Light MCAT studying a year in advance?

[Swagster]

---

Members do not see this ad.

I hope this hasn't been posted before, but I did a search and couldn't find the answer I was looking for.

I'd like to do some light MCAT prep work this summer, although I don't plan to take the test until next year. I want to review the material and practice with some questions (not too many), without wasting review materials that I'll need when I study hardcore. I've been told to save the practice tests until I'm really getting ready.

I have read tons of threads about which materials are best and was thinking of starting with a hybrid of SN2ed's list. I'll get the best two books for each subject. For those of you who have read through more than one book for the subjects, which one is the best to start with and which one should be saved for the last few months?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Don Draper]

I wouldn't.

Do well in your courses then clear out 8-12 weeks before the exam. Work hard then.

 

[SN2ed]

I have more than 4 months until my test, is there anything you suggest?

There are two things you might want to consider. First, aim for mastery of the material in all of your pre-reqs. Don't go simply for the A. Know the material cold. Next, is reading various materials. Here's my suggested reading list:

Wall Street Journal
New Yorker
Economist
Random science journals

For philosophy articles, I suggest you go to your library or bookstore and pick up a compilation book on Western or Eastern philosophy.

Remember to read the boring articles as well as the interesting ones. Chances are your MCAT verbal passages won't be the most exciting read.

 

[Swagster]

I wouldn't.

Do well in your courses then clear out 8-12 weeks before the exam. Work hard then.

I have time this summer, so I'm not sure why you think it wouldn't be worth it to spend maybe five to ten hours a week reviewing? At the very least, I'll be able to make my study time next summer more efficient.

 

[Swagster]

I have more than 4 months until my test, is there anything you suggest?

There are two things you might want to consider. First, aim for mastery of the material in all of your pre-reqs. Don't go simply for the A. Know the material cold. Next, is reading various materials. Here's my suggested reading list:

Wall Street Journal
New Yorker
Economist
Random science journals

For philosophy articles, I suggest you go to your library or bookstore and pick up a compilation book on Western or Eastern philosophy.

Remember to read the boring articles as well as the interesting ones. Chances are your MCAT verbal passages won't be the most exciting read.

Thanks for the well thought reply. I've really appreciated reading your comments.

I'm not too worried about verbal reasoning. My SAT went well and I tend to do okay on standardized reading tests. I'll start reading articles like those when I'm a little closer to my study time.

I like your idea of knowing things cold, but I'm limited in that I haven't taken about half of the classes covered by the MCAT. I plan to review the topics I know well, but I don't want to use my textbooks again. I'd rather review things from MCAT materials.

I look at the Question and Answer forum here and see if I can answer the questions. That's been surprisingly helpful and encouraging. I'm looking to do things like that over the next year before sitting down and really getting after it.

 

[Don Draper]

I have time this summer, so I'm not sure why you think it wouldn't be worth it to spend maybe five to ten hours a week reviewing? At the very least, I'll be able to make my study time next summer more efficient.

I used to think like you, but then I learned a few things. I don't think the time reviewing will benefit you. Better to master your pre-reqs and do other things.

It would be like lightly preparing for a marathon 12 months in advance. What matters is your conditioning closer to the exam.

 

[Don Draper]

Thanks for the well thought reply. I've really appreciated reading your comments.

I'm not too worried about verbal reasoning. My SAT went well and I tend to do okay on standardized reading tests. I'll start reading articles like those when I'm a little closer to my study time.

I like your idea of knowing things cold, but I'm limited in that I haven't taken about half of the classes covered by the MCAT. I plan to review the topics I know well, but I don't want to use my textbooks again. I'd rather review things from MCAT materials.

I look at the Question and Answer forum here and see if I can answer the questions. That's been surprisingly helpful and encouraging. I'm looking to do things like that over the next year before sitting down and really getting after it.

I think you are going about this wrong. Master the sciences, prep when the time comes.

 

[RATM2010]

bad idea. For the mcat, you honestly need to devote 3-4 months strictly to mcat (ie >90% time) for scores >30 I feel. One year is too long and you would just foreget stuff anyways or risk hurting your current grades. Also, teh test can change in 1 year. Just look at my post on 5/21/10 test. Most people state the test is 50/50 Physics and chem and 60-40 BS/OC. This is not true anymore! BS is more like 90-10 and that could drastically affect your studying. Also, next year could be 50-50 or reversed.