The MCAT is by far one of the most intimidating graduate admissions tests. A substantial part of premed studies, together with other cognitive abilities are compressed into a five-hour exam, which contains 144 questions and two essay-writing tasks.
Creating a study plan for the MCAT is a crucial step on the way to becoming a medical student. As a first step, let's quickly analyze the MCAT sections and learn what sort of knowledge each of those demands.
The biological and physical sections rely on prior knowledge which comprises the curriculum of premed studies. As such, they require an understanding of scientific investigation methods that include identifying variables, applying known concepts to newly represented information, predicting outcomes and analyzing data and graphs in accordance with given hypotheses.
The verbal reasoning section does not rely on any prior academic knowledge and demands the thorough comprehension of academic level texts, evaluation skills and critical thinking. Subjects represented in this section are not drawn only from science, but also from general fields of interest and thought - the humanities, the social sciences, and others.
The writing sample section evaluates verbal skills and English proficiency. It includes a composition of two essays (500-600 words each) that are written in response to prompts. These prompts are not related to scientific subjects and usually present a conflict or an issue that can be viewed from more than one standpoint.
Now, let's start building an MCAT study plan, which, if well designed, can replace an expensive prep course.
1. Depending on your present occupation, decide on a time period of three to four months. Try at first to study three to four times a week, with 4-6 hour sessions each. This means that during the first steps of your study plan, you will be devoting some 10-24 weekly hours to study.
2. Divide your weekly scheduled hours in such a manner that each section receives its relative time share, considering your weaknesses and strengths. Although the number of hours you choose to devote to each section depends on your individual situation, always start with the subjects you have practiced the least. For example, introductory first year courses should be reviewed first.
3. Try and keep your weekly schedule as diversified as possible. The following months can quickly turn exhaustive if specific subjects are studied constantly and for too long.
4. When you have reached a month before the test, it is advised to increase the number of hours dedicated to studying, focusing on full test practice. You must get used to a timed test environment, including taking the test at the same hour as the real test.
Although many students enroll in MCAT preparation courses, it is definitely possible to study for the MCAT independently. While science materials can be retrieved from college and university courses, or gathered from the internet using search engines and online free resources, practice questions and tests are offered on a variety of prep sites. It is definitely a matter of will and devotion that makes it possible to study alone for the MCAT. However, these are traits that should be inborn among people whose dream is becoming a doctor.
Jared Field, content adviser at TestPrep-Online
For more information on how to create an MCAT study plan and additional MCAT prep tools, visit our site at TestPrep-Online.
MCAT prep at TestPrep-Online - TestPrep-Online provides online preparation materials for the MCAT.
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