Breaking Down the MCAT: A 3 Month MCAT Study Schedule

[Chai Tea Latte]

SN2ed,

Just wondering if I could use the online Kaplan Science Review, Kaplan course books, and question bank with this study schedule, or if you recommend the BR and EK materials instead. Thanx.

[hopslam]

Did anyone study for significantly less than 3 months on here? That seems like an awfully long time.

[capn jazz]

3 months is the average time. I, too, once thought it seemed like a long time... but now I'm at the end of month 2 out of 4 and I feel like I barely have enough time. 3 months is the MINIMUM most people can put in.

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by Chai Tea Latte

SN2ed,

Just wondering if I could use the online Kaplan Science Review, Kaplan course books, and question bank with this study schedule, or if you recommend the BR and EK materials instead. Thanx.

Yes, I'd go with BR and EK instead. I didn't like Kaplan's course books. Their online practice material is solid though.

Originally Posted by hopslam

Did anyone study for significantly less than 3 months on here? That seems like an awfully long time.

3-5 months, usually 3, is the standard. There have only been a few rare instances where I've seen under 3 months work.

[loveoforganic]

Just started your schedule today! One thing I think should be added is to read the EK Math/Verbal strategies on your first day.

[dragon529]

What would be a good complement to the EK 101? The TPR hyperlearning verbal workbook is only available if you take the class... so that's not a good option...
Has anyone tried TBR's verbal?

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by loveoforganic

Just started your schedule today! One thing I think should be added is to read the EK Math/Verbal strategies on your first day.

There were a couple reasons why I didn't include it. First, the cost. I was trying hard to eliminate as much of the cost as possible. Secondly, strategies for both math and verbal can easily be found on SDN. For instance, Vihsadas's verbal guide, which I linked to in my schedule, is great. For math, it's really just a matter of rounding. I added a note to remind people to round like crazy. I'll probably add a link to the math tips thread sometime.

Also, tell me how everything works out for you

Originally Posted by dragon529

What would be a good complement to the EK 101? The TPR hyperlearning verbal workbook is only available if you take the class... so that's not a good option...
Has anyone tried TBR's verbal?

BR verbal is your next best bet.

[dragon529]

i actually got a used TPR verbal workbook from my friend, so I'm going to erase the answers and use it as verbal practice.
Would you recommend working from TPR verbal first or EK 101?

[geh926]

I know it's advised to use 3 months as the minimum amount of time studying, but do you think it's possible to divide the 90 days in half and double the workload each day?
I have no obligations at all until my July 2nd Mcat date and plan to start studying this coming Monday after my finals are over. I'd really like to use this and already have most of the books required, any suggestions?

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by dragon529

i actually got a used TPR verbal workbook from my friend, so I'm going to erase the answers and use it as verbal practice.
Would you recommend working from TPR verbal first or EK 101?

Make sure you erase everything well and do NOT ask how your friend did on those problems. It will affect your judgment if you found out. You might want to work through primarily through TPR first with some EK days thrown in. Then, when you're closer to your test date, switch the emphasis to EK. The reason behind this is that the TPR scores don't have as much predictive power as EK in your case because you'll see the passages and questions when you go through erasing everything.

Originally Posted by geh926

I know it's advised to use 3 months as the minimum amount of time studying, but do you think it's possible to divide the 90 days in half and double the workload each day?
I have no obligations at all until my July 2nd Mcat date and plan to start studying this coming Monday after my finals are over. I'd really like to use this and already have most of the books required, any suggestions?

No, you can't. There aren't enough hours in a day to double everything. Regardless, it's a horrible idea to cut your study time that much. Take it when you can spend the appropriate amount of time. Rushing this test will only bring you failure.

[cgk]

How many hours in total should one devote to the 3 month study schedule in order for the program to be most High Yeilding?

[loveoforganic]

4 hours a day seems to be about what it's taking me, on average.

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by cgk

How many hours in total should one devote to the 3 month study schedule in order for the program to be most High Yeilding?

The way I calculated it for chapter days:

2-3 hours for reading the chapter
18-20 minutes to take 3 timed verbal passages (you're working towards 6 minutes per passage or 18 minutes)
1 hour to review verbal passages from previous day
21-35 minutes for BR chapter questions or EK (depends on how passages per chapter or whether you're doing the 30 minutes EK chapter test)
1-1.5 hours to review chapter questions

Total, using high numbers = 6.5 hours
Total, using low numbers = 5 hours

The biggest factor though, is how fast you read. If you can finish a chapter in 1 hour, then adjust the times accordingly. Just do NOT speed read/glance through the pages. You want to read so you understand what's going on.

So the timing shouldn't make for a grueling day. You're working hard for 5-6.5 hours on most days. Though on some of the days, it will be closer to 8. Also, if you need to double check the timing, make sure to check out the first post. It lists the timing for all the practice problems.

[stardust44]

Hey guys, Thanks for this schedule! I'm sorry if this sounds silly, but what does "hat trick" mean in the sample study schedules? Would you do sample passages from PS,VR, and BS? Just thought I'd clarify. Thanks in advance :-)

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by stardust44

Hey guys, Thanks for this schedule! I'm sorry if this sounds silly, but what does "hat trick" mean in the sample study schedules? Would you do sample passages from PS,VR, and BS? Just thought I'd clarify. Thanks in advance :-)

Glad you liked the schedule. The Hat Trick is explained in the first post.

[stardust44]

Originally Posted by SN2ed

Glad you liked the schedule. The Hat Trick is explained in the first post.

Haha. Yeah I just saw that :-) Oops. Thanks!

[dragon529]

quick question... how do i divide the passages in EK bio 1001? There are 9 chapters and each chapter has like 11 passages..?

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by dragon529

quick question... how do i divide the passages in EK bio 1001? There are 9 chapters and each chapter has like 11 passages..?

For the chapters, just follow the schedule. About the number of passages, just do every third passage. For instance,

First third take passages 1, 4, 7, 10
2nd third take passages 2, 5, 8, 11
If there was a last third, the passages would be 3, 6, 9

Originally Posted by Craigslist

Why do you review previous days passages instead of reviewing the same day?

There are a couple reasons why I advise reviewing passages the day after. First, it helps to go over the material again, especially in regards to the sciences. Secondly, directly after you take a set of practice problems, you aren't in the best mind frame to then analyze said problems. Your mind is too focused on what you completed and is unable to grasp the big picture. You need that day for your thoughts to settle in order to approach the analysis with the right mindset. It's similar to how you may make a decision one day. Then the next day, you realize that it wasn't the best choice. Yet, on the day you made your choice, you would have probably found justification for it rather than actually analyzing its pros and cons.

Another example would be with proof-reading your own papers. Right after you write your paper, when you proof-read it, you'll probably miss plenty of mistakes. However, checking it the next day allows you to approach the paper with a clear mind and find more mistakes.

[pakbabydoll]

Question: I have not taken orgo two yet... I could potentially study this summer (3 months) for MCAT (I am taking orgo two in fall) and take the test in fall.. How important is orgo 2 for MCAT? I have a full schedule in both fall and spring so I won't get to study and I have to apply in May 2010. What should I do?!?!

[SN2ed]

Made some changes.

[loveoforganic]

Originally Posted by SN2ed

EK 1001 Bio is easy

You're a ****. lol

[Rdavido]

I've adapted this in to an Excel Spreadsheet. The starting day is set for tomorrow. Adapt this to your own needs.

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by Rdavido

I've adapted this in to an Excel Spreadsheet. The starting day is set for tomorrow. Adapt this to your own needs.

Just to note, this schedule does not completely follow my schedule. Great job on writing that up

[Rdavido]

Also, my BR books wont' be in until sometime late next week (hopefully). Meanwhile, I have all the EK books and Nova's Phys. Is there anything to supplement in the meantime?

[Rdavido]

Correct, I modified it to suit my needs, since I'm taking it on Aug 21. For those who use it, incorporate the missing 2 days. Also, this is based on the 3 month technique.

There are 3 books within the spreadsheet to track your scores and progresses if you wish to do that.

[phEight]

Do you guys use the lecture schedule in that pdf that's lingering around here for TBR, or do you guys just tackle each section in one day? Most of the physics in the pdf is just one section per lecture, however for general chemistry it's different. There are still a total of 10 lectures but the passages and material isn't just from one section. For example, for the equilibrium section the pdf says equilibrium and kinetics, and doesn't included solubility (which is in section 3 titled equilibrium). I also couldn't finish an entire section in one day... some is just too much for me to go through in a single day so the schedule is kinda off for me now, but that's alright... just doing some adjustments here and there. Since my BR orgo book / EK bio book still isn't in I've just been alternating days for physics and gchem. The books should be in soon, when they are I'll just start alternating all 4 subjects and finish up with the missed orgo/bio stuff.

Awesome excel sheet btw Rdavido

[LadyK]

Hey OP, just curiousity here, but would you mind sharing your score?

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by LadyK

Hey OP, just curiousity here, but would you mind sharing your score?

Unfortunately, I don't want to share my score. I want my posts to stand on their own. I remember when I first joined, some people were going, "well I got a 38, so my advice is better than your's." A high MCAT score does not necessarily transfer to good MCAT advice. Besides, it's very easy for people to lie about their score on a message board. The bottom line is that I hope my advice is helpful without the pretense of my MCAT score.

Thanks for understanding.

[Led Z MD]

This Schedule is amazing!! Thank you so much for taking the time to create it and post it!

I've done lots of research throughout SDN trying to find a good schedule that incorporates the best study material and it’s safe to say that this is by far the most comprehensive and thorough. I’m definitely going to use it to prepare for my sept 1st MCAT!!!

I have a couple of questions for S2DN:
I ordered the PR hyperlearning verbal and all the BR books you recommended and they’ll arrive within a week. So that puts me 5 days behind schedule. I have all the EK review books, the EK 101 Verbal, all the 1001 Q books and NOVA’s Physics.

How would you recommend I use this material in the meantime??

I was thinking of using the EK Bio to review and do the exercises you suggested for the first week, do 3 passages a day from EK verbal and going through some of the topics covered in the first week of the schedule using the EK books.

Is this a good approach?? Could you suggest a better one?

Also, I'm sure you're familiar with the Audio Osmosis series, how could I incorporate it into this study schedule?

Thanks in advanced for your help

[LoveWalk]

Originally Posted by SN2ed

Unfortunately, I don't want to share my score. I want my posts to stand on their own. I remember when I first joined, some people were going, "well I got a 38, so my advice is better than your's." A high MCAT score does not necessarily transfer to good MCAT advice. Besides, it's very easy for people to lie about their score on a message board. The bottom line is that I hope my advice is helpful without the pretense of my MCAT score.

Thanks for understanding.

I will say that I don't think anyone can go wrong using the 3 month schedule you have put forth...but it could be excessive for some...

PM if you have a relatively unique situation in that you have just finished your prereqs...I have something that might work a little faster...

BUT ONLY if a lot of the information is fresh in your mind

[FeralisExtremum]

Originally Posted by SN2ed

Unfortunately, I don't want to share my score. I want my posts to stand on their own. I remember when I first joined, some people were going, "well I got a 38, so my advice is better than your's." A high MCAT score does not necessarily transfer to good MCAT advice. Besides, it's very easy for people to lie about their score on a message board. The bottom line is that I hope my advice is helpful without the pretense of my MCAT score.

Thanks for understanding.

I would at least provide a range or some type of minimum - concept is good, but seeing accomplishment as a result of it would probably bolster people's faith in your study plan.

[SN2ed]

Led Z MD: That sounds like a fine plan. Once you get your BR books this week, read the BR chapters on Day 6. This might take you a little bit longer than usual since it will be your first time reading them. After that, just follow the guide as scheduled. Note that you will complete 2/3 of the passages covered by first chapters the BR books. If you run into some problems with the first chapter topics covered in the various BR books, go through the first 1/3 of the passages.

After you're done for the day, listen to the corresponding Audio Osmosis section. Make sure you actively listen to it. In other words, don't try to watch TV and listen to AO or fall asleep listening to it. Actively listen to AO and try to draw a mental picture of whatever they're talking about. It helps if you also think about how the equations are changing. For instance, when you draw your mental picture, think about the equation variable relationships (ex. "well they're talking about lowering this variable which would change this value because of this for this reason").


LoveWalk: I think you should also tell the person that if they don't see a large improvement in three tests, they should alter their schedule to a normal study schedule (ie 3-4 months).

[Kaushik]

Hi SN2ed, thanks for an amazing thread! I appreciate the time and thought you put into making this. I have a few questions regarding some of the practice materials. I'm currently taking a Kaplan class so I have access to their online QBank, etc. so instead of getting the EK1001 series for the subjects other than Bio, I'm thinking of just using the online Kaplan stuff instead. Same with the verbal section; instead of getting the TPR Hyperlearning Verbal, I'm planning on just using the online verbal stuff from Kaplan. I feel like that should work fine; what do you think?

Also, I'm in sort of the same predicament as Led Z MD. I'm signed up to take the MCAT on Aug. 21, but I didn't come across this thread until recently. I've been reading the Kaplan books so far but I like your schedule better than the schedule the class follows so I'm thinking of following this instead. The problem is that my TBR books won't arrive till this Tuesday and as of today, I have 82 days (including today) before my MCAT. For today, I was just thinking of doing EKBio lecture 1 and the corresponding questions and continue reading the PS lectures from my Kaplan books. How would you suggest I compensate for losing 10 days off the 90 day schedule? I noticed you mentioned earlier that we shouldn't do 2 days' worth of material in one day but based on your calculations on how long the chapter days take (6.5 hrs on the high end), it would be possible to do 2 days in one; do you recommend not doing it just because you don't want to overload on information in one day? Otherwise, I'll have to study on some of the break days also in order to compensate for the loss of some days.

[phEight]

Originally Posted by Kaushik

I noticed you mentioned earlier that we shouldn't do 2 days' worth of material in one day but based on your calculations on how long the chapter days take (6.5 hrs on the high end), it would be possible to do 2 days in one; do you recommend not doing it just because you don't want to overload on information in one day? Otherwise, I'll have to study on some of the break days also in order to compensate for the loss of some days.

Some sections are longer than others. There are a few shorter sections in physics, such as equilibrium & momentum and some others I can't really remember, but you could knock out two sections a day for these shorter ones.

[FaLoRe]

Originally Posted by SN2ed

- Day 8: Complete second 1/3 of BR passages for the previous 5 chapters . I’m going to shorten this to: “Complete second 1/3 of BR passages”

I think this may just be an error but what if we don't have BR Bio and can't do the passages? Do we just refer back to the EK 1001? Thanks!

[SN2ed]

Kaushik: For the sciences, that works out fine. For verbal, don't use Kaplan and get the TPR Hyperlearning Verbal Workbook. Kaplan is bad in verbal because it doesn't stress the same things as the actual MCAT. For the MCAT, the main idea and author's point of view/opinion are the keys to success. Conversely, Kaplan focuses more on the detail oriented questions; the kind of questions which make you go back over the passage to find the minute detail being tested. On the MCAT, going back to the passages will kill your timing. Furthermore, you rarely receive such questions and when you do get them, they can typically be answered with the main idea or author's opinion.

The main reason behind not doubling up is that I find people stop absorbing material after a certain amount of time. Many people think they can study 12 hours a day, but simply reading through a book doesn't mean much if you don't remember it. Now if you're pressed for time, what you may want to do is look through the various chapters and find the short ones. I know EK Bio had a couple REALLY short chapters. It would probably be okay to double up on those chapters since reading both of them shouldn't take very long. However, I don't think there are enough short chapters to make up 10 days. You could also try splitting up a chapter over the course of 2-3 days. Doing so will allow you to complete the daily schedule, catch up, and not add on too much time. I think splitting up a chapter is probably the better overall choice.

Still, it is best not to double up on work done per day.

FaLoRe: Whoops. Good job catching that. It should be 3 for BR Physics, Gen Chem and O-chem.

[Kaushik]

Thanks for the response SN2ed and phEight. I was planning on doing the spreading out of the chapters I missed over several days thing. Unfortunately, it's gonna take me a little while to be completely caught up. Plus, I gotta start searching for a TPR book I guess heh.

PS. SN2ed, the organic chem books from TBR have 8 sections now, not 7. I received my TBR books this week. Just giving you a heads up since the schedule follows 7 orgo chapters.

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by Kaushik

PS. SN2ed, the organic chem books from TBR have 8 sections now, not 7. I received my TBR books this week. Just giving you a heads up since the schedule follows 7 orgo chapters.

Thanks for the heads up. I made the change.

[Fudge]

hi SN2ed,

I actually prefer to focus on one subject at a time, complete it and then move on to the next subject. I'm just used to studying like this in the past for other exams. So for the MCAT, I would like to get through all of biology and then move on to chemistry and so on. Also, the material is far from fresh for me, so focusing on just one subject seems less intimidating. What's your opinion on this?

[Shawnpremed]

Thanks for this post SN2ed! I wish I could invest more in these different books but I already paid for TPR.

But on avg how many hrs per day do you study during the 3 months?

Is 5-6 hrs enough outside of class?

[pookiez88]

Does anyone else review their full lengths right after they take them, on the same day? I never saw the need to set aside the whole next day to review them...

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by Fudge

hi SN2ed,

I actually prefer to focus on one subject at a time, complete it and then move on to the next subject. I'm just used to studying like this in the past for other exams. So for the MCAT, I would like to get through all of biology and then move on to chemistry and so on. Also, the material is far from fresh for me, so focusing on just one subject seems less intimidating. What's your opinion on this?

I think rotating subjects is better for a couple reasons. First, it keeps material from the different areas fresh. Often times, concepts in one chapter build upon another. It also lessens the chance of forgetting what you've already studied. By studying all of one area and then moving on, you lack exposure to that topic for the remainder of your content review which leads to forgetting that area. Lastly, rotating subjects fosters connections between the different topics. One of the biggest aspects of the MCAT is connecting various topics together in any given passage. By rotating, you can easily begin to see connections as you complete content review from different areas. If you were only studying one subject, such connections would not be as evident.

Originally Posted by Shawnpremed

Thanks for this post SN2ed! I wish I could invest more in these different books but I already paid for TPR.

But on avg how many hrs per day do you study during the 3 months?

Is 5-6 hrs enough outside of class?

It depends on what TPR books you bought. If they're TPR Hyperlearning, you're good. If it's the big book, you have to get additional material because that book is pretty much worthless. It doesn't come close to TPR's Hyperlearning series.

Time-wise, it should be enough. However, you run a VERY high chance of burning out if you take a summer course (which is usually intense) and study for the MCAT. Furthermore, you have to remember that you will probably have tons of homework for the summer course. For that reason, I do NOT suggest you take the MCAT with a summer course. There have been many people who have had to retake because they attempted such a feat.

Originally Posted by pookiez88

Does anyone else review their full lengths right after they take them, on the same day? I never saw the need to set aside the whole next day to review them...

Your review should take a day or two. Well, roughly 10-15 hours. If you aren't spending at least 2 times longer reviewing your practice material than taking it, you aren't doing a thorough enough job.

[Longshanks]

Where have people been purchasing the TPR Hyperlearning books? There are some on amazon but they seem rather disorganized on the site or not very recent. Anyone know what year the current edition is?

[jryckman3]

Originally Posted by Longshanks

Where have people been purchasing the TPR Hyperlearning books? There are some on amazon but they seem rather disorganized on the site or not very recent. Anyone know what year the current edition is?

I'm pretty sure they update them every year - fortunately, my roomate paid for the course and is letting me use his TPR hyperlearning books and they are 2009. Before I figured out he had them, I looked everywhere, and people charge an arm and a leg for them. It doesn't quite seem worth the price.

Now, the real question is.. What hat should I use??

[SN2ed]

Originally Posted by Longshanks

Where have people been purchasing the TPR Hyperlearning books? There are some on amazon but they seem rather disorganized on the site or not very recent. Anyone know what year the current edition is?

You can find them on here from time to time. For Amazon, just check the seller's rating. If it's good, I'd get the book from them.

[loveoforganic]

Halfway through content review. The EK 1001 days really suck. It's going to end up being something like an 11 hour day today =/ Mostly because I'm poor in bio and reread all the chapters though, I guess.

[SN2ed]

Where is most of the time spent on those days? I didn't think re-reading the chapters would take too much time since you've seen it all before. How are the other days?

[loveoforganic]

Personally, it's reviewing bio lectures. I skim the previous chapters that I'm not answering questions on, and give a good reread of the chapter that I'm doing. Today's particularly bad for me because it happens that I'm doing 2 chapters of EK Bio. Doing the third of the passages and discretes takes about 40 minutes, reviewing the answers is variable, but say about 25 minutes.

For the other subjects, EK 1001 physics can be pretty time intensive, both doing problems and reviewing them, just because you really need to look into the problem to see what's going on if you get something wrong, you're still working on memorizing the formulas, etc.

[SN2ed]

Ah. That explains it. On the bright side, you should have a break day soon.

[loveoforganic]

Not until sunday