What is the best method for studying for the MCAT?

Question

I've looked through a several of the MCAT Q&As on here and haven't found quite the answer I was looking for so I hope this doesn't seem too repetitive. I have bought the Kaplan MCAT study guide, practice tests, and flash cards. I plan on taking the MCAT in January. I want to know if anyone has any good strategies for studying. I am a full time student, I work 4 nights a week, and I will also start volunteer work this fall, so my schedule doesn't work well to take any study classes or anything. I also don't have any friends going med for advice type thing. Basically, what's a good policy for studying so you don't get burnt out but it's still effective? Should I just do a few hours every weekend, or an hour per night or what? I have almost a month off of school for winter break, and I'll study intensively then, but I'm not really sure how to go about studying right now during the school year. I've always studied best by cramming, which isn't a good option in this instance so I'm lost. Any help?

Answer 1

You have 3-4 months before you start your intensive review. Say 10-12 weeks. (I know it may be more, but you also need to study for your current classes, so you might skip MCAT review during midterms and finals. Also, you need time to breathe!)

Divide the topics in your Kaplan book across 10 or 12, whatever the best, most natural division is. Next, set up a schedule of 3 or 4 study sessions a week. During two of these, cover one of the topics. Try out the flashcards and maybe a practice test during the first session to see what within that topic needs more review. During the second session, do some reading from your old textbooks. You may also want another workout with the flashcards. The third and fourth sessions can partly focus on that week's topic, but should also review other weeks. By your 4th week, you would forget the 1st week's material if you don't review. Aim for 1 - 1 1/2 hours per session. You can do more if you're on a roll, but make your current classes the priority.

Since you don't know any other pre-med students, consider advertising on a school message board or website or in the school paper for a few MCAT study buddies. Doing this in a group once or twice a week (do some of it on your own) is fun and you'll learn from each other as well. You can throw questions at each other over beer or as you're jogging or whatever.

At least you're not learning it all for the first time. You're refreshing your memory and picking up some fine points. When you review basics after having moved into more advanced stuff, you'll see things in new ways just because you know more now. It can be really cool, and it gives you a greater mastery over the subject.