2 months of study time for MCAT enough time?

[deleted244469]

Is 2 months of study time enough for the MCAT? I have taken all of my core science classes in the last year (over 8 semesters, including summer). I will be finishing BioChem and Physics 2 this current semester. Since I have taken everything so recently, it should be fairly fresh in my mind. Not to mention, I was a psychology major for UG, so I have a lot of that information drilled into my skull. Just looking for opinions, I guess

Is it doable?

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[allantois]

I'm sure it has been done, but you are really pushing yourself. More ideal timeline would be 3-4 months commitment free.

 

[Cawolf]

With recent content courses, absolutely.

Content review should have little value (if it isn't then you need more time) so you can focus on passages, MCAT style questions, and CARS. I wouldn't ignore content review, but skim the books for major topics to make sure you know what you need to know.

 

[jamcat]

I think it really depends on the person. I did it in less than 2 months with a full-time job and was fine. Others might need more time. I think the best way to gauge whether it's doable is to take a practice test and see where you stand currently. Good luck!

 

[UBC2014]

Definitely do-able and depends on what other commitments you have.

If you have minimal other commitments -2 months is an abundance of time.

More ideal timeline would be 3-4 months commitment free.

And another person perpetuating these unnecessarily excessive timelines. 3-4 months should only be "ideal" if someone is working full-time or otherwise has other draining commitments that take time out of the week.

3-4 months "commitment free" - aka only eat, sleep, socialize and MCAT is EXCESSIVE.

 

[deleted244469]

Definitely do-able and depends on what other commitments you have.

If you have minimal other commitments -2 months is an abundance of time.




And another person perpetuating these unnecessarily excessive timelines. 3-4 months should only be "ideal" if someone is working full-time or otherwise has other draining commitments that take time out of the week.

3-4 months "commitment free" - aka only eat, sleep, socialize and MCAT is EXCESSIVE.

Thanks for the info. FYI, yes I will be commitment free. Just MCAT prep, eating, breathing and sleeping.

 

[UBC2014]

Thanks for the info. FYI, yes I will be commitment free. Just MCAT prep, eating, breathing and sleeping.

If that's the case, then just make sure you set a solid schedule - sometimes having the feeling of "too much time" can lead to a lot of wasted time when you don't have the pressure on you.

Get content review out of the way in the first week, go hardcore and just read and filter through it - don't worry about memorizing and "knowing it all" - you will never know it all to the level that you want. spend that first 50 hours in week 1, and then take the weekend off - and then just start doing as many practice problems as possible for a while, and learning content through practice.

Then move on to practice tests and prosper.

Definitely try to use that time to maybe run or do some form of exercise that will keep your blood flowing and life bearable while you study that much.

 

[j306c954]

Probably not. It's only like 50% actually knowing material, the rest of it is just understanding the test...strategy, question format, structure, timing, etc...I too took all my core science classes. Behavioral neuroscience major so lots of psych. 3.94 GPA. Had 3 months to study and spent about 6-8 hour 6 days a week studying. Took the MCAT and did awful...twice...coming up on my 3rd time and focusing more on strategy than content.

I highly highly advise against only spending 2 months. 3 months is like the bare minimum IMO.

 

[UBC2014]

Probably not. It's only like 50% actually knowing material, the rest of it is just understanding the test...strategy, question format, structure, timing, etc...I too took all my core science classes. Behavioral neuroscience major so lots of psych. 3.94 GPA. Had 3 months to study and spent about 6-8 hour 6 days a week studying. Took the MCAT and did awful...twice...coming up on my 3rd time and focusing more on strategy than content.

I highly highly advise against only spending 2 months. 3 months is like the bare minimum IMO.

I suppose it is really dependent on the individual, but I am strongly against people saying "3 months bare minimum" blah blah, it is really dependent on the individual.

For some a few weeks is enough to understand the test, for some 3 months isn't even enough.

It just scares me a little for the people whom 3 months isn't enough - but yet on average you are allotted significantly less dedicated study time for the Board Exams - which are significantly harder exams..... Not intended to put anyone down, just raising awareness that you need to seek some learning support at your school to find the right study methods that work for you.

 

[j306c954]

True I will agree with you there, because clearly 3 months wasn't enough for me haha

 

[UBC2014]

True I will agree with you there, because clearly 3 months wasn't enough for me haha

I think the biggest thing is that people who take alot of time, are just not studying the right way that resonates with them. And spending too much time on content review, and not actual practice (doing problems should be 80% of your time spent, inclusive of analyzing the problems you've done.).

 

[mcatjelly]

I think the biggest thing is that people who take alot of time, are just not studying the right way that resonates with them. And spending too much time on content review, and not actual practice (doing problems should be 80% of your time spent, inclusive of analyzing the problems you've done.).

Agreed. My best friend studied for the MCAT for 6 weeks--1 week on content review, 5 weeks on practice problems--and ended up with a 37.

 

[j306c954]

That was my problem I believe. I focused too much on content. This time I'm spending most of my focus on strategy.