How I prepared for the MCAT
The Strategy: Choosing a Focused Window
I dedicated the summer before my senior year to MCAT prep. While many students test in the spring, I knew I needed a focused window where the MCAT was my only priority. The takeaway? Understand your own study habits and choose a schedule you can actually commit to.
Overcoming Mental Hurdles and Score Plateaus
The biggest challenge was the mental game. I hit multiple score plateaus and struggled with letting those numbers define my progress. After a big jump on my second practice exam, my next two scores stalled—or even dropped. With only six weeks left, I felt defeated.
My coach, @Ae-Ri, helped me reframe these plateaus as a normal part of the improvement process. Once I shifted my mindset from chasing scores to focusing on incremental daily growth, I finally broke through.
"When my CARS score dropped late in prep—a classic sign of burnout—I didn't spiral. I trusted the process and stayed confident, which led to my highest score on test day."
Lessons Learned: Recovery and Realism
If I could do it again, I would have changed two things:
- Test-Day Simulation: I wish I’d practiced "small" variables earlier—like testing snacks, limiting phone use during breaks, and timing caffeine intake.
- Prioritizing Rest: I used to push late into the night, which hurt my performance the next day. Once I set a hard stop at 5 PM and protected my days off, I became more focused and productive.
Just like muscles need recovery between workouts, your brain needs recovery between study sessions.
We want to hear from YOU!
I found that a "hard stop" at 5 PM actually boosted my productivity. For those currently in the trenches of prep: What is one boundary you’re setting for yourself this week to prevent burnout?