when to take MCAT and how to prepare

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When is the best time to take the MCAT and also how to prepare for it? What exactly is on it?

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Take it only when you are ready and have taken Bio 1, Bio 2, Orgo 1, Phys 1, Phys 2, and most of all, Biochem. I would also suggest Orgo 2 and Psych/Soc but you could get by with self-studying Psych and, though important, there is hardly any orgo on the exam compared to the other subjects.

Here are some helpful links:
https://www.reddit.com/r/Mcat/wiki/mcat2015faq
https://www.reddit.com/r/Mcat/wiki/mcat2015exam
https://www.aamc.org/students/download/377882/data/mcat2015-content.pdf

Also, try the "search" feature ;)
 
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Take the MCAT when you feel ready to take it. Some take it after their Sophomore year (having taken all the pre-reqs), but others take it long after they graduate college! Do not feel pressured to take it if you are not ready, as it is not worth it. Although retakes are incredibly common, a single strong score is the best. From personal experience, I took the MCAT twice and am doing fine this application cycle.

There are many many resources on the internet about what's on the MCAT.
 
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How many times can you take the test??? DO they average all the scores up??? Or they only take the best score??? WHen applying do you just send best score or will they see how many times you have taken the test and hold it against one.
 
You only want to take the test once. Some schools will average the scores, others look at the last score more closely but schools can see them all. Don't demonstrate poor judgment by taking the test before you are ready.
 
How many times can you take the test??? DO they average all the scores up??? Or they only take the best score??? WHen applying do you just send best score or will they see how many times you have taken the test and hold it against one.

Some schools average, some only look at the best, some only look at the worst -- ideally you only want to take it once. You only get one chance at Step 1, so they don't want to admit someone that took 4 tries to get a decent score on the MCAT. And yes, they'll see all of your attempts.

I would highly recommend not studying for the MCAT while taking classes or working. It requires ~3 months of your undivided attention unless you are exceptionally gifted. Take a semester off or take it during a gap year.
 
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