How long does it take to increase score 20+ points?

[premedliz]

I just took the Kaplan full length practice test. Thought this would be a good place to start and see what I need to focus on. I got a 482 (4th percentile YIKES). I’ve been doing my MPH, so I’ve been out of STEM classes for 2 years.

I don’t need to take the exam until March, is this enough time to raise my score to a 510?

I know it’s a big jump, but I feel like I’m starting to study pretty early, since I need to relearn everything! Also, any study advice/ material recommendations would be appreciated 🙂

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[JimKimSlim]

I wouldn’t worry to much over a third party practice FL. Some of them make them hard intentionally to make you spend more money on their products. Just go at your own pace, and I wouldn’t worry until you take your first AAMC FL exams.

 

[GreenDuck12]

I agree with Jim, 3rd party exams are great for practice but not for approximating a score. In terms of how long it will take, no one can really know for sure. One of my students went from a sub 500 to a 520 in 6 weeks with 10+ hours of studying per day, I’ve had others who have gone from 500 to 506 in 4 months. It really depends on your needs, how effective you are with your time, how well you read and analyze passages, etc. I usually tell folks I work with to aim for between 300-500 hours of prep, ideally over no more than 4 months.

 

[Blueprint Med School]

If it's been a while since your last STEM class, then a low score should be expected. Once you do content review, you should see a pretty massive score increase.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

 

[premedliz]

I wouldn’t worry to much over a third party practice FL. Some of them make them hard intentionally to make you spend more money on their products. Just go at your own pace, and I wouldn’t worry until you take your first AAMC FL exams.

Thank you so much! This makes me feel so much better!

 

[premedliz]

I agree with Jim, 3rd party exams are great for practice but not for approximating a score. In terms of how long it will take, no one can really know for sure. One of my students went from a sub 500 to a 520 in 6 weeks with 10+ hours of studying per day, I’ve had others who have gone from 500 to 506 in 4 months. It really depends on your needs, how effective you are with your time, how well you read and analyze passages, etc. I usually tell folks I work with to aim for between 300-500 hours of prep, ideally over no more than 4 months.

Got it. That's gonna be a lot with my Masters and work, but I'll make it happen.

 

[premedliz]

If it's been a while since your last STEM class, then a low score should be expected. Once you do content review, you should see a pretty massive score increase.

Kevin W, MCAT Tutor
Med School Tutors

Thank you so much! I feel like just studying this past week, so much has come back to me.