adjust your plan based on progress.
Quiz
Why is creating a study plan crucial for MCAT preparation? Select all that apply:
A study plan provides a clear structure of what to study and when, helps you use your study time more effectively and builds your confidence by tracking your progress.
Did you know?
A study plan that includes specific strategies for time management, like using digital tools or calendars, along with scheduled breaks and personal time, will enhance effectiveness, and prevent burnout. Adjusting your plan based on practice tests helps you improve more effectively.
Example 3-month study plan for the MCAT
Below is an example of a 12-week study plan. Feel free to adjust the study times and focus areas based on your personal needs and progress.
Week 1: Identify your skills
Take a full-length practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
Create a detailed plan based on your results.
Weeks 2-3: Do a content review
See examples below:
Biology: review basic concepts, cell biology, genetics, and evolution.
Chemistry: focus on general chemistry concepts, the periodic table, and reactions.
Physics: review fundamental principles like mechanics, electricity, and waves.
Week 4-7: Include advanced contents
See examples below:
Biochemistry: study metabolism, enzyme function, and molecular biology.
Organic chemistry: focus on reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and functional groups.
Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): start practicing CARS passages.
Week 8-9: Full-length practice test
Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions.
Go through each practice test thoroughly to understand mistakes.
Focus on weak areas identified in practice tests and review content as needed.
Week 10-12: Focused review and final preparation
Focus on high-yield concepts and frequently tested areas.
Continue with daily practice questions and full-length exams.
Go over flashcards and review notes, and reinforce weak areas.
Did you know?
The most important part of the MCAT study plan and preparation is to ensure you're well-rested before the exam. Focus on light review and relaxation techniques.
How to overcome struggles with study plan?
Use these tips to manage stress, tackle tough topics, and improve time management as you follow your study plan for the MCAT.
Stay motivated
Set clear goals and reward yourself for achieving them. Keep reminding yourself of your end goal to stay motivated.
Handle stress
Identify what’s causing your stress, then use relaxation techniques like exercise, deep breathing, or regular breaks.
Deal with tough topics
Find the subjects you struggle with using practice tests, then try different study resources or active learning methods like flashcards. Consider getting help from a tutor or online forums.
Manage your time
Create a weekly study plan with specific goals and use focused study periods with regular breaks. Prioritize important tasks, balance your time, and be flexible with your schedule.
Quiz
How should you adjust your study plan if you’re struggling with a topic? Select all that apply:
Dedicating more time to that topic can help improve your understanding. Seeking help or additional resources can provide new knowledge and clarify difficult concepts. But, skipping topics can leave gaps in your knowledge, and changing your target score may not lead you to the required results.
Take Action
Good luck with your MCAT preparation! Don’t be afraid to tweak your study plan for the MCAT as you go along. Check out the following tips and resources:
This Byte has been authored by
Neeba Wilson
Scientific writer
Masters