How long should I study for the MCAT?

[Fete]

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I hear a lot of people on this board saying they studied for 6 or 5 months, but after skimming through some practice MCAT exams I think I can take the test after 2 months of studying. I took plenty of advanced science classes like Biochemistry, Pharmacology, Evolution, Molecular Biology, Mammalian Physiology, Genetics, Immunology and Microbiology as an Undergrad.

I plan on taking the MCAT 2014.

 

[kavorca]

With all those upper level classes, they may let you go straight to med school, so don't waste 2 months studying.

 

[Fete]

With all those upper level classes, they may let you go straight to med school, so don't waste 2 months studying.

?? Please elaborate

 

[NoDakDok]

?? Please elaborate

(S)He's being sarcastic because you are coming off as rather pretentious.

You can study for as long (or as short) as you want. The only person who can determine your preparedness is yourself. Your practice tests are the best objective measure of your preparedness, with the most recent AAMC tests being the most similar to the current exam. If you are consistently receiving the score you aim to receive, that's when you should be taking the exam. For some people that's after a month of studying, for most it's several months.

Keep in mind, the MCAT is more about knowing how to take the exam (time management and critical thinking based on given information) than simply knowing the material that is expected to be known. The latter is actually a rather small part of it, as very little if any is simply "What is X?" Basically means extensive upper level coursework doesn't necessarily mean you're more prepared than someone with just the prereqs.

 

[What's Up Doc]

?? Please elaborate

It was a joke newbie 🤣

 

[Premixis]

If you did well in your pre-med required classes and can refresh your memory quickly on the concepts that were taught, you should be able to review all of the content in about one month and then spend the next month doing practice tests and reviewing your weak points. It really depends on the individual.

 

[pepocho]

.

 

[claduva94]

Funny how the MCAT covers more than Bio...The courses you listed aren't relevant to over half the test. I'd gauge where you stand with verbal before deciding how much work you have left to do.

 

[Mr Roboto]

I studied for 3 weeks. It depends on you.

 

[What's Up Doc]

I studied for 3 weeks. It depends on you.

Score?

 

[Mr Roboto]

33

Score?

 

[allantois]

33

Did you take any upper level bio classes?

 

[Mr Roboto]

I'd taken histo, no other upper-level bio.

Did you take any upper level bio classes?

 

[What's Up Doc]

I'd taken histo, no other upper-level bio.

Do you think you could have absolutely killed had you studied for like 2 or 3 months?

 

[kmp0410]

4 months max. And that's with a lengthy content review. I studied for 3 1/2 months and had been away from the prereqs for about 3 years. I would think 2 months is a good time if the pre reqs are fresh. I just think an even split of review and practice is a good plan.

That said, some of this depends on how much time you have to study.

 

[looncat]

I also studied for 2 months, and I was in school at the time so it's definitely doable but depends on the person. Also, all those classes you listed are absolutely irrelevant and probably won't be all that helpful.

 

[Mr Roboto]

My last four practice MCATs ranged 37-39, and it wouldn't have surprised me to have scored similarly on the real thing. Not sure whether more time would've solidified concepts, by the end of the three weeks it was starting to feel like I was racing to re-learn faster than I was forgetting 🙂

Do you think you could have absolutely killed had you studied for like 2 or 3 months?

 

[Aerus]

I feel like studying for longer than 4 months is unnecessary, as you start to forget the review you did in the first month after that. Dedicate a full 3-4 months to studying and that should be enough to get a good score (assuming you are a reasonably decent test taker).

 

[popopopop]

Take the free AAMC 3 and report back : ).

 

[Mr Roboto]

And be aware that it is by far the easiest of the AAMC practice exams.

Take the free AAMC 3 and report back : ).

 

[AlphaKY1]

I went the 3 week route, as well. Spent 2 weeks on material; then a week on practice exams. Depends on your study habits.

 

[DirkN]

At least 3 months, and try to spend the last month just doing practice tests daily.

 

[Osteoth]

And be aware that it is by far the easiest of the AAMC practice exams.

Depends on your strenghts, wasn't for me.

 

[Nadim012]

With all those upper level classes, they may let you go straight to med school, so don't waste 2 months studying.

lol

 

[Nadim012]

I think it really depends on the person and their study habits and how they process their test taking skills, so it varies. If you think you will get a good score, take it.

 

[IL Pre Med]

With your background I'd recommend 2-3 weeks with the last 4 days doing practice tests. You sound like you have an excellent background in the sciences unlike all of us here.

 

[Plecopotamus]

Asking other people how much you should study for an exam is silly. There are people who bust butt for a year and still can't get a decent score. There are people who don't study at all and do well. Only you can figure out which one of those you are.