Best way to self study for mcat over the summer?

[afk1994]

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I literally have nothing to do this summer, at least until July so I wanted to start studying for the MCAT. I'm going to be a sophomore next year and have only taken gen chem. what are some effective ways to self study for the MCAT? Are there any particular books you recommend or classes?

Also I am taking anthropology and computer science at my university over the summer. The classes are a joke and don't require any effort. I wanted to take physics or bio, but I was wait listed. Just so you guys don't think I'm completely worthless 🙂

 

[Josh7]

I literally have nothing to do this summer, at least until July so I wanted to start studying for the MCAT. I'm going to be a sophomore next year and have only taken gen chem. what are some effective ways to self study for the MCAT? Are there any particular books you recommend or classes?

Also I am taking anthropology and computer science at my university over the summer. The classes are a joke and don't require any effort. I wanted to take physics or bio, but I was wait listed. Just so you guys don't think I'm completely worthless 🙂

Join in on the fun over at http://forums.studentdoctor.net/forumdisplay.php?f=31

I think a good place to start would be the "Breaking down the MCAT" sticky and see how a lot of people are choosing to study for the MCAT this summer.

 

[exquisitemelody]

I'm not really sure how helpful it'll be to study for the MCAT now since you probably won't take it for a while, right? You'll probably be taking the new MCAT? I would try finding information about that and make sure you'll have the right classes under your belt before you take the MCAT.

I found Berkeley Review to be pretty amazing - the practice questions were really good. I used Princeton Review too (the MCAT course books), but I think BR is better. Those were the only two resources I used.

If you are a flashcard person, maybe what would be good would be to check out Anki, and make flashcards for gen chem and use the program appropriately until you take the MCAT. Maybe it'll work?

 

[dahassa]

Well, you haven't taken physics or biology yet. So, the bulk of the mcat material you have yet to learn. Generally speaking, the verbal is usually the hardest section to improve and it requires tons of practice. Get a Kaplan/Princeton Review/Exam Crackers/Berkely Review verbal practice book and start doing some verbal practice. You could also get a chemistry review book from one of the previously mentioned companies and review chemistry and do some practice problems. Don't wait your time trying to learn mcat bio, physics, or anything else you haven't learned.

 

[TexasSurgeon]

I literally have nothing to do this summer, at least until July so I wanted to start studying for the MCAT. I'm going to be a sophomore next year and have only taken gen chem. what are some effective ways to self study for the MCAT? Are there any particular books you recommend or classes?

Also I am taking anthropology and computer science at my university over the summer. The classes are a joke and don't require any effort. I wanted to take physics or bio, but I was wait listed. Just so you guys don't think I'm completely worthless 🙂

Check out the SN2'd study guide on SDN. However, books may take a while to come in so you may want to volunteer somewhere in the meantime.

Good luck!

 

[sakabato93]

I literally have nothing to do this summer, at least until July so I wanted to start studying for the MCAT. I'm going to be a sophomore next year and have only taken gen chem. what are some effective ways to self study for the MCAT? Are there any particular books you recommend or classes?

Also I am taking anthropology and computer science at my university over the summer. The classes are a joke and don't require any effort. I wanted to take physics or bio, but I was wait listed. Just so you guys don't think I'm completely worthless 🙂

Don't sweat over preparing for the MCAT so much. Volunteer at a hospital and shadow some physicians.

 

[Benedictus123]

Don't sweat over preparing for the MCAT so much. Volunteer at a hospital and shadow some physicians.

Yeah, this is what you should focus on if you haven't already.

The MCAT is a pain in the butt for sure, but when are you going to take it? There really isn't any point in studying for it until you're about 3-4 months away. Especially if you haven't even taken physics or bio yet!

If you're REALLY eager to get started (and hey, you need all the motivation you can summon for that thing), go buy the Berkeley Review. No, seriously - http://www.berkeley-review.com/

Yeah, their website is cheesy and you have to order them through the mail, but it's worth every penny. Easily the best prep books. If you want, you can supplement with Examkrackers. Someone mentioned the EK101 Verbal - that's the best I could find for that section (though honestly the Verbal is probably the most aptitude-y part of the test - some people are just really good at it and while you can practice and improve, it's not nearly as easy as memorizing how to solve a physics or chemistry problem, or knowing what hormone does what).

But seriously, it's way easy to get burned out if you start studying too early. Especially if you haven't even taken any of the classes. ESPECIALLY IF YOU HAVEN'T TAKEN ORGO (though to be fair the MCAT orgo is pretty easy).

 

[cerno]

Don't sweat over preparing for the MCAT so much. Volunteer at a hospital and shadow some physicians.

+1

Not worth studying this early especially if you've only taken gen chem.