MCAT Study Plan-2017 Spring Update

While it has been a few years since I was studying for the MCAT myself, my brother, who is a junior in college, will be taking the MCAT this coming summer. With me taking the test prior to the 2015 overhaul, I decided it would be a good idea to update my own MCAT study plan to take these changes into account. So, my brother and I sat down and developed this MCAT study schedule. My brother has decided to use the Kaplan study books since several students in his class were going to use those as well. I used Examkrackers when I studied for the MCAT and also recommend that study resource.

This study schedule includes two passes of the Kaplan study books: one during the upcoming spring semester and one during the 6 weeks more intensive study time leading up right to the test. I have found with my own studying experiences in med school that going through the material at least twice greatly increases your retention of the topics. Also, it is hard to find time to study when you also are having to worry about homework and exams for your undergrad courses, so I believe spreading the material out over the entire semester, with plenty of makeup days, makes it much more manageable. Then, you have seen the material at least once before starting the intensive study period where you have more time to go over everything again and focus on the topics that you need more work on. While this study plan is very specific, you can use it as a model for your own studies and adjust it as to how best you learn. I believe having a well thought out, specific plan in place before you start studying helps to keep you on target and not become as overwhelmed by the vast amount of material that is on these types of exams.

Also with the Kaplan program, you get the Quicksheets book which is probably what I loved the most. This small book is filled with quick facts and equations for each section of the MCAT. I love having all of this high-yield information in one place.

You can read about my own experience taking the MCAT, along with advice and tips, here.

Are you taking the MCAT this year? How will you be studying? Do you have any tips yourself or questions about this study plan? Let me know by leaving a comment below.

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