Balancing MCAT and work

[EUpremed]

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I have just started studying for the MCAT but have a full time job too. So, I get to study for only a couple of hours/night. I took a diagnostic test and scored terribly (scored a 23). I haven't taken the biology, chemistry, physics, etc. classes for 10 years so I'm pretty rusty. I have to say that I am discouraged.

I am taking an online course from Kaplan right now to help improve my score. Was anyone able to increase their score significantly in 3-4 months (while working a full-time job) or should I aim to take the MCAT next year and keep studying? I'd really like to take the exam in May and apply this year... Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[pramdoc]

I'm in a similar sitution as well, replacing the full time schedule with a part time student. For me, it's discipline. The things I used to do are no longer part of my day (The Office, Espn.com, random computer game, etc...) It's pushing through the material even when you aren't 100% motivated on that particular day. And grinding 2-5 hrs a day. Kaplan's material is good, but no matter what you do, be sure to be taking actual practice tests via the AAMC, or other sources. I assume that the Kaplan course gives you a few practice tests, but if you don't practice with actual material, the time / effort you are putting into the Kaplan class is wasted.

Since I haven't actually seen through the entire duration of studying for the MCAT, I can't say that your path is correct or incorrect, but from what I have read, do not be discouraged if your initial test scores are lower than you would like. From just a month of studying, I have seen significant improvement just from being imersed in the material. A would also recommend a study schedule and a means to record your scores to chart improvement / weak areas.

Finally, I do not know if you have checked out Exam Crackers, but they have an Audio product which I enjoy called Audio Osmosis. Perfect for your drive, waiting for bus, exercising, etc... it gives you MCAT info even when you aren't actually "studying." A forewarning however, the sound effects and their humor is not always that funny, but some of the stuff you can't forget because its so bizzare.

 

[Econ2MD]

I think you may have trouble getting accepted without any recent coursework. A year of upper-level science work would be really valuable, I would think.

A full time job is 40 hours a week. Many people work 60-80 hour workweeks consistently (most physicians do). There's time available in the the day. Even if you spent 8 hours each off day, that's 16 hours a week. Two hours studying each day during the week is 10 hours, three is 15 hours. There's 26-31 hours a week right there, with a full time job.

Do you watch television? Stop. It's a huge time-sucker.

Bottom line...you need to make this pursuit your #1 priority. You need to show admission committees you are 100% dedicated to this path. You need to be 100% dedicated, to a fault.