Need some advice!

[Knicks17]

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I plan to apply next year in June (2019), and I am finishing up all my classes this semester. I am planning register for my mcat for September 19th, and to study from May 15th to the test date. However I am stuck in a dilemma of weather i should register now and lock in the spot because I am not sure if that is sufficient time! In addition what prep books should I get, examcrakers, kaplan etc.. because I have heard mixed reviews about the books. I would also like to take a prep course and I would appreciate any recommendations or advice about that. Lastly has anyone worked and studied at the same time and got a good score, i don't want to take off from work as it is my only source of income? Thank you!!

 

[HomeSkool]

Four months is plenty of time. More than that will put you at risk of hitting a plateau and then burning out. Register to lock down the spot.

Plenty of people go to school full-time and successfully study for the MCAT. You should be able to work and study adequately, assuming you don't have some absurd work schedule.

 

[Knicks17]

Four months is plenty of time. More than that will put you at risk of hitting a plateau and then burning out. Register to lock down the spot.

Plenty of people go to school full-time and successfully study for the MCAT. You should be able to work and study adequately, assuming you don't have some absurd work schedule.

I work 12 hour shifts on Friday and Saturday, so it should be fine? Any advice on the other stuff?

 

[Knicks17]

@Goro @LizzyM @gonnif ?

 

[freedoctor17]

As someone who studied over the summer while working in a lab I can tell you 4 months is plenty of time especially if you're just finishing up your courses. I did take a few weeks off that I dedicated just to studying but majority of the time I was working 20 to 25 hours per week on top of studying/practice. If you're only working Friday and Saturday then you can take Sunday off and study Monday through Thursday. With four months, four days a week should be fine. You may have to use your Sundays as make up days rather than off days sometimes.

 

[LizzyM]

Among applicants I meet in person, most have scored 517+. Typically, they've taken a Kaplan course in person or online. Some just take the course in order to get the books. I've also heard from applicants who have used Princeton Review and ExamKrackers. Some buy the books second hand or get them "handed down" from friends. Most successful applicants swear by frequent (as often as weekly) practice tests followed by a day of reviewing the results of the test.


Some successful applicants spend 3 hours/day for a summer (after working in a lab). Some have treated studying for the MCAT like taking a 3 credit course in addition to their other classes (taking 13 credits plus MCAT and thinking of it like taking 16 credits).

 

[freedoctor17]

Among applicants I meet in person, most have scored 517+. Typically, they've taken a Kaplan course in person or online. Some just take the course in order to get the books. I've also heard from applicants who have used Princeton Review and ExamKrackers. Some buy the books second hand or get them "handed down" from friends. Most successful applicants swear by frequent (as often as weekly) practice tests followed by a day of reviewing the results of the test.


Some successful applicants spend 3 hours/day for a summer (after working in a lab). Some have treated studying for the MCAT like taking a 3 credit course in addition to their other classes (taking 13 credits plus MCAT and thinking of it like taking 16 credits).

That seems a bit wasteful considering the books are less than $200 and the course is $1000+ 😛

 

[LizzyM]

That seems a bit wasteful considering the books are less than $200 and the course is $1000+ 😛

It is possible that they are bullsh*tting me. 😉

 

[Goro]

@Goro @LizzyM @gonnif ?

I agree with the wise Homeskool

 

[freedoctor17]

Are you a sophomore, junior, or senior? If you're either of the first two you may want to consider when your classes start up again. It'd probably be best to really it within the first two weeks of classes before midterms come around. I know at my University we start in late August and end of September is the time when our first exams usually start. Just something to consider if you haven't yet.

 

[Knicks17]

I am a junior and plan to apply 2019-2020, I start up around September 1st but ill only be taking 12 credits so I think midterms won't be too much of an issue

 

[freedoctor17]

I am a junior and plan to apply 2019-2020, I start up around September 1st but ill only be taking 12 credits so I think midterms won't be too much of an issue

Sounds like you'll be good to go then!

 

[6754Lululox]

I’m in Boston. If you want my EK books, I’ll give you mine. Full set of Used, latest edition + physics, chem, and cars 101 passages.