Preparing for the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a significant undertaking, so you’ll need access to a variety of study materials, from physical items to digital platforms to human support systems. To help your studies feel less daunting and to avoid overwhelm or burn-out, you’ll need to adopt a strategic approach and pace yourself sensibly.
The MCAT assesses your knowledge of many areas, including biology, chemistry, physics, psychology and critical analysis, so a comprehensive study plan is crucial. This is not an exam you want to improvise in, so to help you prepare effectively, let’s break down everything you’ll need to study for your MCAT.
Study resources
Researching what the MCAT involves is an excellent way to prepare yourself for the academic journey ahead. By understanding how the test works and what you can expect, you’ll be able to get into the right frame of mind and boost your confidence.
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) offers a wide selection of informative resources and study guides to help you build a strong foundation with your study plans. You can find planning and scheduling guides, an overview of the test, webinars and mock questionnaires, plus much more for learners at all stages of MCAT study prep. There’s also a free practice exam, to help give you a sense of the timing and difficulty of your upcoming test. You can take it as many times as you want to in order to build your stamina and fine-tune your exam strategies.
Apps and videos
Visual and auditory learners may struggle with revising multiple blocks of text, but luckily this isn’t a roadblock to successfully preparing for your MCAT. Many students benefit from the extensive collection of educational videos available across YouTube and other online platforms when trying to grasp the complex topics covered in the MCAT – from educators such as Khan Academy. However, always remember to make sure that the information has been verified by a legitimate professional, or is endorsed by an educational organization such as the AAMC.
There are several apps designed specifically for revising ahead of the MCAT, such as Magoosh and Kaplan MCAT Flashcards. Apps can be a fun way to study, as they help to track your progress and keep you motivated.
Scheduling tools
For some, the materials needed to create an efficient, manageable schedule may be as simple as a piece of paper and a pen; for others, it can look like a digital tracking tool or an online calendar. Whichever method suits you, you’ll need a way to block out the time you’ll dedicate to studying.
Having a set schedule, even if it’s adaptable or flexible, is crucial for staying on track with your studies and not falling behind. As the MCAT covers a wide range of topics, it’s essential to dedicate enough time to each – so starting early is key.
Support groups
Joining a study group in person or a support forum online can provide you with invaluable support and encouragement throughout your studies. These are a safe space in which to talk through your study materials with other like-minded students, share resources, ask questions and find revision buddies – all great ways to cement your knowledge of the content needed to pass the MCAT.
By using the plethora of free resources available on various online platforms, building a study schedule that works for you and integrating into supportive local communities, you can maximize your chances of success for your MCAT.
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