Everyone studies for the MCAT differently but here is how I studied:
1. Get one or 2 good MCAT review books, I would recomend 2. Try to get a hold of some of the old Kaplan books from your premed advisor or a friend. If you can not get those I really like the Kaplan test prep book that I bought. Have a second book then from a totally different company to use to help you understand issues that may be confusing in the first text.
2. Using the outline of chapter in the table of contents of the book you choose make a schedule from now until your MCAT test date planning your study activities down to the chapter.
3. Go to
www.aamc.org/findinfo/aamcpubs.reqpubs/ordforms/oform.htm and get some more supplies. I would stongly recomend getting all 3 practice tests and the sample items.
4. Schedule time for yourself to take all of these sample tests and the sample items. Make sure you do several of these practice test all in one day trying to take the same breaks etc. as would be done during your actual MCAT day. This will prepare you for the long day that you will have when you do actually take the test.
5. After you take the practice tests and practice items grade yourself and then go through each item and look up why you got them wrong and if you need help find someone like old profs. to help you figure out why you were wrong.
6. If ther are areas covered by the MCAT that you have not had (for me this was fluids, solids, circuits, sound and optics) find someone to teach it to you. I explained the situation to my physics prof and he led a weekly study group for those of us taking the MCAT that year. It really helped.
7. Start now.
8. As you get closer to test day make a list of the formulas you need to know and put them on flashcards that you can review the week before the test.
9. don't plan anyother MCAT studying during that week.
I know this is a huge list but it is what worked for me I hope it is helpful.
------------------
Carrie
KCOM '03
