Timeline for MCAT

[Desperate]

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Next year will be my 5th and last year of college and I'll finally have my prereqs done. However I want to do the June 2011 MCAT so I can still apply early for 2012. I'd be finishing bio 2, phys 2, and ochem 2 that last semester, giving me about a month or so before the MCAT. My gpa is already going to be on the lower side so I need to get my app in early, but I also need a great MCAT score. Any suggestions on what I should do. Oh I also have the examkrackers books to aid my studying.

 

[The Wild Wind]

Yeah, you will really need more than month. I would suggest start studying at least three months before the actual exam. Some people do shorter than that and others take much longer time. I understand you have three science classes in your last semester but one month of MCAT prep would be really risky. However, if you already started reviewing the materials and if the last one month is just for the intense practice exams then that sounds better. Trust me, it's never too early to start studying for MCAT. If you have a time go ahead doing some light reviews on some of the sciences, and start practicing the verbal section. That way you will be well prepared for the actual exam. EK is great for MCAT preparation, but you might need some other books if you want detailed cover. June is not late for the MCAT, and if your score comes back in late June or early July then your application should be considered early part of application cycle.
Make a study plan that is reasonable with your class schedules and stick to it. Take it seriously and be consistent on your study. When you feel ready start taking practice exams. Take a practice exams just like the real one. Then review on your mistakes, and give yourself enough time to cover that topic. Do as many as practice exams you can get. You will see your weakness and strength by taking practice tests. Also it builds confidence in you. Remember all these will take some time, that's why you need more time for MCAT preparation. You have a enough time now, so you can do it. Good luck.

 

[mspeedwagon]

Personally, I think this plan is terrible. It's one thing if you said you had a 4.0 and wanted to use the last month leading up to the MCAT to take practice exam after practice exam, but did not need to do any review because you had all the basics down. However, you admit that your GPA is lower and now want to rush your MCAT prep after just having finished the pre-reqs. You are basically dooming yourself to failure.

In your shoes, here is what I would do. First, move your MCAT date to September. You are much better off taking a late MCAT and getting a high score than an early MCAT and getting a low score. Use June, July and August to prepare for the MCAT (somewhere on here there a three month MCAT study plan, do a search for it and use it).

Your practice tests should give you an indication of your MCAT score. If you are dead set on the Fall of 2012, I would submit your apps pending MCAT score over the summer while preparing. For me, in your shoes, I'd aim for the Fall of 2013 and spend my year inbetween building a stellar application, but this is a personal choice. Taking the MCAT in September, when you are ready, to me is a much, much better plan than applying early with a lower GPA and a rushed (read: lower) MCAT score.

Next year will be my 5th and last year of college and I'll finally have my prereqs done. However I want to do the June 2011 MCAT so I can still apply early for 2012. I'd be finishing bio 2, phys 2, and ochem 2 that last semester, giving me about a month or so before the MCAT. My gpa is already going to be on the lower side so I need to get my app in early, but I also need a great MCAT score. Any suggestions on what I should do. Oh I also have the examkrackers books to aid my studying.

 

[RevDoc]

Examcrakers is the way to go. If low GPA, Id say you need at least 2 months on them though. Also need AMCAS practice exams - theyre actual previous tests. Orgo is phasing down on the MCAT and Genetics is now coming into play btw. My Bio section was 50% genetics/or directly related to genetics application - no exageration.