Score +520 on the MCAT: The Ultimate 6-Month Study Plan (+ Proven Tips)

Striking a balance between thorough MCAT preparation and efficient time management is a common challenge faced by pre-med students. This blog post aims to address this concern by outlining a comprehensive, yet attainable, 6-month MCAT study plan specifically designed for beginners.

This plan incorporates valuable strategies and actionable tips to guide you toward achieving a successful outcome on the MCAT. By following this structured approach, you can confidently navigate your MCAT preparation journey and unlock your potential for medical school admission.

Why Should You Care So Much About the MCAT?

The Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) is a standardized, multiple-choice examination that is a crucial component of the medical school admissions process in the United States and Canada. But why do admissions committees place such a high value on this single exam?

The MCAT is designed to assess problem-solving, critical thinking, and knowledge of natural, behavioral, and social science concepts and principles prerequisite to the study of medicine. It provides a standardized measure of academic prowess, allowing admissions committees to compare applicants from different backgrounds and educational systems.

Moreover, the MCAT is considered a reliable predictor of success in medical school. It tests not only factual knowledge but also the ability to apply that knowledge in new contexts, a skill vital for medical professionals. Therefore, a strong MCAT score demonstrates to admissions committees that an applicant is academically prepared for the rigors of medical school.

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Why a Study Plan Is a Must?

Creating a study schedule is the single most important piece of the MCAT puzzle. A well-structured study plan provides a roadmap to your MCAT preparation, ensuring that you cover all necessary content and dedicate sufficient time to each section of the exam.

A study schedule helps you manage your time effectively, breaking down a daunting task into manageable study sessions. It allows you to track your progress, identify areas of weakness, and adjust your study strategies accordingly.

Moreover, a study plan promotes consistent study habits and reduces procrastination. Setting specific goals and deadlines provides motivation and keeps you accountable.

How to Build Your Winning MCAT Study Schedule?

Step 1: Choose an MCAT Test Date

The first step in creating your MCAT study schedule is to choose your MCAT test date. This decision should be based on several factors, including your academic schedule, personal commitments, and the time needed for adequate preparation. The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) typically offers multiple test dates throughout the year, giving you the flexibility to choose a date that best fits your schedule.

Choosing your test date early allows you to work backward from that date to plan your study schedule. It also provides a clear goal and timeline, which can be a powerful motivator during your preparation.

Time Commitment for MCAT Study

The amount of time you should spend studying for the MCAT depends on several factors, including your baseline knowledge, learning speed, and the score you aim to achieve. However, as a general guideline, many experts recommend a total of 300 to 350 hours of study time to prepare for the MCAT.

If you’re following a 6-month study schedule, this equates to approximately 12-15 hours per week. This allows you to spread your study time evenly, preventing burnout and ensuring that you have ample time to cover all the necessary content.

Remember, these are just guidelines. You should adjust your study time based on your individual needs and progress. Regular self-assessment is crucial to determine whether you need to increase or decrease your study time.

Step 2: Build the MCAT Study Schedule – Content Phase

The second step in building your MCAT study schedule is the content phase. This phase is all about learning and reviewing the material that will be tested on the MCAT. It’s important to start with a focus on content review because the MCAT is not just a test of your ability to reason and solve problems, but also a test of your knowledge and understanding of the sciences.

For most students, devoting 2-3 months solely to thorough content review sets a strong foundation. During this phase, your studying should concentrate on:

Comprehensively reviewing topics from your pre-med prerequisites like biology, biochemistry, general chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology
Taking diligent notes and making comprehensive study materials
Identifying strengths and weaknesses across the various disciplines

The MCAT draws from a broad range of concepts, many of which you may not have encountered in a few years. Allocating 2-3 months allows you to methodically relearn, organize, and encode all of this foundational content effectively.

After completing this content review, you’ll transition to practice work, but getting the concepts down cold first is critical. Be sure to block off substantial, uninterrupted study time each week, treating this like a full academic course.

Some key tips for your MCAT content review phase:

Create a structured syllabus with clear milestones and content sub-goals
Use official test prep resources and reputable third-party review books
Practice retrieving and connecting concepts through activities like drawing diagrams, teaching lessons to others, etc.

Mastering the vast sea of MCAT content calls for diligence and an extended runway. With 2-3 months dedicated solely to thorough knowledge-building, you’ll develop a solid conceptual base to excel on test day.

See Also: MCAT Content by Jack Westin

Step 3: Build the MCAT Study Schedule – Practice Phase

After spending 2-3 months dedicated to thorough content review, it’s time to transition into applying that knowledge through MCAT practice materials. For most students, allocating the final 2-3 months of your 6-month study plan to focused practice is ideal.

During this phase, your preparation should concentrate on:

Taking regular full-length MCAT practice tests under timed conditions
Completing practice question banks and section bank questions
Developing mastery of MCAT-style passages, data analysis, and analytical reasoning
Identifying and addressing any remaining content weaknesses

The practice phase serves to solidify your grasp of the concepts and build your stamina and strategic thinking skills for the test day. Consistent, timed practice using high-quality MCAT materials from companies like AAMC is key.

Some tips for maximizing your practice phase:

Take one full-length practice test every 1-2 weeks and exhaustively review each one
Prioritize official AAMC practice resources over third-party materials
Track your performance to identify strengths and areas needing more practice
Continue light content review in your weakest areas between practice sessions

Should I Sign Up for Multiple MCAT Test Dates?

Most students opt to schedule just one MCAT test date after completing their 4-6 month preparation period. However, some choose to register for two potential test dates, around 4-8 weeks apart, as a precautionary measure.

Scheduling a backup test date provides insurance in case any unforeseen circumstances like illness prevent you from performing your best on the initial test day. But it also requires additional fees and extending your preparation timeline.

If taking the backup date, use the time in between to address any weaknesses revealed on your first attempt. But for most, the ideal approach is to prepare meticulously for 6 months and go all-in on a single, well-prepared test date. Decide which strategy works best for your situation and goals.

The key is leaving ample time for thorough content mastery and extensive practice work. With a strategic 6-month plan featuring this ideal mix, you’ll be poised to confidently approach test day.

Step 4: Refine Your MCAT Study Schedule

The fourth step in building your MCAT study schedule is to refine and adjust your plan based on your personal situation and progress. Remember, a study schedule is not set in stone. It should be flexible and adaptable to your needs.

As you progress through your study plan, you may find that you need more time on certain topics or that you are progressing faster than expected in others. Regular self-assessment is crucial to identify these trends and adjust your study schedule accordingly.

Moreover, your study schedule should take into account your personal commitments and lifestyle. For example, if you are a morning person, schedule your most challenging study sessions in the morning when you are most alert. If you have other commitments, such as a part-time job or family responsibilities, factor these into your schedule.

Modifying Your MCAT Study Schedule with a Full-Time Job

Balancing MCAT preparation with a full-time job can be challenging, but it is certainly possible with careful planning and time management. Here are some tips on how to modify your MCAT study schedule if you are working full-time:

Maximize your mornings and evenings: Consider waking up an hour earlier or studying for a couple of hours after work. You might be surprised how much you can accomplish in these quiet hours.
Utilize your weekends: Weekends can provide large blocks of uninterrupted study time. Make the most of this time for longer study sessions or full-length practice tests.
Leverage your lunch breaks: Even a half-hour of focused study during your lunch break can add up over time.
Plan your study topics: Schedule less demanding topics or review sessions during the times when you are likely to be tired, such as after a long day of work.

MCAT Study Schedule Templates

1-month MCAT study schedule

Week	Day	Task
1	1-3	Biology and Biochemistry (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
1	4-5	Chemistry and Physics (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
1	6-7	Psychology and Sociology (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
2	8-10	Review weak areas from Week 1 and start practice problems (AAMC)
2	11-12	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
2	13	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
2	14	Review practice test
3	15-17	Practice problems and section bank questions (AAMC)
3	18-19	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
3	20	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
3	21	Review practice test
4	22-24	Review weak areas and practice problems (AAMC)
4	25-26	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
4	27	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
4	28	Review practice test
Final Days	29-30	Light review of high-yield topics and weak areas
Final Days	31	Relax, light review, and prepare for test day

2-Month MCAT Study Schedule

Week	Day	Task
1-2	1-14	Biology and Biochemistry (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
3-4	15-28	Chemistry and Physics (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
5-6	29-42	Psychology and Sociology (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
7	43-45	Review weak areas from Weeks 1-6 and start practice problems (AAMC)
7	46-47	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
7	48	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
7	49	Review practice test
8	50-52	Practice problems and section bank questions (AAMC)
8	53-54	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
8	55	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
8	56	Review practice test
9	57-59	Review weak areas and practice problems (AAMC)
9	60-61	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
9	62	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
9	63	Review practice test
10	64-66	Light review of high-yield topics and weak areas
10	67-68	Relax, light review, and prepare for test day
10	69	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
10	70	Review practice test and final preparation

3-Month MCAT Study Schedule

Week	Day	Task
1-2	1-14	Biology and Biochemistry (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
3-4	15-28	Chemistry and Physics (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
5-6	29-42	Psychology and Sociology (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
7-8	43-56	Review weak areas from Weeks 1-6 and start practice problems (AAMC)
9-10	57-70	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
11	71-73	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
11	74	Review practice test
12	75-77	Practice problems and section bank questions (AAMC)
12	78-80	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
13	81	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
13	82	Review practice test
14	83-85	Review weak areas and practice problems (AAMC)
14	86-88	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
15	89	Full-length practice test (AAM

4-Month MCAT Study Schedule

Week	Day	Task
1-2	1-14	Biology and Biochemistry (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
3-4	15-28	Chemistry and Physics (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
5-6	29-42	Psychology and Sociology (Jack Westin, Khan Academy)
7-8	43-56	Review weak areas from Weeks 1-6 and start practice problems (AAMC)
9-10	57-70	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
11-12	71-84	Full-length practice test (AAMC) and review practice test
13-14	85-98	Practice problems and section bank questions (AAMC)
15-16	99-112	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
17	113	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
17	114	Review practice test
18-19	115-128	Review weak areas and practice problems (AAMC)
20-21	129-142	CARS practice (Jack Westin)
22	143	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
22	144	Review practice test
23-24	145-158	Light review of high-yield topics and weak areas
25	159	Relax, light review, and prepare for test day
25	160	Full-length practice test (AAMC)
25	161	Review practice test and final preparation

6-Month MCAT Study Schedule

Month	Week	Task
1	1-2	Biology and Biochemistry – Start with the basics of cell biology, molecular biology, and genetics. Then move on to biochemistry topics like metabolism and biological molecules. Use Jack Westin and Khan Academy for comprehensive content review.
1	3-4	Chemistry – Review general chemistry topics such as atomic structure, chemical bonds, and reactions. Then move on to organic chemistry topics like functional groups and reactions. Use Jack Westin and Khan Academy for comprehensive content review.
2	5-6	Physics – Cover topics such as mechanics, electricity and magnetism, and thermodynamics. Use Jack Westin and Khan Academy for comprehensive content review.
2	7-8	Psychology and Sociology – Review psychological theories and concepts, and understand the sociological principles that affect human behavior. Use Jack Westin and Khan Academy for comprehensive content review.
3	9-10	Review and Practice Problems – Review weak areas from Months 1-2 and start practice problems from AAMC. This will help you apply the knowledge you’ve gained and identify areas that need more focus.
3	11-12	CARS Practice – Start practicing CARS passages using Jack Westin. This will help you improve your reading comprehension and critical analysis skills, which are crucial for the MCAT.
4	13	Full-Length Practice Test – Take a full-length practice test from AAMC. This will give you a sense of the test format and timing, and help you identify areas that need more focus.
4	14	Review Practice Test – Review your answers from the practice test. Understand the reasoning behind the correct answers and learn from your mistakes.
5	15-16	Practice Problems and Section Bank Questions – Continue working on practice problems and section bank questions from AAMC. This will help you apply your knowledge in a test-like context.
5	17-18	CARS Practice – Continue practicing CARS passages using Jack Westin. This will help you improve your reading comprehension and critical analysis skills.
5	19	Full-Length Practice Test – Take another full-length practice test from AAMC. This will help you track your progress and identify areas that need more focus.
5	20	Review Practice Test – Review your answers from the practice test. Understand the reasoning behind the correct answers and learn from your mistakes.
6	21-22	Review and Practice Problems – Review weak areas and continue working on practice problems from AAMC. This will help you solidify your knowledge and improve your problem-solving skills.
6	23-24	CARS Practice – Continue practicing CARS passages using Jack Westin. This will help you improve your reading comprehension and critical analysis skills.
6	25	Full-Length Practice Test – Take another full-length practice test from AAMC. This will help you track your progress and identify areas that need more focus.
6	26	Review Practice Test – Review your answers from the practice test. Understand the reasoning behind the correct answers and learn from your mistakes.
6	27-28	Light Review – Review high-yield topics and weak areas. This will help you consolidate your knowledge and prepare for the final stretch.
6	29	Relax and Prepare for Test Day – Take a break from studying to relax and mentally prepare for test day.
6	30	Full-Length Practice Test – Take your final full-length practice test from AAMC. This will give you a final check of your readiness for the MCAT.
6	31	Review Practice Test and Final Preparation – Review your answers from the practice test and make final preparations for test day.

How to Stay on Track & Perform Well

Conquering the MCAT requires dedication, focus, and a strategic approach. This section equips you with actionable advice to maintain focus and optimize your performance throughout your MCAT prep journey.

Set SMART Goals: Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals keep you motivated. Break down your study plan into smaller weekly or daily goals you can achieve and track.
Utilize a Timer: Fight procrastination by setting a timer for focused study sessions. The Pomodoro Technique, for example, involves 25-minute work intervals followed by short breaks, promoting sustained concentration.
Find a Study Buddy: Partnering with a fellow MCAT prepper fosters accountability and provides a support system. Discuss study materials, quiz each other on key concepts, and motivate each other to stay on track.
Reward Yourself: Celebrating milestones, big or small, keeps you energized and reinforces positive study habits. Treat yourself to a break, enjoy a favorite activity, or simply acknowledge your progress.

Master the MCAT with Practice Exams

Full-length practice exams are a crucial component of your MCAT preparation. They:

Simulate the real exam experience: Taking practice exams under timed conditions familiarizes you with the exam format, pacing, and question styles.
Identify knowledge gaps: Practice exams expose areas where your understanding needs strengthening, allowing you to tailor your remaining studies accordingly.
Boost test-taking skills: Repeatedly confronting practice exams hones your critical thinking, time management, and test-taking strategies.

So, how many practice exams should you take? We generally recommend aiming for 5-7 full-length practice exams throughout your study period. Here’s a breakdown for optimal usage:

Midway through Content Review: Take a practice exam to assess your baseline understanding of the tested concepts.
Post-Content Review: Schedule practice exams strategically throughout your remaining study period, allowing sufficient time to analyze your performance and address any weaknesses before the next one.

Remember, the value lies not just in the number of exams but in the analysis of your results. After every practice exam:

Review thoroughly: Identify missed questions, analyze your thought process, and consult your study materials to solidify your understanding.
Focus on improvement: Don’t dwell on missed questions; instead, prioritize strategies to avoid similar mistakes in the future.

Resources & Additional Information

Top MCAT Study and Practice Materials

When it comes to MCAT preparation, having the right study materials is crucial. Here are some top recommendations:

Jack Westin’s MCAT Course: This course is highly recommended for its comprehensive content review, practice questions, and full-length practice tests. Jack Westin’s course is known for its focus on the CARS section, offering daily CARS practice passages that can help improve your reading comprehension and analytical skills.
AAMC’s Official MCAT Prep Resources: These resources are created by the same organization that administers the MCAT, making them a must-have for any test-taker. They offer a range of products, including full-length practice tests, section bank questions, and flashcards.
Khan Academy’s MCAT Collection: Khan Academy offers a wide range of free resources for the MCAT, including video lessons and practice questions. Their resources cover all sections of the MCAT and are a great supplement to other study materials.

Conclusion

The MCAT might seem daunting, but with a well-structured study plan and the right approach, you can achieve a stellar score. This blog has equipped you with the essential tools and strategies to excel:

A winning 6-month study plan, broken down into clear phases for content mastery and practice.
Actionable tips to maintain focus, include setting SMART goals, utilizing timers, and finding a study buddy.
The importance of practice exams – aiming for 5-7 throughout your prep – to simulate the real exam and identify areas for improvement.

Remember, the MCAT is a test of your knowledge, critical thinking, and test-taking skills. By dedicating yourself to focused studying, strategically incorporating practice exams, and employing effective strategies, you’ll be well on your way to MCAT success.

Ready to take the next step?

Jack Westin’s MCAT Tutoring offers a comprehensive course designed to address all aspects of the MCAT, including in-depth content review, targeted practice questions, and high-quality full-length practice exams.

With our guidance and your dedication, you can conquer the MCAT and unlock your potential for medical school. Visit our website or contact us today to learn more!