Studying for the MCAT with a Full Time Job

[Neha4000]

HI All,

Just curious to see how many people out there are studying for the April MCAT with a full time job. I plan on studying about 3 hrs/night and thru the weekend. I just started last week, so I'm hoping there is enough time. Some people devote the full 3 months to the MCAT, so in comparison to that, it seems like I should be studying more. Anyone else in the same boat? How do you guys manage your time after a long 8 hr day at work?

Thanks

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[medicomel]

Hey there,

I'm in the same boat, avg'g 3 hrs/day during the week and 8-10 hrs for the weekend. It should be enough if you pace yourself and work out a plan for covering certain topics/taking practice tests.

I got into a heated discussion this wknd, though, about who's got it easier in regards to studying for the mcat: a full-time college student or someone who works full-time. Apparently, those of us who work 40+ hrs/week have it easy because we only have to concentrate on the MCAT. 🙄

 

[Erli]

Hi,

I'm in the same boat as both of you. I think the hardest part to get my self to study after an 8 (or more) hr work day is to make it part of my weekday routine. When I come home from work I'm exhausted and often times not in the mood to study but I make myself do it. I've found that studying on weeknights gets easier as time passes and I spend much of my weekend studying as well.

I plan to take the April MCAT and right now I'm aiming to study the subjects I'm weak in: physics, chemistry, and verbal. It's been roughly 3 yrs since I graduated from my undergrad and it is amazing how much I don't remember. I've been told that the key in doing well on the MCAT is taking practice exams like crazy and focusing on the subjects one is weak in and that is what I'm going to try to do this year.

Also, don't forget to take time off to study every now and then.

 

[KeyLime]

Hey,

I feel your pain! I also work 40 hours a week. I am also taking physics II two nights a week. By the time I get home from my night class, I cannot make myself study. I'm just too drained. I would like to put in two solid hours of studying a day. I also have the auto osmosis series, so I try to listen to them in the car because I commute an hour a day. When I am studying, and I get to the point that I am so drained I cannot absorb anymore material, I stop and try again later. I didn't think that it would be this difficult to get myself to study for such an important test! I hope that I get some more motivation soon!

 

[Treese]

I’m in the same boat. I work 40+ hours a week, plus I’m a single mom and I plan to take the April MCAT. I try to study at least 2-3hours after work, and study on the weekend. It gets hard at times, but I know that with hard work it will pay off. I wish all of you the best of luck.

 

[rrblue00]

I also work full-time, but I will be taking the April 06 MCAT and I will start studying sometime later this year. I will probably study for 3 hours a day.
On the weekends, maybe more.

As for the discussion whether or not a full-time student or a full-time employee has it easier preparing for the MCAT...it depends on the circumstances. I personally believe it is difficult for both situations, but I am leaning towards that full-time students have more time to prepare for the MCAT...I was an undergrad once. If I didn't have to work, I would jump at the chance to be a student again!

 

[fpr85]

Hey there,

I'm in the same boat, avg'g 3 hrs/day during the week and 8-10 hrs for the weekend. It should be enough if you pace yourself and work out a plan for covering certain topics/taking practice tests.

I got into a heated discussion this wknd, though, about who's got it easier in regards to studying for the mcat: a full-time college student or someone who works full-time. Apparently, those of us who work 40+ hrs/week have it easy because we only have to concentrate on the MCAT. 🙄

Well I think it's entirely dependent on what type of work you have. For the most part I don't think many people take much of their work-related stuff home as "homework". At least most people that I know, this is the case - they clearly separate their job from home. Whereas in school you have to worry about studying for your classes on top of MCAT.

 

[rrblue00]

Well I think it's entirely dependent on what type of work you have. For the most part I don't think many people take much of their work-related stuff home as "homework". At least most people that I know, this is the case - they clearly separate their job from home. Whereas in school you have to worry about studying for your classes on top of MCAT.

Yes, I agree that there is "homework" to worry about. You also need to undertand that people who work full-time have family and other responsibilities when they come home. They don't bring "work-related stuff" home but they do "home-related stuff" which can take a great deal of your time. It is a balancing act and I think it is difficult for both full-time students and full-time workers to find enough time to study for the MCAT.

 

[firebird69guy]

I'm working four 10 hour shifts (so I get 3 days off a week). It's much better.. I couldn't do it with five 8s. If you're working research or something, ask your professor if you can do 4 10s.. It's much easer!!

Good luck

 

[medicomel]

Amen! 👍

I agree that both full-time students and individuals who work full-time have unique challenges to overcome in studying for this monster test. I was just offended that the fullt-time student with whom I engaged in the debate insinuated that I had some kind of advantage in that the MCAT was the only thing I had to worry about.

Um...my weekdays are spoken for, and like other nontraditionals who have posted here, I can attest to the fact that it is no easy feat to suck it up and devote 3+ hrs of study time when our mental capacities aren't exactly at an optimum level.

 

[GiftLuv]

I'm in the same boat as you guys. I work 40hrs a week. I also attend Kaplan classes 3times a week. I try to study at least 2-3hrs on weekdays and 8+ hrs on the weekends. It is hard but you know what you guys stay focus.!!!! 🙄

I plan on taking the April 05 MCAT. I do find myself sometimes to tired to study. I sometimes take a nap then wake up to at least get a little knowledge in my head.Which I tend to mostly fight with the sleep especially when its good. lol I do agree that it is hard being a full-time student or a full-time employee. We can get thru this, so keep up the ole good faith

 

[KosmoKramer]

For those working and/or going to school, I suggest you make the MCAT a top priority. I went to school full time at a major university, worked 30 hrs a week, and studied for the MCAT. Some people can ace it with this schedule, not me though. I eventually had to rerank my priorities, as you will also. No matter what your situation, whether you are a care taker, full time researcher, a student, or just trying to pay rent, you have to make the MCAT a top priority. This is true even if it means you work less, you have a friend or relative take watch your kids, you drop a class, or whatever. I sympathize with you, but I realized real quick that med schools won't consider you long enough to sympathize with you if you don't do well on the MCAT. I had to cut back on work (which meant rent was REAL TIGHT, and that I was eating a lot of noodles), embrace the fact that I couldn't get all A's that semester (which I needed to raise my GPA), and say no to my friends when they wanted to go out. Let your loved ones, and yourself, know that its gonna suck big time for a few months, and work your tails off, and you'll be able to do it. As for studying, here's a suggestion: wake up super early and try to study a good hour or two before work, and go to sleep earlier. At this time, you aren't so tired from work, the kids are asleep, classes haven't started yet. Also, this will train your body and mind to get going at the butt ass crack of dawn, much like the real MCAT. Then try to get the rest in at the end of the day. A note to that single mom, best of luck to you, that is the hardest job of all and you're studying for the MCAT too. Amazing. Ok, good luck everyone.

KosmoKramer

 

[longhorndoc]

I agree with the above poster about making the MCAT priority #1 among work, school and/or research. I learned the hard way. I've already sat for the MCAT twice and should but will not take it a 3rd time. My score is not low low, but it's on the low end of the average of those w/ acceptance. I took the MCAT w/ 17 semester hrs of school and 20 hours/wk at work. In Nov, Dec, and Jan I felt like I had a ton of time to study until April so I kept putting it off. Just be extremely disciplined with studying, but remember to take a break and have some fun on the weekend every now and then. You'll need to let off on the studying as test week approaches anyhow, in my opinion. Just make some changes. Try getting up early to study for 1/2 hr, read a lesson during lunch, or go over some flashcards on the bus if you take one. Optimize your time. Anyways, GOOD LUCK to you all. The mcat is a big queen B that you only want to deal with once.

 

[DocKW]

Finally. . .others who feel my pain!

I work 40 hours/week in clinical research and am absolutely drained once I get home. So, I don't go home until after I have studied. I have found this to work so far. . .I'm still in 'work mode', so I am able to concentrate. I study 2-3 hours after work, and once I get home, I at least have the peace of mind that I have put in my study time for the day. Only 3 more months to go! 🙂

 

[scooter31]

Echoing the prior response in that if you can, dont go home for the day without heading to the library beforehand. I work fulltime, go to grad school, and still eke out 2-3 hours a day/weekdays for MCAT prep (the EK schedule is great for handling this). Normally, I head over to the library after my last class, and hang in there till I cant do it anymore. I come home, sleep a bit and am usually up in enough time or dont go to bed until super late, so I cram more reading/passages once I'm home as well. I'm not big on sleep (3-5hr/nightly), so it works for me... best of luck everyone juggling their schedules to tame this breast. 👍

 

[bdt]

Just a word of encouragement to you folks working and studying.... You can do it!

I was in the same boat last year. I worked 40+ hours a week and had to fit in the MCAT studying. I agree with scooter and DocKW, study before you go home from work. I found that once I was home after a long day of work I was exhausted, but if I studied for a few hours before I left work it wasn't too bad. Also liked the EK home schedule was good to keep me on track.

Take as many practice tests as you can!!!!! I still think that was the biggest help. every other weekend I was taking a full length practice. Really helped me calm down for the real thing. Also, if I took a practice test on sat., I'd reward myself by taking a day off on Sunday.

Don't forget to sneak some time in to relax. it'll help kill burnout.

Good Luck to all!!!

(ps. after studying like this, I got a 34O. Not a rockstar, but good enough for two acceptances and counting)

 

[Twitch]

...best of luck everyone juggling their schedules to tame this breast. 👍

We all have things we'd like to tame

 

[scooter31]

We all have things we'd like to tame

Oopsie. Better get my head out of the hustler and back into the MCAT prep books...

Though I am available for ad hoc breast taming, if anyones interested...

 

[Seedars]

Hey,

I feel your pain! I also work 40 hours a week. I am also taking physics II two nights a week. By the time I get home from my night class, I cannot make myself study. I'm just too drained. I would like to put in two solid hours of studying a day. I also have the auto osmosis series, so I try to listen to them in the car because I commute an hour a day. When I am studying, and I get to the point that I am so drained I cannot absorb anymore material, I stop and try again later. I didn't think that it would be this difficult to get myself to study for such an important test! I hope that I get some more motivation soon!

I know what you mean! I work full-time and take Physics II twice a week at night. Most times I don't get home until 10pm and the thought of studying is the last thing on my mind.

I must admit though it makes me feel good to see that there are folks out there out of school, in the "real world" trying to make this happen. None of my friends are going through this and I don't really have much support or understanding so it's good to speak with others doing the same thing. Definitely supplies motivation!!!

I have a quick question. What is the EK home study schedule like? I'm using a friend's Princeton review hyperlearning course materials (i can't afford the class on my non-profit "salary") and am finding that i have to try and make a home schedule from the class syllabi. Is the EK schedule more geared for folks who opt to not take a class?

Well, I've been trying to review for the past couple weeks and I think it's time to just dive in and take a practice exam. Been out of school since 2001 so I'm shooting for a 25. We'll see how it goes.

Later!

 

[rgerwin]

I also work full time, teach part-time, and tutor another 1.5hrs a week. In addition, I have a family, home, desperately need sleep, and still work out. I have zero social life, and I find that the most important thing is to do it every day. I try to do at least an hour, if not two. But also, don't burn yourself out. If you get to the test and your brain has mushed out of your head, how useful will it be? Make a schedule, stick to it, but relax too.

 

[cfdavid]

I'm in the same boat. It's tough to juggle it all, but it's just 10 more weeks and we'll have made this hurdle. I just wish I didn't need as much sleep. I seem to be at peak performance at 7hrs. But, I wish it was more like 5.
I've had a schedule where I was only getting 5 hours for months, but I always felt a bit cloudy, and seemed to really need a nap in the evening.

Not sure about you guys, but this gives new meaning to time management. It's kind of tough for people around us to really realize how busy we are right now.

 

[Seedars]

Yeah, I have a hard time going against my body, which is desparately telling me I need to sleep, and my head, which is saying "you need to study more." And people in my life are starting to feel neglected. But you're right, it'll be over soon.

Hey, has anyone used the EK home schedule but not the EK materials? I think i'm going to try that.....

 

[54578]

Hey guys-

God this is a great thread! I'm in the EXACT same boat. I'm doing research here at HMS, and they work your tail off! Here's what I try to do:

1. Get Audio Osmosis. I agree, its extremely annoying; the jokes are not funny, and sometimes you want to kill yourself listening to it; BUT, if you can do one hour a day, you'll have covered (albeit briefly) all MCAT content every 2-3 weeks. Of course, this (in my opinion) should ONLY be used as a supplement; its far too brief and glosses over too many important concepts.

2. The other suggestions are totally right: take full advtantage of your time. I study 1.5 hours in the morning, 1/2 hour at lunch, then come home (after going to the gym), and hit the books straight from 7:30 until about midnight. Always shut the books at a certain hour; otherwise, the next work day will be torture!

3. COFFEE! I'm sorry, I know people are able to get through their days without it, but don't try to prove something to yourself by depriving yourself of this wonderdrug! 2 cups gets me through mornings, research, gym, and MCAT studying.

4. Take breaks! For god sakes go out at least one night as a reward for sticking to your schedule.

So far this is working pretty well; of course, I am completely exhausted, but I'm forcing myself to study for an hour more. Also, bear in mind, all the hours you opt to take off really, really add up in the end!!

Best of luck!

meso

 

[dreamaloud]

It is so comforting when you find other people going through the same experience: work full time, have a full time life at home, and then have to study for the mcat. I agree with the other people in that you just have to find a schedule, stick to it, and remember what you want to get out of it. Most people look at studying for the test as a horrible experience - but if you don't look at it as a challenge and a way to improve something about yourself, then you won't be motivated to do it.

Hang in there...and post your progress, so we can keep motivating each other until April!

 

[PHD_2007]

I totally agree guys!!!! I'm in grad school and I have to be in the lab 8 or more hours each day. Its tough to study for the MCAT and have full time duties (jobs, grad school, undergrad, etc) But my advice is to just try to find a routine and stick to it! I'm planning to take a lot of practice tests! Are any of you taking Kaplan?? 🙂

 

[medicomel]

i'm taking Kaplan and am pretty much sticking to their routine in regards to covering the subject matter per week and taking scheduled full-lengths. that, combined with a kaplan subject test here, a topical there, and my time is swallowed up!

to others who have taken Kaplan:
does the schedule allow for "catch up" ? (i.e., is there a lag time before the MCAT where all you're doing in the class is full-lengths and going over them?) I'm trying to plan out some time where I can:

1. do the AAMC-released tests, and go over all answers
2. go over the flashcards in better detail.
3. fill in the gaps with EK audioosmosis

 

[GiftLuv]

Hey PHD_2007,
I'm currently taking Kaplan. 🙄

 

[KlimtOphile]

Hello Neha!

I am in the same position! I'm so exhausted when I get home that I find it difficult to focus & study, (i work from about 7:30am to about 4pm). I was also concerned because I got a pretty low score on my first princeton review diag, a 19. Ultimately, I think that we will decide how well we are going to do on the MCAT. We should just devote ourselves completely to those limited hours that we do have. It is the quality of the time spent studying, not the quantity. 🙂 Keep your head up! I'm in the same place -- just stay positive and don't think about what other people are doing. I'll do my best to keep you motivated.

👍

 

[KlimtOphile]

WOW, you are so inspiring. I need to restructure my study schedule. Yes, it is soo comforting to identify with people in the same position - working full time and all! 👍

 

[dreamaloud]

No Kaplan for me - no time. klimtophile, you bring up a good point, it's quality of studying, so if you give 110% for 3 hours verus 50% all day, that might make the difference. So i'm going to make my 3 hours tonight 150%. Back to the orgo problems 🙂

BTW, huge Klimt fan, cool id.

 

[Seedars]

I know that most folks will opt to take an MCAT prep course if they can but anybody know about how many folks don't take a prep course and still do well? I wish I could afford it but that ain't in the cards right now, so I'm studying solo. I know that a lot of us are and I just wanted to give props for that diligence.

With that said, I'm off to take a physics test (aaarrgghh!) and then hit some MCAT bio for a couple of hours.

Peace!

 

[KlimtOphile]

No Kaplan for me - no time. klimtophile, you bring up a good point, it's quality of studying, so if you give 110% for 3 hours verus 50% all day, that might make the difference. So i'm going to make my 3 hours tonight 150%. Back to the orgo problems 🙂

BTW, huge Klimt fan, cool id.

Dreamaloud, I like your id too! I'm so glad that someone picked up on the Klimt reference -- Alex Grey is also a favorite of mine. Familiar with his work? Any artists on here? Anyone using art in an interesting way to relieve mcat anxiety? I have just about 0 time to create these days, I'm going into artistic withdrawal... 🙁
OH, and back to MCAT business, I've already reviewed most of the mcat subjects, I don't know if I should just take tests for the next few weeks or use the 1001 EK questions in my week areas...maybe a combo of both? What do you guys think? 😕
Ahhh, and as a new SDN member, I am truly appreciating relating to you guys, so thanks for your feedback! So comforting... 👍
*me*

 

[KlimtOphile]

I know that most folks will opt to take an MCAT prep course if they can but anybody know about how many folks don't take a prep course and still do well? I wish I could afford it but that ain't in the cards right now, so I'm studying solo. I know that a lot of us are and I just wanted to give props for that diligence.

With that said, I'm off to take a physics test (aaarrgghh!) and then hit some MCAT bio for a couple of hours.

Peace!

Hey Seedars,

I wasn't going to take a prep class but i signed up with PR at a discounted rate to ask the instructors questions and get test feedback. Ultimately, I think that you can evaluate your own strengths and weeknesses... maybe just make a list including subject topics where you keep getting questions wrong and do more practice problems in those areas. ALso post questions up here that you're having trouble with. 🙂 Hope that helps !
*me*

 

[cfdavid]

I'm not taking a prep class, but I do have all the EK stuff (including Audio Osmosis and the 1001's). So, I'm pretty much going off of the EK schedule, and I'm finding it's really helping to stay regimented, with the goal of finishing all the requirements in the schedule each day. Also, I have some online Kaplan science review stuff that has helped me in the orgo department. (It's been 10 years).
Also, the AAMC online access to the old MCAT exams.

I believe you can do great without a prep course, if you have the right materials and study hard. I really like EK's approach to many of the subjects.

Good luck everyone.

 

[jaylily]

I'm home!!! I had originally planned to take the April MCATs, but due to my OT hours at work coupled with christmas holidays and travel schedules, I'm now an August MCATer. I graduated from university in 2002 and have been working full time since then. It's like pulling teeth trying to get my ass studying again.
I'm so glad to hear there are more of us out there.
After work I head to the gym and by the time I get home I'm usually just thinking about sitting on the couch watching TV. Metaphase and telophase are the last things I want to think about. I need motivation and this is just the place to get it.

 

[Seedars]

Hey Seedars,

I wasn't going to take a prep class but i signed up with PR at a discounted rate to ask the instructors questions and get test feedback. Ultimately, I think that you can evaluate your own strengths and weeknesses... maybe just make a list including subject topics where you keep getting questions wrong and do more practice problems in those areas. ALso post questions up here that you're having trouble with. 🙂 Hope that helps !
*me*

Sound good. Thanks for the info. I'm planning on doing what you suggested since that's what the prep courses offer anyway and hopefully I'll be alright. Just took my first full-length MCAT (practice test 6R) this weekend and I'm fried!!!! Scored a 24 so I still have some work to do. Haven't analyzed which subjects I was messing up on yet but that will come.

Hope everyone else is making some headway!

Peace!

 

[DocKW]

www.e-mcat.com, the official site for AAMC exams, generates great score reports. The score reports will show you what particular concepts you are weak in, and so much more. The first exam, 3R, is free. . .you should try out it out!

 

[chameleonknight]

Keep up the work, guys. I went the traditional route, but my g/f is currently doing the working/studying deal.

The MCAT is a big step, but it's defeatable. Think of it as an opportunity, not an obstacle. With the proper cocky attitude and heavy weaponry, you can get the score you want.

 

[2bkiddoc]

My best friend (who is graduating from Penn Med in a few months) didn't take a review course. He got a 40 (or a 39)... He set himself on a rigid schedule and really stuck to it.

You can do it!

I know that most folks will opt to take an MCAT prep course if they can but anybody know about how many folks don't take a prep course and still do well? I wish I could afford it but that ain't in the cards right now, so I'm studying solo. I know that a lot of us are and I just wanted to give props for that diligence.

With that said, I'm off to take a physics test (aaarrgghh!) and then hit some MCAT bio for a couple of hours.

Peace!

 

[54578]

hey guys-

i really don't think a prep course is necessary, unless you really need structure and the extra umph to study. if anything, the prep courses really eat away at valuable time you could be sitting the books hard. remember, just because you're sitting in a 3-4 hour lecture every night, doesn't mean it's helping you. i also found that so many people come to classes so unprepared its a waste of my time (not to mention going back and forth from the test site). just my two cents


meso

 

[myodana]

i did it... i studied a couple of hours a day and on the weekends took full-length exams (9 of them over about 10 weeks). i'd spend the entire saturday taking the test with a friend, then we'd review it on sunday, and i'd study material on my own during the week. luckily my job has different hours every day, so there are some mornings i could sit in a coffeeshop for 3 hours with a latte and just pore over the kaplan and examkrackers books. i'm a fan of coffeeshop studying, but it definitely doesn't work for everyone.