"sufficient" MCAT prep time advice?

[selune]

---

Members do not see this ad.

Hey, new here. Looking for some advice regarding the MCAT.

I just gradded mid-June from UCLA. My MCAT study was a little delayed due to extraneous things going on in my life, including a part-time job, family moving, stuff like that. So basically I just started getting down with the material about a week and a half ago. So now I'm thinking, 'ok, this sucks' and reeeally doubting myself as to whether I can pull this off in 4 weeks. I was going to make my AMCAS app by the first week of August, and apply blind. But I'm doing the mental math and it looks like this: 4 weeks left to study at 40-50 hrs/wk + money poured in AMCAS not knowing whether I'll even be ready to take the August test = dubious at best. On the other hand, my self-doubt might just be telling me this.

So I'm wondering -- generally, how many weeks/months before the exam do people prepare? I have a long way to go, and 4 weeks seems way too short to do it all. Would you consider making apps this summer a wise investment?

Not looking for answers, btw. Just want to hear what other people think/have experienced.

 

[docolive]

Hello,
That is a bit tight time-wise. It all depends on your preparation, and how fresh your undergrad coursework is. Using the EK books, it would be possible, but I am not sure what texts you are using. The amount of material covered may be overwhelming in such a short time. If you are prepared in the areas covered-bio, chem and physics, I would go ahead and just focus on practicing. Then I would prioritize your weakest areas, and go from there. Most importantly, use this August mcat as a tool. I think taking it twice is the norm, with some exceptions, but it may turn out in your favor anyway. Also, in case of not doing super well, you have until April to improve, and then you will have an awesome score, while also gaining the advantage of applying early. I am taking the exam for the second time this August, having already applied, etc and I needed at least 6 weeks....since I am a little laid back and can not make the review an everyday 8hr. deal. Best wishes to you and see how ready you are, and take those practice exams!