How do you study for the MCAT with classes

[deleted647690]

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I studied over the summer with the plan to test on September 10th, but I wasn't ready. So my studying is spilling over into the semester. I'm kind of just trying to finish my plan from the summer (I didn't even make it all the way through content review, I was too slow). So I have a few chapters left of each subject, and then I'm not really sure what I am going to do. I guess just go back and review stuff again or something until I can start taking practice exams closer to when I decide to take the exam.

So I was planning on taking a heavy courseload this summer to maximize my GPA, but decided to drop to a light load to accommodate mcat studying. Even with a light load, I'm finding this difficult. I feel like I really want to devote more of my time to making sure I do well in my classes; I don't like the idea that I'm not putting 100% effort into my classes. It makes me feel like I'm behind (I am). I also don't like the fact that I'm not consistently studying for the mcat. I'm still getting used to my new classes, but it feels like I'm just randomly studying when I find time/feel like I have time. How do you balance the two?

 

[summergirl]

If you were not able to finish content review in the time frame that you originally budgeted for the entire MCAT prep, then I'd suggest holding off MCAT studying until next summer, because it sounds like you are someone who needs to have adequate time to do something right. Don't feel bad, it happens to most people, and it personally happened to me twice with the MCAT. I know the ideal plan for most premeds is to study a whole summer for the MCAT, take it right before September, get a good score and never having to worry about it again. In reality, it just doesn't happen that perfectly for most people. In your situation, I'd try to get a bit of MCAT studying done over the year, like at least finish content review and do some practice questions to keep your knowledge in check for the year, then when the spring semester ends next year, start FLs, and take it in late May or early June. You can still be in the first batch of applicants next year.

 

[Vladimir7]

I actually have this same question, I plan to take the MCAT in May 2017 (so its ready for application in June'17) That means i have to study winter/spring quarters when i'll have classes on the side. So basically December to May of classes + MCAT. Actually we have a 4 week winter break all through december and i plan to spend that whole time studying for the test.

Would be nice to know if people have been successful taking classes and studying for MCAT

 

[deleted647690]

If you were not able to finish content review in the time frame that you originally budgeted for the entire MCAT prep, then I'd suggest holding off MCAT studying until next summer, because it sounds like you are someone who needs to have adequate time to do something right. Don't feel bad, it happens to most people, and it personally happened to me twice with the MCAT. I know the ideal plan for most premeds is to study a whole summer for the MCAT, take it right before September, get a good score and never having to worry about it again. In reality, it just doesn't happen that perfectly for most people. In your situation, I'd try to get a bit of MCAT studying done over the year, like at least finish content review and do some practice questions to keep your knowledge in check for the year, then when the spring semester ends next year, start FLs, and take it in late May or early June. You can still be in the first batch of applicants next year.

Wouldn't you forget most of the information if you just lightly studied over the whole year?

 

[deleted647690]

If you were not able to finish content review in the time frame that you originally budgeted for the entire MCAT prep, then I'd suggest holding off MCAT studying until next summer, because it sounds like you are someone who needs to have adequate time to do something right. Don't feel bad, it happens to most people, and it personally happened to me twice with the MCAT. I know the ideal plan for most premeds is to study a whole summer for the MCAT, take it right before September, get a good score and never having to worry about it again. In reality, it just doesn't happen that perfectly for most people. In your situation, I'd try to get a bit of MCAT studying done over the year, like at least finish content review and do some practice questions to keep your knowledge in check for the year, then when the spring semester ends next year, start FLs, and take it in late May or early June. You can still be in the first batch of applicants next year.

And yes, you are correct. Unfortunately, I am very slow when it comes to getting things done. I'm extremely detail oriented, and I know that's not what's needed for this test. However, it bothers me when I don't spend a lot of time doing things