Studying for MCATS and the Such

[skibird89]

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I am going to be a junior in the next academic year. I plan on taking the MCAT in the spring. I will be taking 13 credits-Physics 2, and a upper level physiology course will be my only science courses. I have already completed all of my pre-reqs other than physics by the end of my sophmore year.

During the fall semester I am going abroad. Which date (in May or April) should I take the MCAT. Also how much time do I give myself to studying and what kind of limits on my extra curriculars should I place. Thanks.

 

[mmmcdowe]

I am going to be a junior in the next academic year. I plan on taking the MCAT in the spring. I will be taking 13 credits-Physics 2, and a upper level physiology course will be my only science courses. I have already completed all of my pre-reqs other than physics by the end of my sophmore year.

During the fall semester I am going abroad. Which date (in May or April) should I take the MCAT. Also how much time do I give myself to studying and what kind of limits on my extra curriculars should I place. Thanks.

I personally took the May one, but either works as long as you prepare in advance. I'd study for most of the spring semester at least. Expect to clock 300+ hours of studying and plan for as many as possible.

 

[olemissbabydoc]

Personally I like April. You can retake by early June if need be.

And will some PA mod please change "MCATS" to "MCAT" in the title?

Sorry, OP, it's just one of my pet peeves. At least there is demonstration of proper usage in the body of the message! 👍

 

[skibird89]

If I took the exam in the end of April and I started studying at the beginning of January, would that be enough time?

Alternatively I could take it in the beginning of May, but would that be enough time for a June retake?

Did any of you have problems studying for MCAT and finals?

 

[ronaldo23]

3-4 months of concentrated studying is best for the mcat. i studied for the mcat the semester and am taking it tomorrow. Definitely regret this gameplan though. You will be super busy with schoolwork/studying and have no free time, plus you won't have enough time to dedicate to the MCAT (at least, for most people this is true.) If possible, take it in August and use the whole summer to study for it, to keep your sanity, and probably to learn the content better.

 

[olemissbabydoc]

Personally, I'd recommend the late April option. That way you'll be able to retake AND be early. Remember, August MCATs mean Sept releases and late applications.