I’ve been helping students with the MCAT and the medical school application process for over 20 years. Here are the most common mistakes I’ve seen with MCAT prep.
NOT ALLOWING ENOUGH TIME.
I see a lot of students allowing just 2 months when 3-4 months of prep is usually what’s needed. Some folks will need 5-6 months, particularly if they work full-time or have family members who need care.
PUTTING OFF THE BASELINE DIAGNOSTIC
Students say “I’m not ready!” or “I want to review the content first.” The MCAT is a test of reading comprehension, analysis, and critical thinking as well as a content exam. Taking the test cold can be daunting, but it will kickstart your prep with a solid exposure to the format and question types. You will need to learn to think like the MCAT, and that’s not the same way you think in most college courses.
Many MCAT preparation companies offer a free diagnostic that is half-length. Take it to find out where you are rusty, where you are stronger, and to get a feel for the reading comprehension and analysis aspects of the test.
STUDYING CONTENT PASSIVELY
Reading/skimming and watching videos all have value- to a degree. To maximize your study time, you need to get ACTIVE. Make notes or flashcards. Folks swear by Anki and that’s great, but there is also power in writing out things by hand. Re-draw diagrams from memory. Teach it back to yourself. Get a study buddy and take turns to teaching it to each other.
BURNING OUT
MCAT prep is a marathon. Your study plan should include rest days and some catch-up days in case of illness or emergency. You need to take care of your body with rest and fuel to ensure your brain is in peak condition for learning.
NOT REVIEWING PRACTICE TESTS
Taking full-length MCAT Practice Exams under testing conditions is a key element of prep. That said, it’s also important to review your exams - what did you get right, what did you get wrong, and what is the takeaway. Keep a log and review it weekly.
There is much more I could discuss about the MCAT, so this list is not exhaustive. Whatever prep plan you choose, be sure to be flexible! Studying for the MCAT is not like studying for college exams, and you may have to try a few new study methods until you find the one that works for you.
Good luck!
