The Right MCAT Date For You

Choosing the right MCAT date can have a huge impact on how well you perform on the test day and the quality of your application.

In this article I cover the four questions you need to ask yourself before choosing the best MCAT date for you!

Question 1: How much time do I need to study to be successful?

The time that you’re going to need to study for the MCAT will be unique to you, your responsibilities, and your schedule.

But I can help you narrow it down.

In the past, the average amount of time that test prep companies often suggest for studying for the MCAT is approximately four months of intense study. 

However, I recommend aiming closer to a minimum 6+ months of studying.

Extending your dedicated MCAT study time, will allow to:

• Balance your studies with your other responsibilities
• Have more time with the content.
• The ability to make self care a priority! (if your interested, check out my article on self care!)

That being said, if your schedule won’t let you spend a minimum of 3 hours per day on MCAT study, consider extending your time frame even more.

Question 2: When do I have time to study?

Ignoring this question is what sets a lot of pre-med’s up for a crazy amount of stress.

We all want to be optimistic that we can fit MCAT studying into our busy schedule, but sometimes that’s not the case.

(For example, I wouldn’t recommend trying study for the MCAT during your study abroad. I tried it… and it definitely didn’t work.)

When deciding on your MCAT study period, look to see if there are schools breaks, weekends, and time off work that you can utilize to your advantage.

Also consider making the time in the form of reducing your credit hours ( as much a you can).

That being said, sometimes there won’t be a perfect time to study for the MCAT.

Juggling work, school, kids, and MCAT is a reality that many applicants have and its completely doable with the right planning.

That’s why giving yourself a buffer as talked about in Question 1 is so important.

Question 3: Have I taken the classes I need to be successful on the MCAT?

Taking coursework related to the MCAT topics, can give you the basis needed to be successful on test day. If you haven’t taken the courses below, you may want to wait to schedule your MCAT date.

The Courses I Recommend Taking Before Your MCAT Include:

Biology I and II

Chemistry I and II

Organic Chemistry I and II

Physics I

Biochemistry ( chemistry version if possible)

Human Physiology

The Courses I Recommend Taking Before Your MCAT If You Have Time:

Psychology

Sociology ( I didn’t take and I was fine).

Statistics

Technically, you can take the MCAT without taking all of the related coursework but it really helps!

That being said the most important class that I recommend for sure taking is BIOCHEMISTRY. It connects with almost every section and is essential for success on the MCAT.

For CARS, check out my article on how to study for the MCAT. It goes over how to review questions correctly that helped be increase my MCAT score by 9 points!

Question 4: When do I want to Apply?

Which application cycle you want to apply in is one of the most important factors in deciding a test date and your study timeline.

Common times applicants take their MCAT include:

• January: Where you can study during winter break.
• March: Due to the timing of the applications.

But you can take the test almost any time of the year that works for you.

If you plan on applying to TMDSAS Schools:

I recommending taking you MCAT no later than April of the year you are applying. 

If you Plan on Applying to AMCAS and AACOMAS schools:

Try to take the test before May.

You can take it later or earlier (preferably earlier) than the recommend month above. 

Just know that you want to get MCAT done earlier than later so you can focus on working on your applications beginning in early May/ June depending on the application service you are applying with.

Hopefully, this article helps you narrow down the best MCAT date for YOU.

For more pre-med advice join my Pre-Med Support Network facebook group for quicker access to pre-med advice!

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