light course load when prepping for mcat

Full Answer

Should I just focus on the MCAT and not the app?

If you only focus on your MCAT and figure out your app afterward, you at least know that if you can’t do it faster this year, you will definitely get in next year. I had a student who followed this exact advice.

How many hours a week should I study for the MCAT?

A good bet for MCAT studying is to set aside 20-40 hours a week depending on how much time you need for content. But you MUST always be practicing MCAT thinking, so at least 20 hours will mostly be test and question review. And then, if you need content work on top, you can add additional hours to your schedule.

How do I overcome MCAT anxiety?

MCAT anxiety is hard, but manageable. But students typically need some sort of 1-1 coaching + tutoring to overcome this barrier. 3. Existing Commitments Your commitments are a big factor.

Is it possible to study for the MCAT while taking classes?

Depending on who you are, you can fit in 3 to 5 hours of MCAT studying per day. Most people on that schedule spend 3 to 4 months studying before the test.

How many credit hours do I need to study MCAT?

The MCAT is a beast. Most students hate it. It's going to take a lot more work usually than you expect it to. So you don't want to be taking those 28 credit hours and study less for the MCAT.

Is 250 hours enough for MCAT?

Most people need 10–15 hours per week to study for the MCAT over a period of at least four to six months . In total, you should aim for at least 200 to 300 hours of MCAT study time.

Is 6 months too long to study for MCAT?

Even with six months to prepare, you will need to put aside a good chunk of study each week to attain a competitive score on the MCAT. Let's take a look at how the next six months should shape up for you. First thing to consider is that this is a long term plan.

Is 3 months enough time to study for the MCAT?

12 weeks, or 3 months, is generally sufficient time to spend studying for the MCAT at about 20 hours per week. This can be compressed or extended based on your schedule.

Can you study for MCAT in 2.5 months?

Some premed students set aside a summer, often after their junior year, when they fully dedicate themselves to MCAT preparation. For those students, 2.5-3 months is usually sufficient to become completely ready.

How long dies it take to study for the MCAT?

Typically students need 3-6 months to study. This is a hard test. On average, students who do well will put in between 250-400 hours of MCAT studying. However, depending on where you start, it could take you half as much time (or twice as long).

Can I study for the MCAT in 4 months?

With 4 months, an average student can expect to improve his/her MCAT score by 13-15 points, assuming around 200-300 hours per month studying.

How many hours should I study for the MCAT?

A good bet for MCAT studying is to set aside 20-40 hours a week depending on how much time you need for content. But you MUST always be practicing MCAT thinking, so at least 20 hours will mostly be test and question review. And then, if you need content work on top, you can add additional hours to your schedule.

What is the focus of the MCAT?

Many worry especially about their Physics. But at the end of the day, the focus of the MCAT is primarily on reasoning and reading. If you haven’t taken a practice test, this really won’t be clear until you take one (we will get to that soon).

How long should I study for the MCAT?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty to figure out an individualized plan for you, let’s talk about what the general recommendations are for how long you should study for the MCAT: Typically students need 3-6 months to study. This is a hard test. On average, students who do well will put in between 250-400 hours of MCAT studying.

How long does it take to get a 515?

If you start at 500, and you want a 515, a fair guess is that it will take you about 15 weeks (just under 4 months). If you start at 485, it will take twice as long. However, please note this formula is NOT Linear. You will have periods of big jumps, and periods of no movement.

Can you change a section that is low across the board?

People who are low across the board will need a lot longer than someone who is really strong in the sciences but low in CARS. Similarly, if you are strong in CARS and average in the sciences that can be a pretty quick change as well. Any section that is very low can often take a long time to change. But not always!

How to prepare for the MCAT?

If you compare yourself to peers who can study full-time for the MCAT with no distractions, you may feel like you’re at a disadvantage. After all, someone who can devote 40+ hours per week to MCAT prep can be ready in less time than someone with an already-packed schedule.

Is it realistic to study for the MCAT?

Keep in mind, too, that your MCAT prep requires a high degree of focus, so it is not realistic to plan to study at moments when you’re likely to be exhausted from your other commitments—such as late at night or after a long day at work.

Can peers help you prep for the MCAT?

Not only can your peers help you prep more efficiently, but they can also supply a source of much -needed camaraderie during this challenging—and exciting—time. Outside of work, talk to your family, friends, and roommates about how MCAT prep will affect your time.

Can you give up your downtime for the MCAT?

That time can now belong to the MCAT. While giving up most or all of your downtime may not be appealing, remember that this is a short-term sacrifice for a long-term gain. You can always catch up on a favorite series once you have the MCAT score to support your application to medical school.

Is the MCAT in a bubble?

No one takes the MCAT in a bubble —everyone has a life outside of the test—but part of a solid prep strategy is understanding all of the demands you already have on your time (and then rearranging them whenever possible).