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Emil Chuck, PhD
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The MCAT remains a significant factor along the journey to a medical career. Applicants value their scores as indicators of their readiness and academic fit for desired programs. Applicants now have more options for preparing for the exam, thanks to newer learning technologies and more accessible resources. The AAMC conducts surveys of over 10,000 MCAT test-takers shortly after each test, and publishes its annual Post-MCAT Questionnaire (PMQ, Association of American Medical Colleges, 2024). For this article, we examine how MCAT preparation trends may have changed after the COVID-19 pandemic, but before the widespread adoption of AI-mediated resources. We compare these results with findings from the 2024-2025 HPSA Applicant Experience Survey.
Over 80% of respondents said they began preparing for the MCAT by finding out what the MCAT tests. Over 75% of respondents took practice exams frequently until their scheduled test day (over 85% used Official AAMC Practice Exams), developed a study plan and schedule, and focused their time to address weaknesses. Fewer respondents incorporated time for relaxation or breaks into their study plan (59.7%), discussed their plans with peers or advisors (44.8%), or enrolled in a structured test-prep course (31.7%, Association of American Medical Colleges, 2024).
Among HPSA Applicant Experience Survey respondents, 75% self-studied using official AAMC resources, but 72.8% supplemented their preparation with free resources (videos, free online courses). 68.4% also disclosed using online daily questions or flashcard programs. Other free online resources (forums, blog articles) were also utilized (52.2%), while many took advice from online influencers to heart (30.1%). Fewer paid or received help from for-profit consulting firms (16.9%), independent consultants or tutors (10.3%), or an intensive “boot camp” program (5.9%). Only 13.2% of respondents reported being eligible for reduced testing or free access to AAMC preparation materials through the Fee Assistance Program, and none received resources or financial assistance from non-profit professional mentoring organizations.
HPSA respondents avoided taking any courses while they studied for their entrance exam (40.6%), and 25.7% did not adjust their course loads. 10.9% of respondents said they reduced work hours to prepare for the MCAT (6.9% were working but not students who reduced their work hours), while 11.9% reduced their course load to the minimum number allowed for full-time enrollment (12 semester hours). 3% paused their education to focus solely on exam preparation, and 1% reduced their course load to part-time enrollment.
Student Doctor Network provides several potential plans if you are looking for a tried-and-true option. Alternatively, you can discuss options with your peers in the SDN MCAT forum.
The AAMC PMQ has documented the rise of self-studying strategies among MCAT test-takers. When asked about specific study strategies, responses from 2020 to 2024 show an increase in the use of flashcards to reinforce memorization of fundamental concepts (from 67.4% to 71.4%). The use of free online flashcard programs increased dramatically (37.3% to 50.2%).
Most participants continue to answer practice questions (over 85%), and the rate of reviewing answer explanations has been slowly declining (from 74.7% to 70.9%). Fewer respondents attempted to explain concepts to themselves (writing down notes from memory, 56.5% to 52.0%) or to study partners (41.9% to 38.7%).
AAMC resource usage reflects this trend. Although fewer than half of respondents (40.7%) read the AAMC Official Guide to the MCAT, more (44.2%) reviewed the practice questions included in the Guide. Over 90% accessed the AAMC’s practice MCAT full-length exams, and other question sets were also used: unscored AAMC practice exam (65.9%), official MCAT question packs (63.1%), Official MCAT section bank (61.2%), and CARS diagnostic tool (48.3%).
Even as the use of free MCAT preparation resources has increased (from 39.3% in 2020 to 52.3% in 2024), longstanding resources have become less frequently used. Fewer respondents are using the Khan Academy MCAT Collection (71.0 to 65.0%), mock full-lengths from other companies (62.0 to 55.5%), or hard-copy MCAT preparation books (72.6 to 57.0%). Fewer examinees used the MCAT Exam testimonials (7.6% in 2024), the Roadmap to MCAT Psychology/Sociology Textbook (4.4%), or the Biochemistry Textbook (4.1%). Examinees continue to rely on online communities and blogs (42.1%) and materials offered by academic programs (21.8%). Most of these resources remain highly valued by respondents.
The 2024-2025 HPSA Applicant Experience Survey paints a bleak picture of test preparation materials offered by academic institutions. 72.1% of respondents said no resources were offered; almost all postbac respondents reported not having access to additional test-prep resources. 15.4% noted that test-prep workshops hosted by advisors or commercial test-prep representatives were available, and 15.4% said they were offered a scholarship or discount for enrollment in a comprehensive test-prep service. Only 4.4% said they were aware of comprehensive institution-wide arrangements, such as Kaplan All-Access.
Nancy Romano of DAT Destroyer (a long-time sponsor of the Student Doctor Network) shared her observations of test-prep trends. “Since 2021, we’ve observed a strong trend towards self-directed learning. Many students start with apps or digital dashboards, but those who rely solely on self-study often reach a plateau. When aiming for top scores, they return to in-depth practice resources.”
“Students are experimenting with AI for flashcards, quick explanations, and practice drills. While it feels convenient, the accuracy and depth of these resources are often inconsistent compared to using guides that have been written and edited by subject matter experts.”
Just like studying with a small group of focused peers in a rigorous undergraduate or postbaccalaureate environment, “the most successful test-prep students usually combine independent practice with structured group support.”
Association of American Medical Colleges. (2024). Post-MCAT Questionnaire (PMQ). Post-MCAT Questionnaire (PMQ)
Chuck, E. Health Professional Student Association. (2025). Profile of the Accepted Applicant 2025. https://www.hpsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Profile_of_the_Accepted_Applicant_2025.pdf University of Greater Manchester. (2021). Studying with friends vs. studying alone. https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/blogs/studying-with-friends-vs-studying-alone
The post MCAT Preparation Trends: Insights from the AAMC Post-MCAT Questionnaire and the HPSA 2024-2025 Applicant Experience Surveys appeared first on Student Doctor Network.
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Introduction
The MCAT remains a significant factor along the journey to a medical career. Applicants value their scores as indicators of their readiness and academic fit for desired programs. Applicants now have more options for preparing for the exam, thanks to newer learning technologies and more accessible resources. The AAMC conducts surveys of over 10,000 MCAT test-takers shortly after each test, and publishes its annual Post-MCAT Questionnaire (PMQ, Association of American Medical Colleges, 2024). For this article, we examine how MCAT preparation trends may have changed after the COVID-19 pandemic, but before the widespread adoption of AI-mediated resources. We compare these results with findings from the 2024-2025 HPSA Applicant Experience Survey.
Preparing for the MCAT
Over 80% of respondents said they began preparing for the MCAT by finding out what the MCAT tests. Over 75% of respondents took practice exams frequently until their scheduled test day (over 85% used Official AAMC Practice Exams), developed a study plan and schedule, and focused their time to address weaknesses. Fewer respondents incorporated time for relaxation or breaks into their study plan (59.7%), discussed their plans with peers or advisors (44.8%), or enrolled in a structured test-prep course (31.7%, Association of American Medical Colleges, 2024).
Among HPSA Applicant Experience Survey respondents, 75% self-studied using official AAMC resources, but 72.8% supplemented their preparation with free resources (videos, free online courses). 68.4% also disclosed using online daily questions or flashcard programs. Other free online resources (forums, blog articles) were also utilized (52.2%), while many took advice from online influencers to heart (30.1%). Fewer paid or received help from for-profit consulting firms (16.9%), independent consultants or tutors (10.3%), or an intensive “boot camp” program (5.9%). Only 13.2% of respondents reported being eligible for reduced testing or free access to AAMC preparation materials through the Fee Assistance Program, and none received resources or financial assistance from non-profit professional mentoring organizations.
HPSA respondents avoided taking any courses while they studied for their entrance exam (40.6%), and 25.7% did not adjust their course loads. 10.9% of respondents said they reduced work hours to prepare for the MCAT (6.9% were working but not students who reduced their work hours), while 11.9% reduced their course load to the minimum number allowed for full-time enrollment (12 semester hours). 3% paused their education to focus solely on exam preparation, and 1% reduced their course load to part-time enrollment.
MCAT Study Plans
Student Doctor Network provides several potential plans if you are looking for a tried-and-true option. Alternatively, you can discuss options with your peers in the SDN MCAT forum.
- 3-Month MCAT Study Schedule: Find the Right Plan for You (2025 Edition)
- MCAT – Medical College Admissions Test : Student Doctor Network Forums
The rise of online self-quizzing, the decline of group study
The AAMC PMQ has documented the rise of self-studying strategies among MCAT test-takers. When asked about specific study strategies, responses from 2020 to 2024 show an increase in the use of flashcards to reinforce memorization of fundamental concepts (from 67.4% to 71.4%). The use of free online flashcard programs increased dramatically (37.3% to 50.2%).
Most participants continue to answer practice questions (over 85%), and the rate of reviewing answer explanations has been slowly declining (from 74.7% to 70.9%). Fewer respondents attempted to explain concepts to themselves (writing down notes from memory, 56.5% to 52.0%) or to study partners (41.9% to 38.7%).
AAMC resource usage reflects this trend. Although fewer than half of respondents (40.7%) read the AAMC Official Guide to the MCAT, more (44.2%) reviewed the practice questions included in the Guide. Over 90% accessed the AAMC’s practice MCAT full-length exams, and other question sets were also used: unscored AAMC practice exam (65.9%), official MCAT question packs (63.1%), Official MCAT section bank (61.2%), and CARS diagnostic tool (48.3%).
Even as the use of free MCAT preparation resources has increased (from 39.3% in 2020 to 52.3% in 2024), longstanding resources have become less frequently used. Fewer respondents are using the Khan Academy MCAT Collection (71.0 to 65.0%), mock full-lengths from other companies (62.0 to 55.5%), or hard-copy MCAT preparation books (72.6 to 57.0%). Fewer examinees used the MCAT Exam testimonials (7.6% in 2024), the Roadmap to MCAT Psychology/Sociology Textbook (4.4%), or the Biochemistry Textbook (4.1%). Examinees continue to rely on online communities and blogs (42.1%) and materials offered by academic programs (21.8%). Most of these resources remain highly valued by respondents.
The 2024-2025 HPSA Applicant Experience Survey paints a bleak picture of test preparation materials offered by academic institutions. 72.1% of respondents said no resources were offered; almost all postbac respondents reported not having access to additional test-prep resources. 15.4% noted that test-prep workshops hosted by advisors or commercial test-prep representatives were available, and 15.4% said they were offered a scholarship or discount for enrollment in a comprehensive test-prep service. Only 4.4% said they were aware of comprehensive institution-wide arrangements, such as Kaplan All-Access.
Studying alone is convenient, but learning with others may be more effective.
Nancy Romano of DAT Destroyer (a long-time sponsor of the Student Doctor Network) shared her observations of test-prep trends. “Since 2021, we’ve observed a strong trend towards self-directed learning. Many students start with apps or digital dashboards, but those who rely solely on self-study often reach a plateau. When aiming for top scores, they return to in-depth practice resources.”
“Students are experimenting with AI for flashcards, quick explanations, and practice drills. While it feels convenient, the accuracy and depth of these resources are often inconsistent compared to using guides that have been written and edited by subject matter experts.”
Just like studying with a small group of focused peers in a rigorous undergraduate or postbaccalaureate environment, “the most successful test-prep students usually combine independent practice with structured group support.”
References
Association of American Medical Colleges. (2024). Post-MCAT Questionnaire (PMQ). Post-MCAT Questionnaire (PMQ)
Chuck, E. Health Professional Student Association. (2025). Profile of the Accepted Applicant 2025. https://www.hpsa.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Profile_of_the_Accepted_Applicant_2025.pdf University of Greater Manchester. (2021). Studying with friends vs. studying alone. https://greatermanchester.ac.uk/blogs/studying-with-friends-vs-studying-alone
The post MCAT Preparation Trends: Insights from the AAMC Post-MCAT Questionnaire and the HPSA 2024-2025 Applicant Experience Surveys appeared first on Student Doctor Network.
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