Time management and the MCAT

[Michou]

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Hello everyone!

As the title reads, I'm having a difficult time managing my time. It's tough because I'm in my second gap year and it's time for me to buckle down and study! I work part-time but commute 1.5 hrs by public transit [each way] and this tires me out. Luckily, I begin work at 2-2:30 pm; so, I have the mornings open [4-5 hrs]. It's just that I have difficulties grasping the content fast enough. I have to spend extra time on Khan Academy in order to internalize the material better [after reading EK or Kaplan]. While this helps in the long run, I'm WAY behind on content. I want to take the exam in May but I'm worried that I won't get to FLs and q-banks in time post content review [further pushing back my intended test date]. My study schedule isn't the best either. I have difficulties sticking to the same time everyday and remaining consistent. I've thought about quitting my job but I want to save up for interviews + travel. Help!

Can anyone offer any advice? Is there an app that I can use to help me schedule my study sessions better WHILE holding me accountable?

 

[jconnell82760]

Hey! I'm prepping for the April test date and definitely struggle with certain topics and spend more time on them. I'd highly recommend doing a circular type of study method to revisit the material multiple times even during content review. For example, I do a sort of 3 day rotation that looks like this: (Note: I'm doing content review initially by going through the AAMC outlines so that's what the 1A and 4C etc. refer to)
Day 1: Biology/Biochem 1A: fill out outline, watch Khan academy videos, read related chapters if necessary
Day 2: Chem/physics 4A: fill out outline, watch Khan academy videos, read related chapters if necessary; Also make quizlet for 1A
Day 3: Psych/Soc 6A: fill out outline, watch Khan academy videos, read related chapters if necessary; Also make quizlet for 4A; review quizlet for 1A

The quizlets can be organized in folders for test sections and I do long-term learning on each section. However, you can do something similar on Anki.

The best part of having it on quizlet/anki is that during your commute you can be doing flashcards and make the most of your time.

 

[Michou]

Hey! I'm prepping for the April test date and definitely struggle with certain topics and spend more time on them. I'd highly recommend doing a circular type of study method to revisit the material multiple times even during content review. For example, I do a sort of 3 day rotation that looks like this: (Note: I'm doing content review initially by going through the AAMC outlines so that's what the 1A and 4C etc. refer to)
Day 1: Biology/Biochem 1A: fill out outline, watch Khan academy videos, read related chapters if necessary
Day 2: Chem/physics 4A: fill out outline, watch Khan academy videos, read related chapters if necessary; Also make quizlet for 1A
Day 3: Psych/Soc 6A: fill out outline, watch Khan academy videos, read related chapters if necessary; Also make quizlet for 4A; review quizlet for 1A

The quizlets can be organized in folders for test sections and I do long-term learning on each section. However, you can do something similar on Anki.

The best part of having it on quizlet/anki is that during your commute you can be doing flashcards and make the most of your time.

Thank you! I'll bite the bullet and purchase the anki app for my iphone. I've found it to be extremely helpful so I can use it when commuting and during the huge amount of downtime that I have at work. I'll schedule more review too + practice problems from the AAMC.