MCAT study plan question

[tater tot]

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I know everybody is sick of mcat talk, but i was wondering about how long(months) and how much time per week most ppl found optimal. I realize it varies so greatly... yadda yadda. but any feedback would be super swell! :wink:
backgroung info: I'm post-bac, some classes date back quite a few yrs although I've remained in science research forever. I did get C's in physics, so I'll need some extra time to work on that!
Has anyone taken the mcat while working full-time?
This is not my 1st choice, but otherwise I will have to totally quit my job and look for another immed'ly following the mcat. quite a pain in the butt! I obviously need to be honest and on good terms w/ all my employers since I need their support and I'm working in the field.
thanks so much!!! 😀 🙂 😛

 

[marleybfour]

Tater,
Yes, I worked full-time plus took three science classes while studying for the MCAT. Unfortunately, I don't think it was a good idea, as I feel my MCAT score will reflect my overload. I have now registered for a Princeton Review and will not be taking any classes. I still work full-time, but I think it is manageable as long as you don't have any classes. I would give yourself at least a few months to study.

 

[tater tot]

good grief!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" /> <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

mcat + full-time job + 3 science classes = death by academics

that, i would never consider! I was thinking of an August mcat + full-time job. NO classes during that summer. However, I would be in classes until May. That only leaves mid-May thru Aug to study nites and weekends. I'm worried b/c I really need to prepare well... no more goof-ups! I've made too many mistakes in the past. I'm also worried about getting myself to study every night after working ALL day. I'm just trying to be realistic here.... I know in theory it's possible. Anyone else have this experience?? thanks again 😀

 

[marleybfour]

Death by academics!!

That is priceless and exactly how it feels. On top of it my science classes are Organic II, Physics II and Medical Bacteriology. Yes, it's been pretty brutal. My husband says I've been "stressing out of my eyeballs." I only have two more finals left and am done as of Wed!!!! Ask me how drunk will I be Wed night!!

I have no intention of repeating the MCAT's after August or applying a second time, so I have to make this count. I guess that's why I see work and only studying for MCAT's a walk in the park. It's all relative, isn't it?

Do whatever you think is best for YOU. You can judge yourself and your stamina much better then any of us.

Good luck in whatever you choose.

 

[tater tot]

you guys are insane!!!! <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="eek.gif" />

wow, now I feel like a slacker and a half!!

about how many hours did you guys put into studying JUST for the mcat?? I don't see how you even had time to sneeze <img border="0" alt="[Laughy]" title="" src="graemlins/laughy.gif" />

 

[Street Philosopher]

I "officially" started studying about 4 months before. Really got down to it 2 months before. A good rule of thumb is to have your science basics pretty much down about 2 months before the test. (It took me about 2 weeks for me because I took the MCAT a year ago and a lot of the topics were still fresh in my head) Take the rest of the 2 months to get used to the test (this is important, not to be overlooked), get timing right, and practice techniques. On the way you will get some concepts down clearer. I also tried to do at least one section per day practice = tons of practice materials needed. Hope that helps.

 

[Elysium]

Like the others, I "started" studying in Jan but didn't really get my ass in gear until March. I was enrolled in TPR, but I stopped going to classes because I personally thought they were a colossal waste of time. I was/am taking Orgo II, Orgo II lab, Physics II and Physics II lab during this whole painful time. I will say that I thought taking Orgo II at the same time was a blessing because all the Orgo on the MCAT (at least from the 5 practice tests I took) was stuff from Orgo II. There were several questions about alcohol synthesis, aldehyde/ketone rxns, etc. that we had just been tested over (well, it was more like a flogging than an exam...but that's another subject all together) so that helped.
If I had to do it all over again, I would have NOT taken TPR and saved the $1300. I would have ordered all the Examkracker's stuff (in my opinion the best) and studied on my own. I just would have taken the TPR practice MCATs which you can do for free. Of course, in all likelihood, this is exactly what I'll do this summer...
🙄

Anyway, that's just my .02. I am also a post-bacc, with NOOO science background. I didn't work the last 5 months because I thought that would be, well, just too much.

I think your plan is totally realistic.

Good Luck!