I'm noticing a lot of people here are studying very linearly for the MCAT. For instance, someone studying for MCAT biology starts at chapter 1, then reads chapter 2, 3, 4, etc. until they reach the end when they can safely declare that they "know" biology. As such, a lot of study schedules and plans place equal emphasis on all topics.

I think this is a mistake.

Everybody has strengths and weaknesses on MCAT topics. People should concentrate on weaknesses first before reviewing topics they are already good at. Why start at chapter 1 when your weakest topic is chapter 6?

Because opening and closing different books is extra effort. I'd rather just spend 5 hours and blast through the whole book than to keep flipping back and forth.

Because opening and closing different books is extra effort. I'd rather just spend 5 hours and blast through the whole book than to keep flipping back and forth.

Agreed. Plus I think most people aren't really sure how much the really know in the beginning. Maybe what they think is a strength might not be that strong for them after all. For me at least, going in order I just cover all the bases anyway. If I come across something I'm strong in then I speed through it. Ends up the same but less flipping and confusion.

-LIS

EDIT: If you're referring to time, then yes one should never spend an equal amount of time on everything because weaker areas require more time and effort when you get to them than areas that you may be stronger in.

I remember going to an all you can eat sushi place at 4pm one day. I stayed there until 10pm and reviewed the entire EK Physics book. Boy were they pissed, I ate 9 whole sushi rolls loool.

Plus I think most people aren't really sure how much the really know in the beginning. Maybe what they think is a strength might not be that strong for them after all.

That's another issue. People who study linearly tend to save up their practice FL at the end. IMO, this is a freakin' waste. Take FL periodically to figure out weaknesses, and study only those chapters you are weak in.

I think this is a more efficient way to study:
Sun: Take FL exam
Mon-Sat: study material that they got wrong or were unsure about from exam. practice verbal.

repeat for 5 weeks. Take MCAT. Score 45.

I'm noticing a lot of people here are studying very linearly for the MCAT. For instance, someone studying for MCAT biology starts at chapter 1, then reads chapter 2, 3, 4, etc. until they reach the end when they can safely declare that they "know" biology. As such, a lot of study schedules and plans place equal emphasis on all topics.

I think this is a mistake.

Everybody has strengths and weaknesses on MCAT topics. People should concentrate on weaknesses first before reviewing topics they are already good at. Why start at chapter 1 when your weakest topic is chapter 6?

Personally, I think it's a good idea to go straight through whatever book you're using at least the first time around. You may think you know a subject very well, but wouldn't is suck if you missed a gimme on the MCAT just because you didin't even bother seriously reviewing the simple topics once?

After your first time, I agree, one should focus mostly on weaknesses.

Personally, I think it's a good idea to go straight through whatever book you're using at least the first time around. You may think you know a subject very well, but wouldn't is suck if you missed a gimme on the MCAT just because you didin't even bother seriously reviewing the simple topics once?

After your first time, I agree, one should focus mostly on weaknesses.

That's why people should use FL practice exams to find out what their weaknesses are. For instance, let's say I took a FL exam and I understood the passage on optics pretty well and got the questions all right. But damn, I missed half of those kinematics problems. Wouldn't it make sense to study kinematics before optics?

The AAMC FL's don't cover everything. While they can pinpoint a weakness, they can miss it too. The MCAT is more than knowing content - it involves knowing how to identify what is being asked, how to quickly work through your multiple choices, etc. Doing practice problems for material you're strong on is very good practice.

As far as the actual content review, different universities cover different material. Sure, they're mostly the same, but it's not a 100% thing. I considered my knowledge of organic going into content review near perfect, for instance, but there were still new tidbits that my professors had chosen not to teach. Would I have been able to figure out these tidbits from the passage or intuition? Maybe. Did I still go through the organic material more quickly than other sections? Yes. Do I feel like I wasted my time reading those 400 pages of TBR Organic? Not at all.

Another benefit of going through material you're strong with is to boost your confidence level. It also makes sure you stay strong with it!

The AAMC FL's don't cover everything. While they can pinpoint a weakness, they can miss it too. The MCAT is more than knowing content - it involves knowing how to identify what is being asked, how to quickly work through your multiple choices, etc. Doing practice problems for material you're strong on is very good practice.

As far as the actual content review, different universities cover different material. Sure, they're mostly the same, but it's not a 100% thing. I considered my knowledge of organic going into content review near perfect, for instance, but there were still new tidbits that my professors had chosen not to teach. Would I have been able to figure out these tidbits from the passage or intuition? Maybe. Did I still go through the organic material more quickly than other sections? Yes. Do I feel like I wasted my time reading those 400 pages of TBR Organic? Not at all.

Another benefit of going through material you're strong with is to boost your confidence level. It also makes sure you stay strong with it!

Ding! Ding! Ding! You said everything I was just about to say right now. What if an AAMC had no Optics, then you would never know.

-LIS

The AAMC FL's don't cover everything. While they can pinpoint a weakness, they can miss it too. The MCAT is more than knowing content - it involves knowing how to identify what is being asked, how to quickly work through your multiple choices, etc. Doing practice problems for material you're strong on is very good practice.

This is true. All AAMC FL will not cover every topic that may be on the MCAT. That is all the more reason to go over the topics that appeared on the FLs FIRST. If a topic has historically shown up on the AAMCs, it is more likely to appear on the MCAT.

Let me ask you a question: do you believe you can master all the concepts on the MCAT perfectly? Can most people? Shouldn't people cover the most important topics first: topics that have already appeared on the MCAT and topics they are weak in?

Let's go with another hypothetical: let's say a student takes a AAMC FL and scores 12 on PS but 7 on BS. Do you believe it is wise for that student to start studying physics before biology because their review books starts with the PS section first? For this student, doing practice problems in physics and chemistry before biology and organic is a waste of time and not "good practice."

As far as the actual content review, different universities cover different material. Sure, they're mostly the same, but it's not a 100% thing. I considered my knowledge of organic going into content review near perfect, for instance, but there were still new tidbits that my professors had chosen not to teach. Would I have been able to figure out these tidbits from the passage or intuition? Maybe. Did I still go through the organic material more quickly than other sections? Yes. Do I feel like I wasted my time reading those 400 pages of TBR Organic? Not at all.

Another benefit of going through material you're strong with is to boost your confidence level. It also makes sure you stay strong with it!I'm beginning to understand the mentality behind studying so linearly. There is this need to try to understand everything. People feel that they can't do well unless they covered every topic that would be covered.

Studying in parallel only works if you're a computer. It's also easier to remember what chapter you're on than what chapters you've done.

I think what's going on here is that people are talking on two different planes of studying. I think Isoprop is going with the assumption that people preparing to take the MCAT have given 100% effort in their undergraduate classes, and thus in preparing for the MCAT simply have to identify their weaknesses and get those out of the way, then simply take FLs all the way to test date.

In contrast, many of us can honestly admit that we may not necessarily have studied our hardest in some undergraduate classes (more than likely due to immaturity) - so for us, we require a basic cursory review of the material prior to going to the "attacking weaknesses" stage. It's not an issue of providing confidence or anything, but it's simply an effort to have a generalized overview of what material is tested prior to doing FLs.

The way I see it, instead of splitting hairs about whether 'linear study' is good or bad, I think we can all agree that ANY studying is better than NO studying, right?

I study triangularly.

I tried studying circularly but it was taking up all my time.

Linear is just dumb.

First off, I think this question underscores the importance of doing well in one’s pre-reqs to reduce the number of weakness to as few as possible. Remember, do not merely go for the A; aim for mastery of the material. Working hard in your pre-reqs will boost your GPA and pay off when you study for the MCAT.

One of the reasons test prep companies, and most schedules, go in chapter order is due to companies developing schedules for a group of people and not the individual. Rather than create a schedule per student, which would take up quite a bit of time, they make a generic schedule. Sure, they could make a diagnostic to try and pin-point weaknesses, gather the data, and make a schedule per student, yet I doubt they would want to invest their resources like that. Even creating a program to accomplish that task would cost money they probably aren’t willing to spend. Furthermore, well, you probably know how I feel about diagnostics judging by my sig.

Money is a factor in a test prep company avoiding personalized schedules; however, it is not the only reason to take chapters in order. Additionally, money would not explain why other schedules recommend going linearly. When looking at all of the various content review books, you might notice something. Translational motion is almost always the first topic in Physics. You might be thinking, “Why is that?” There are few reasons which come to mind. First, as opposed to electricity or fluids, translational motion is a relatively easy topic for most students. Secondly, it isn’t hard to create complex problems/passages based on this simple area. Lastly, translational motion serves as a great time to introduce the basic math skills and tricks needed for the MCAT. What I’m getting at here is that there are good reasons why subjects are ordered in content review books.

The content of one chapter will frequently build from the preceding chapter. Let’s take another look at Physics for an example. One starts with translational motion. The next subject is typically forces which is a form of translational motion. Then, there’s work which advances the topic of forces and applies force by distance. As you can see, each chapter uses the basis of another to present the material in a logical order. Think of it like pyramid. You start with translational motion and then add the bricks of force and work.

Another rationale for a linear schedule is that it must instill the skills necessary to apply knowledge early on. In order to do this, a schedule must start in areas that are strong for the vast majority of students. Beginning with a tough subject does not lay the foundation for application of knowledge because the student is struggling with the content itself. In fact, application of knowledge is the most important factor in MCAT success. Merely knowing the content inside-and-out does not cut it which is why you may see students that ace their classes, but do badly on the MCAT.

Next, there is the topic of confidence. I cannot stress enough the how vital confidence is for this test. Without it, you might as well not take the MCAT. Jumping straight into weak areas destroys one’s confidence. They start questioning whether they actually have the brains to take on the MCAT. Thus, you don’t want to start a schedule by slamming the individual right away. You want to guide the student and help them gain some momentum before tackling their trouble spots.

Also, by placing all of your weaknesses up front, you naturally start studying those topics first. You might be thinking, “Yeah that’s the point.” The problem here is that you may forget those topics by the time your test rolls around. You may even try to subconsciously erase your memory since focusing on all of your weaknesses at once was probably not an enjoyable experience. That’s not to say studying for the MCAT is fun, but you get the picture. Additionally, you might spend too much time on your weaknesses and neglect areas that should be your strengths and end up with more weaknesses.

Finally, there seems to be a misconception that studying linearly means you don’t focus on your weak areas. If you are properly reviewing, you shouldn’t be breezing by your weaknesses. You should read and re-read the chapter as you pound the practice problems. When you thoroughly review your practice problems, if you find you missed a problem purely based on content, you have to go over the topic again. Considering that this might mean you review the chapter several times, you can see how one might spend quite a bit of time on their weaknesses. You would also hit your weaknesses again whenever the topic comes up on a practice FL.

In closing, the above are my reasons for opting for a linear study schedule and why test prep companies may favor them as well.

First off, I think this question underscores the importance of doing well in one’s pre-reqs to reduce the number of weakness to as few as possible. Remember, do not merely go for the A; aim for mastery of the material. Working hard in your pre-reqs will boost your GPA and pay off when you study for the MCAT.

One of the reasons test prep companies, and most schedules, go in chapter order is due to companies developing schedules for a group of people and not the individual. Rather than create a schedule per student, which would take up quite a bit of time, they make a generic schedule. Sure, they could make a diagnostic to try and pin-point weaknesses, gather the data, and make a schedule per student, yet I doubt they would want to invest their resources like that. Even creating a program to accomplish that task would cost money they probably aren’t willing to spend. Furthermore, well, you probably know how I feel about diagnostics judging by my sig.

Money is a factor in a test prep company avoiding personalized schedules; however, it is not the only reason to take chapters in order. Additionally, money would not explain why other schedules recommend going linearly. When looking at all of the various content review books, you might notice something. Translational motion is almost always the first topic in Physics. You might be thinking, “Why is that?” There are few reasons which come to mind. First, as opposed to electricity or fluids, translational motion is a relatively easy topic for most students. Secondly, it isn’t hard to create complex problems/passages based on this simple area. Lastly, translational motion serves as a great time to introduce the basic math skills and tricks needed for the MCAT. What I’m getting at here is that there are good reasons why subjects are ordered in content review books.

The content of one chapter will frequently build from the preceding chapter. Let’s take another look at Physics for an example. One starts with translational motion. The next subject is typically forces which is a form of translational motion. Then, there’s work which advances the topic of forces and applies force by distance. As you can see, each chapter uses the basis of another to present the material in a logical order. Think of it like pyramid. You start with translational motion and then add the bricks of force and work.

Another rationale for a linear schedule is that it must instill the skills necessary to apply knowledge early on. In order to do this, a schedule must start in areas that are strong for the vast majority of students. Beginning with a tough subject does not lay the foundation for application of knowledge because the student is struggling with the content itself. In fact, application of knowledge is the most important factor in MCAT success. Merely knowing the content inside-and-out does not cut it which is why you may see students that ace their classes, but do badly on the MCAT.

Next, there is the topic of confidence. I cannot stress enough the how vital confidence is for this test. Without it, you might as well not take the MCAT. Jumping straight into weak areas destroys one’s confidence. They start questioning whether they actually have the brains to take on the MCAT. Thus, you don’t want to start a schedule by slamming the individual right away. You want to guide the student and help them gain some momentum before tackling their trouble spots.

Also, by placing all of your weaknesses up front, you naturally start studying those topics first. You might be thinking, “Yeah that’s the point.” The problem here is that you may forget those topics by the time your test rolls around. You may even try to subconsciously erase your memory since focusing on all of your weaknesses at once was probably not an enjoyable experience. That’s not to say studying for the MCAT is fun, but you get the picture. Additionally, you might spend too much time on your weaknesses and neglect areas that should be your strengths and end up with more weaknesses.

Finally, there seems to be a misconception that studying linearly means you don’t focus on your weak areas. If you are properly reviewing, you shouldn’t be breezing by your weaknesses. You should read and re-read the chapter as you pound the practice problems. When you thoroughly review your practice problems, if you find you missed a problem purely based on content, you have to go over the topic again. Considering that this might mean you review the chapter several times, you can see how one might spend quite a bit of time on their weaknesses. You would also hit your weaknesses again whenever the topic comes up on a practice FL.

In closing, the above are my reasons for opting for a linear study schedule and why test prep companies may favor them as well.

You may also copy paste this for your writing sample.

I study triangularly.

I tried studying circularly but it was taking up all my time.

Linear is just dumb.

Oh yeah?! Well I study dodecahedronally. Basic shape study patterns are so 2008.

Oh yeah?! Well I study dodecahedronally. Basic shape study patterns are so 2008.

I have always wanted to meet a dodecahedronal! We should trade secrets.

First off, I think this question underscores the importance of doing well in one’s pre-reqs to reduce the number of weakness to as few as possible. Remember, do not merely go for the A; aim for mastery of the material. Working hard in your pre-reqs will boost your GPA and pay off when you study for the MCAT.

One of the reasons test prep companies, and most schedules, go in chapter order is due to companies developing schedules for a group of people and not the individual. Rather than create a schedule per student, which would take up quite a bit of time, they make a generic schedule. Sure, they could make a diagnostic to try and pin-point weaknesses, gather the data, and make a schedule per student, yet I doubt they would want to invest their resources like that. Even creating a program to accomplish that task would cost money they probably aren’t willing to spend. Furthermore, well, you probably know how I feel about diagnostics judging by my sig.

Money is a factor in a test prep company avoiding personalized schedules; however, it is not the only reason to take chapters in order. Additionally, money would not explain why other schedules recommend going linearly. When looking at all of the various content review books, you might notice something. Translational motion is almost always the first topic in Physics. You might be thinking, “Why is that?” There are few reasons which come to mind. First, as opposed to electricity or fluids, translational motion is a relatively easy topic for most students. Secondly, it isn’t hard to create complex problems/passages based on this simple area. Lastly, translational motion serves as a great time to introduce the basic math skills and tricks needed for the MCAT. What I’m getting at here is that there are good reasons why subjects are ordered in content review books.

The content of one chapter will frequently build from the preceding chapter. Let’s take another look at Physics for an example. One starts with translational motion. The next subject is typically forces which is a form of translational motion. Then, there’s work which advances the topic of forces and applies force by distance. As you can see, each chapter uses the basis of another to present the material in a logical order. Think of it like pyramid. You start with translational motion and then add the bricks of force and work.

Another rationale for a linear schedule is that it must instill the skills necessary to apply knowledge early on. In order to do this, a schedule must start in areas that are strong for the vast majority of students. Beginning with a tough subject does not lay the foundation for application of knowledge because the student is struggling with the content itself. In fact, application of knowledge is the most important factor in MCAT success. Merely knowing the content inside-and-out does not cut it which is why you may see students that ace their classes, but do badly on the MCAT.

Next, there is the topic of confidence. I cannot stress enough the how vital confidence is for this test. Without it, you might as well not take the MCAT. Jumping straight into weak areas destroys one’s confidence. They start questioning whether they actually have the brains to take on the MCAT. Thus, you don’t want to start a schedule by slamming the individual right away. You want to guide the student and help them gain some momentum before tackling their trouble spots.

Also, by placing all of your weaknesses up front, you naturally start studying those topics first. You might be thinking, “Yeah that’s the point.” The problem here is that you may forget those topics by the time your test rolls around. You may even try to subconsciously erase your memory since focusing on all of your weaknesses at once was probably not an enjoyable experience. That’s not to say studying for the MCAT is fun, but you get the picture. Additionally, you might spend too much time on your weaknesses and neglect areas that should be your strengths and end up with more weaknesses.

Finally, there seems to be a misconception that studying linearly means you don’t focus on your weak areas. If you are properly reviewing, you shouldn’t be breezing by your weaknesses. You should read and re-read the chapter as you pound the practice problems. When you thoroughly review your practice problems, if you find you missed a problem purely based on content, you have to go over the topic again. Considering that this might mean you review the chapter several times, you can see how one might spend quite a bit of time on their weaknesses. You would also hit your weaknesses again whenever the topic comes up on a practice FL.

In closing, the above are my reasons for opting for a linear study schedule and why test prep companies may favor them as well.

Well said.

I'll like to add this.

Who thinks people complicate things on SDN?!

I'm making a thread called MCAT study plan, it will be about 15 words long:

1. Get good review books
2. Master the concepts
3. Do lots of practice problems/FLs
4. Post game

Done.

I think everything that needs to be said about the MCAT has been said. Vihsidas had a good post, mterp45, QofQ'whatever. After that, I haven't seen anyone really add anything.

Less posty posty, more study study.

First off, I think this question underscores the importance of doing well in one’s pre-reqs to reduce the number of weakness to as few as possible. Remember, do not merely go for the A; aim for mastery of the material. Working hard in your pre-reqs will boost your GPA and pay off when you study for the MCAT.

One of the reasons test prep companies, and most schedules, go in chapter order is due to companies developing schedules for a group of people and not the individual. Rather than create a schedule per student, which would take up quite a bit of time, they make a generic schedule. Sure, they could make a diagnostic to try and pin-point weaknesses, gather the data, and make a schedule per student, yet I doubt they would want to invest their resources like that. Even creating a program to accomplish that task would cost money they probably aren’t willing to spend. Furthermore, well, you probably know how I feel about diagnostics judging by my sig.

Money is a factor in a test prep company avoiding personalized schedules; however, it is not the only reason to take chapters in order. Additionally, money would not explain why other schedules recommend going linearly. When looking at all of the various content review books, you might notice something. Translational motion is almost always the first topic in Physics. You might be thinking, “Why is that?” There are few reasons which come to mind. First, as opposed to electricity or fluids, translational motion is a relatively easy topic for most students. Secondly, it isn’t hard to create complex problems/passages based on this simple area. Lastly, translational motion serves as a great time to introduce the basic math skills and tricks needed for the MCAT. What I’m getting at here is that there are good reasons why subjects are ordered in content review books.

The content of one chapter will frequently build from the preceding chapter. Let’s take another look at Physics for an example. One starts with translational motion. The next subject is typically forces which is a form of translational motion. Then, there’s work which advances the topic of forces and applies force by distance. As you can see, each chapter uses the basis of another to present the material in a logical order. Think of it like pyramid. You start with translational motion and then add the bricks of force and work.

Another rationale for a linear schedule is that it must instill the skills necessary to apply knowledge early on. In order to do this, a schedule must start in areas that are strong for the vast majority of students. Beginning with a tough subject does not lay the foundation for application of knowledge because the student is struggling with the content itself. In fact, application of knowledge is the most important factor in MCAT success. Merely knowing the content inside-and-out does not cut it which is why you may see students that ace their classes, but do badly on the MCAT.

Next, there is the topic of confidence. I cannot stress enough the how vital confidence is for this test. Without it, you might as well not take the MCAT. Jumping straight into weak areas destroys one’s confidence. They start questioning whether they actually have the brains to take on the MCAT. Thus, you don’t want to start a schedule by slamming the individual right away. You want to guide the student and help them gain some momentum before tackling their trouble spots.

Also, by placing all of your weaknesses up front, you naturally start studying those topics first. You might be thinking, “Yeah that’s the point.” The problem here is that you may forget those topics by the time your test rolls around. You may even try to subconsciously erase your memory since focusing on all of your weaknesses at once was probably not an enjoyable experience. That’s not to say studying for the MCAT is fun, but you get the picture. Additionally, you might spend too much time on your weaknesses and neglect areas that should be your strengths and end up with more weaknesses.

Finally, there seems to be a misconception that studying linearly means you don’t focus on your weak areas. If you are properly reviewing, you shouldn’t be breezing by your weaknesses. You should read and re-read the chapter as you pound the practice problems. When you thoroughly review your practice problems, if you find you missed a problem purely based on content, you have to go over the topic again. Considering that this might mean you review the chapter several times, you can see how one might spend quite a bit of time on their weaknesses. You would also hit your weaknesses again whenever the topic comes up on a practice FL.

In closing, the above are my reasons for opting for a linear study schedule and why test prep companies may favor them as well.

Wow, that's quite some time you invested in writing this. Unfortunately, I won't be as thorough in my rebuttal.

1. I agree with your reasons for why prep companies follow a linear schedule. Still, one of the main advantages of self study (besides price) is flexibility. Pointing out that test prep companies do it this way is not a good enough reason, IMO, for students to sacrifice their flexibility.
2. You mention that topics often build upon each other. This is a good point. But most MCAT students don't need to rebuild their knowledge from scratch, which is what you're advocating. Why rebuild the house when only the window is broken?
3. As far as confidence goes, I believe students are building a very false sense of confidence by studying topics they already know. If a student scored a 15 on PS and a 7 on BS on an AAMC, do you think it's wise for that student to start reading up on electromagnetism to "build confidence?"
4. If a person is only going to forget a topic a few weeks after he or she does studies it, that's even better reason to study it first! By studying it first, that person now has more time to review it later! If I gave you a list of 1000 words to memorize for a test by the end of the week, would you start alphabetically? Would you start studying the words you already know because the words that you don't know will stay fresher in head because you studied them last? I hope your answer is no.

Finally, I'd like to close by saying this: if you go to the Step I forums and poke around on how med students study for the boards, you'll come across a popular study tactic: the "Taus method." The basic principle of this study schedule is to study weaknesses first, and practice from day 1. I don't think it's bad to adopt this method for the MCAT.

Wow, that's quite some time you invested in writing this. Unfortunately, I won't be as thorough in my rebuttal.

1. I agree with your reasons for why prep companies follow a linear schedule. Still, one of the main advantages of self study (besides price) is flexibility. Pointing out that test prep companies do it this way is not a good enough reason, IMO, for students to sacrifice their flexibility.
2. You mention that topics often build upon each other. This is a good point. But most MCAT students don't need to rebuild their knowledge from scratch, which is what you're advocating. Why rebuild the house when only the window is broken?
3. As far as confidence goes, I believe students are building a very false sense of confidence by studying topics they already know. If a student scored a 15 on PS and a 7 on BS on an AAMC, do you think it's wise for that student to start reading up on electromagnetism to "build confidence?"
4. If a person is only going to forget a topic a few weeks after he or she does studies it, that's even better reason to study it first! By studying it first, that person now has more time to review it later! If I gave you a list of 1000 words to memorize for a test by the end of the week, would you start alphabetically? Would you start studying the words you already know because the words that you don't know will stay fresher in head because you studied them last? I hope your answer is no.

Finally, I'd like to close by saying this: if you go to the Step I forums and poke around on how med students study for the boards, you'll come across a popular study tactic: the "Taus method." The basic principle of this study schedule is to study weaknesses first, and practice from day 1. I don't think it's bad to adopt this method for the MCAT.

wow. I think we are going too deep into something simple. Learn the concepts, whatever is best for each will be fine.

I bet people struggle more with discipline and repetition than linear vs "taus method". There are plenty of people who have scored 40+ studying linearly, and plenty that have studied other ways.

To each his own.