Studying for the MCAT? Create a study plan to ace the exam!

Preparing for the MCAT? Feeling stressed and overwhelmed with the subjects you need to review?

A study plan for the MCAT helps you organize your time and resources effectively. Without a plan, you might find yourself overwhelmed or unsure of what to study next.

Created by the author using Magic Media

Create an organized and focused study plan so you can ace the test.

Understanding exam sections and subjects will help you categorize your study plan for the MCAT.

The MCAT is divided into four main sections:

1. Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems

• Focuses on biology and biochemistry.

2. Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems

• Focuses on chemistry and physics.

3. Psychological, Social, and Biological Foundations of Behavior

• Tests your knowledge of psychology and sociology.

4. Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS)

• Assesses your ability to understand and analyze complex texts.

The average MCAT test-taker spends around 300 hours studying. Planning can help you use these hours more effectively.

Consider the following before you create your study plan for the MCAT:

1. Set clear goals

Decide on your target MCAT score and the medical schools you're aiming for. This will help you determine how much you need to study and what areas to focus on.

2. Break down your study schedule

Divide your study time into manageable chunks. For example:

• Daily: spend time on different subjects.

• Weekly: take practice tests and review your performance.

• Monthly: adjust your plan based on progress.

Below is an example of a 12-week study plan. Feel free to adjust the study times and focus areas based on your personal needs and progress.

Week 1: Identify your skills

• Take a full-length practice test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.

• Create a detailed plan based on your results.

Weeks 2-3: Do a content review

See examples below:

• Biology: review basic concepts, cell biology, genetics, and evolution.

• Chemistry: focus on general chemistry concepts, the periodic table, and reactions.

• Physics: review fundamental principles like mechanics, electricity, and waves.

Week 4-7: Include advanced contents

See examples below:

• Biochemistry: study metabolism, enzyme function, and molecular biology.

• Organic chemistry: focus on reaction mechanisms, spectroscopy, and functional groups.

• Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS): start practicing CARS passages.

Week 8-9: Full-length practice test

• Take full-length practice exams under timed conditions.

• Go through each practice test thoroughly to understand mistakes.

• Focus on weak areas identified in practice tests and review content as needed.

Week 10-12: Focused review and final preparation

• Focus on high-yield concepts and frequently tested areas.

• Continue with daily practice questions and full-length exams.

• Go over flashcards and review notes, and reinforce weak areas.

Use these tips to manage stress, tackle tough topics, and improve time management as you follow your study plan for the MCAT.

Stay motivated

Set clear goals and reward yourself for achieving them. Keep reminding yourself of your end goal to stay motivated.

Handle stress

Identify what’s causing your stress, then use relaxation techniques like exercise, deep breathing, or regular breaks.

Deal with tough topics

Find the subjects you struggle with using practice tests, then try different study resources or active learning methods like flashcards. Consider getting help from a tutor or online forums.

Manage your time

Create a weekly study plan with specific goals and use focused study periods with regular breaks. Prioritize important tasks, balance your time, and be flexible with your schedule.

Good luck with your MCAT preparation! Don’t be afraid to tweak your study plan for the MCAT as you go along. Check out the following tips and resources: