How soon should I start preparing?
This varies, but most students aim for five to six months of prep. This link shows testing dates for the current calendar year. Create an MCAT study schedule and stick with it. You can talk with you pre-med advisor about your courseload in the semester before you take the MCAT: sometimes a lighter load allows more time for MCAT prep.
What should I do to prepare?
Practice tests are essential. The MCAT is a standardized exam, so the more familiar you are with the types of questions and length of sections, the better. One helpful strategy is to take a full-length practice test once a week and then score yourself. Go over any questions you missed and understand why you missed them. Once you have a baseline score, you can see your improvement as you study. Make time (at least an hour) to go over practice questions every day. Anki decks are popular for quick review. Some students find podcasts like MCAT Basics to be useful while driving or exercising.
There are a variety of MCAT prep tools available—many free and many more for a fee. Check out the AAMC’s resources. The content is extensive, high-quality, and much of it is free or offered at a reasonable cost.
It takes time and energy to prepare for the MCAT so be willing to make sacrifices in other parts of your life to get ready for this important exam. If you’re not scoring where you want to be within a month of the test date, consider postponing it. There is a fee to reschedule, but it may be worth it. Ideally, you only need to take the MCAT once. Your pre-med advisor can help if you need to discuss this option.
Are there helpful classes to prepare for MCAT?
Be sure to complete inorganic chemistry and at least two semesters of organic chemistry, plus one semester of biochemistry. There are numerous biochemistry questions on the MCAT. Other courses to complete include two semesters of biology and two semesters of physics. Many students find a course on anatomy helpful. For the Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills (CARS), classes in the humanities (English, philosophy, history) can help you prepare for reading long passages.
For the psychological and behavioral section of MCAT, choose classes in psychology, sociology, and gender studies: Elementary Psychology, Advanced Psychology for the Premedical Track, Principles of Social Psychology, Introduction to Sociology, Medical Sociology, and Diversity and Power are all good options.
What should I expect on the day of the exam?
Go to the testing center before your exam day so you’ll know where to park and what door to use. Eat something comforting and filling before you go in. It’s normal to feel nervous but go in feeling positive and ready.
You’ll go through security and hand over your phone for the duration of the test. You will also receive noise-cancelling headphones.
Test-day strategies
Write key formulas on the scratch paper you are provided so you will have them later. You will not have a calculator, so practice solving equations without one. For the CARS section, some students find it helpful to read the questions first and then read the passage—it helps to know what to look out for while reading. Use all of your breaks but watch the clock so you know when they are over.
When the exam is over, plan on doing something fun and engaging to get your mind off the test. You did your best—now you can relax and forget about it.
How did I do?
The MCAT is scored between 472 and 528, with a median of 500. Students generally aim for a score of 510 or above. A 500 is generally the minimum to be considered for admission, depending on other factors. This report shows MCAT score distributions and percentiles. Check the MSAR for admissible scores for your schools. For osteopathic medical school averages, click here.
I don’t like my score. What should I do now?
First things first: do not rush to retake the exam. It’s better to step back and assess what went well and what you need to work on. Statistically speaking, retaking the MCAT within two or three months does not lead to a better score. Talk with your pre-med advisor to come up with a plan, even if that means delaying an application. If you did poorly on one section, consider taking additional coursework in that area and/or buckling down on your practice for that section.
Some schools have a minimum overall test score and section sub-scores. The University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine requires a score of 500 overall and a minimum of 123 on all subsections for an applicant to be considered for admission. It can be frustrating to work hard and not receive the score you wanted: if this happens, slow down, consider applying again next year, and focus on mastering the test.