When should I start studying for MCAT?

[HappEness]

I am an incoming junior who is planning to take the MCAT in February or March. When should I start? I am the first in my family to consider medicine as a career path. Thank you so much!

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[lpp06]

Depends on your style -

If you are an efficient studier - you can do 3 months.

If you prefer to take your time - you can do 3-5 months.

Check out the MCAT subforum here, the sticky posts have a few sample study schedules.

MCAT • r/Mcat is also a fantastic resource. Check the sidebar for some FAQs and other misc info

 

[BombsAway]

Depends on how high you wanna score, and what you're packin'.

 

[halamadrid17]

3-4 months in advance to pace yourself (~4hrs per day average) is what I did...only you know your potential and study habits conducive to retention

 

[HappEness]

@halamadrid17 Thanks for the advice! May I ask, what score did you end up getting?

 

[CharlieBillings]

I studied for 100 days using the SN2 method, but that was the old MCAT. Scored 96% percentile.

 

[halamadrid17]

517 (130/126/131/130). I self studied, and took the exam the spring of my senior year, because I had planned on taking a gap year. I highly recommend taking an upper division physio and biochem course before the exam, they help tremendously.

 

[HappEness]

@halamadrid17 wow, that's awesome! Congrats!

 

[HappEness]

@halamadrid17 did you end up taking a gap year?

 

[halamadrid17]

Yes, applying this cycle

 

[HappEness]

Gotcha! Best of luck!

 

[libertyyne]

~500 hours. 5+ practice exams. You pick the schedule and then work backwards.

 

[halamadrid17]

Gotcha! Best of luck!

Thank you!

 

[HappEness]

@libertyyne Thanks for the reply! May i ask, what score did you end up getting?

 

[libertyyne]

@libertyyne Thanks for the reply! May i ask, what score did you end up getting?

518.