-
How I Prepared for the MCAT
About Me Alison Ross Undergraduate Institution: University of Pittsburgh Major: Molecular Biology Minors: Chemistry, Bioengineering Certificate: Conceptual Foundations of Medicine MCAT Score: 518 Time Spent Preparing The short answer, 5 months, but in reality, this doesn't tell the full story. The start to my MCAT prep…
-
I'm testing in January, what should I be focusing on in December?
You’ve spent the semester preparing, and now the holidays are here... with family, travel, and disrupted routines. Don’t worry, you’re not alone. Many January testers face the same challenge of staying consistent during December. The good news? Most of the heavy lifting is behind you. December is the time to refine…
-
MCAT Physics Formulas You Can't Forget (Downloadable Formula PDF!)
Essential Physics Equations for the MCAT: While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the physics equations that are fair game on the MCAT, this is a starting point. It can be overwhelming if you treat the list of equations as a bunch of formulas and variables to cram into your brain, so starting with a condensed list of…
-
Breaking down the MCAT: Chem Phys
When someone asks me about the most important or high-yield topic to focus on for the chem/phys section, my answer often surprises them – it’s periodic trends! Although this isn’t a topic that is often directly tested – we don’t see too many questions asking about balanced equations or oxidation numbers – periodic trends…
-
MCAT Breaking down the MCAT: Psych Soc
The Psych/Soc portion of the MCAT can often feel very daunting, like it’s this giant hurdle built of (often unfamiliar) terms and theories that can only be overcome through memorization. As a result, a lot of students turn to flashcards as a study tool but then become overwhelmed when their flashcard decks continue to…
-
MCAT Breaking down the MCAT: CARS
The CARS section of the MCAT might seem out of place compared to the rest of the exam, but it's actually trying to test a similar thing as the rest of the exam! It just does so in a totally different context. Contrary to what many testers think, CARS (Critical Analysis and Reasoning Skills) is not a reading comprehension…
-
Breaking down the MCAT: Bio Biochem
The Bio-Biochem section, like most of the MCAT, doesn't test students in the same way as most university coursework. As such, to succeed on the MCAT you will likely need to approach it differently from previous exams. The MCAT is not only testing if you know the facts about biology, chemistry, biochemistry in biological…
-
Balancing Prep and College: The Essential Practice for Future Physicians
Preparing for the MCAT while managing college life is no small feat, but as future physicians, it’s crucial to remember that balance is necessary. We can’t put our lives on hold each time we do something hard. Think of this as a great opportunity to practice a skill you will 100% need in the future. With that being said,…
-
🔍Ask An Expert: How to analyze your scores and determine if you need to retest!
So you've gotten your MCAT scores back, and they're not as high as you wanted. And you need to decide: retest or not? To help inform that decision, analyze 2 sets of factors: 1) the quantitative: how the scores compare to your most recent practice scores; and 2) the qualitative: conditions during and before your official…
-
The Final Push: Encouragement For The Last MCAT Testing Cycle of The Year
Hey everyone, Just wanted to give a huge shoutout to everyone grinding for their MCAT in this last month of the testing cycle! 🧠💪 If you’re feeling the burnout right now, you are definitely not alone. It’s tough when you’re hitting up against a deadline, particularly this one. Having to juggle other commitments, including…
-
What do I select as my end date?
I currently plan to take the MCAT in April of 2026, but when I input this into my study schedule, it is giving me 5 hours a day instead of 5 hours a week, and my study schedule ends in December. I am confused if the system is messed up or how to make it cooperate with what I entered.
-
How do you balance MCAT prep with classes, work, and everything else? [Share your tips]
We know it’s a lot, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Whether you’re juggling a job, research, a full course load, or just trying to stay sane, we’d love to hear what’s actually helping you stay on track right now. 💡 What’s working for you? 📅 A strict schedule? 🎧 Study playlists? 🤝 Accountability buddies? 🍕Built-in…
-
Testing this month? Advice from an MCAT Instructor
If you’re testing soon, you probably have lots of questions, like “What’s the best thing to focus on?” or “How do I know if I’m ready?”, or even “Why did I ever want to put myself through this?!”. Don’t worry, we’re here to help! It’s normal to feel a bit nervous about your test, but having a plan for this last month can…