Looking at the AAMC subject list. How many people tailored their studying to the percentage of each subject listed?

Question

I've taken it before (2016), and I don't recall if the numbers even matched up. What I do remember is that some people had very physics heavy exams while other people barely had any, among other test date difference that year. I noticed biochem is about 50%(!!!) of the hard sciences section, with biology (understandably) coming in at first at 70%. Orgo seems to be non-existent now.

Answer 1

There's always a bit of variation in the number of questions from each subject, but the AAMC generally tries to keep the proportions relatively consistent (within 5-10%). You should also keep in mind that a single question may cover multiple subjects - for instance, a question about a gel electrophoresis experiments can simultaneously call upon your knowledge of physics, biochemistry, and molecular biology, and questions about the stereochemistry of sugars or amino acids are labelled as both organic chemistry and biochemistry in the AAMC's blueprint.

In order to score well on the MCAT you'll need to be well versed in all seven subjects on the exam, so I wouldn't set up your study schedule based on the subject percentages. With that said, there are definitely some topics that are more important than others - you're almost guaranteed to see questions about the endocrine system (and the anterior pituitary hormones in particular), while detailed questions about the integumentary system are pretty rare. The big question you need to ask when building your study schedule is about your expertise in each subject; compare the AAMC's blueprint to the list of courses you've taken, and dedicate significant time to any gaps.