MCAT® Study Guide and Study Schedule Tips
Whether you thrive on having a rigid daily schedule or a more flexible guideline, understanding your needs is the first step in crafting a plan that works for your MCAT study needs.
Before you choose a test date, give yourself enough time to prep while working around your academic schedule, application deadlines, and personal commitments. Most MCAT test takers prep for an average of 300-350 hours. The comprehensive exam tests your critical reasoning skills and requires dedication and focus to succeed. Take a look at our study plans and see which one works best for you.
6-Month MCAT Study Schedule
We recommend allocating 6 months or more to MCAT prep. This ensures you have sufficient time for comprehensive content review and practice. A 6-month MCAT study schedule provides the ultimate foundation for thorough preparation. It also allows you to space out time-consuming full-length exams, hone in on your areas of weakness prior to the exam, and turn your areas needing improvement into strengths.
Weeks 1-6: Building a Strong Foundation
- Week 1: Start with a diagnostic test to identify strengths and weaknesses.
- Weeks 2-3: Focus on basic general chemistry and physics concepts to emphasize understanding over memorization.
- Weeks 4-6: Shift to biology and biochemistry, covering cellular structures, genetics, and basic biochemistry. Incorporate daily CARS practice to develop your critical reading and analytical skills.
Weeks 7-12: Expanding Knowledge and Application
- Weeks 7-8: Dive deeper into organic chemistry, exploring reaction mechanisms and functional groups.
- Weeks 9-10: Continue with advanced topics in biology and biochemistry, such as metabolism, physiology, and molecular biology.
- Weeks 11-12: Begin studying your psychology and sociology subjects, focusing on key theories, social determinants of health, and behavior. Maintain your daily CARS practice, and start integrating weekly full-length practice exams.
Weeks 13-18: Integration and Advanced Practice
- Weeks 13-14: Review physics, focusing on complex concepts and their application to medical scenarios.
- Weeks 15-16: Integrate knowledge across subjects, applying concepts to interdisciplinary questions and passages.
- Weeks 17-18: Enhance your test-taking strategies, focusing on timing, stamina, and accuracy. Continue with weekly full-length practice exams, using them to identify and target weak areas for improvement.
Weeks 19-24: Review, Refine, and Test Readiness
- Weeks 19-20: Conduct a comprehensive review of all subjects, prioritizing high-yield topics. Continue your daily CARS practice.
- Weeks 21-22: Focus on full-length practice exams, simulating test conditions to improve your endurance and test-taking strategies. Analyze performance to fine-tune your approach.
- Weeks 23-24: Reduce the intensity of new content review, focusing on maintaining knowledge and addressing any lingering weak areas. Emphasize relaxation techniques, mental preparation, and logistical planning for test day.
3-month MCAT Study Plan
If you cannot allocate 6 months or more to MCAT prep, a 3-month timeline is sufficient and will allow you to study 300-350 hours to ensure success. This will require longer study sessions and a focused plan. Your 3-month MCAT study plan should offer a balanced approach, allowing you to review all subjects thoroughly. Weekly milestones and regular practice exams will help you gauge your progress to keep you on track.
Weeks 1-4: Foundation and Content Review
- Initial Diagnostic Test: Start with a full-length diagnostic test to identify your strengths and weaknesses.
- Content Review: Rotate through chemistry, biology, biochemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. Dedicate specific days to each subject so you can build a strong foundational understanding.
- CARS Practice: Incorporate regular CARS practice sessions to develop critical reading and analytical skills.
- Weekly Full-Length Exams: End your weeks with a full-length practice exam to assess your progress and identify your weaknesses. Do a detailed review of answers and concepts.
Weeks 5-8: Advanced Content Review and Practice
- Deep Dive into High-Yield Topics: Focus on advanced topics and high-yield areas within each subject.
- Targeted Practice: Utilize targeted practice sessions to hone in on weak areas identified through your ongoing assessments.
- Practice Exams: Continue with full-length practice exams to simulate test conditions and improve your timing, endurance, and test-taking strategies.
- Skill Refinement: Pay special attention to lab techniques, data interpretation, and statistical reasoning.
Weeks 9-12: Final Review and Practice
- High-Yield Review and CARS Practice: Focus on reviewing high-yield topics across all subjects. Continue your regular CARS practice to refine your analytical skills.
- Simulation Test Days: Implement simulation tests to mimic actual exam day conditions, focusing on endurance and mental stamina.
- Stress Tests and Light Review: In the final week, engage in stress tests (tackling back-to-back sections with short breaks) and light review sessions to build your confidence and identify memorization-heavy topics.
- Rest and Mental Preparation: Rest, relax, and mentally prepare in the days leading up to the MCAT to ensure you're mentally and physically ready.
1-Month MCAT Study Plan
If you’re on a tight timeline, a 1-month study plan focuses on intensive topic review and practice. Prioritize high-yield topics that you are least familiar with and incorporate practice questions frequently. This schedule requires a dedicated study period of 3-7 hours per day based on your knowledge level and performance on full length exams. Be sure to work in plenty of sleep time. It’s also OK to have a few lighter review days sprinkled into this guide.
Week 1
Week 2
Week 3
Week 4
Week 5
Proven MCAT Strategies and Study Tips
Earning a top score on the MCAT is possible with the right preparation. Here are 6 helpful MCAT strategies and study tips to incorporate into your prep time.
Divide and Conquer MCAT Topics
Pair Content Review with Active Learning
Practice Formulas Since You Can’t Use a Calculator on the MCAT
Simulate Exam Conditions with Full-Length Practice Tests
Track Your Progress Along the Way
Take Breaks and Pace Yourself
Divide and Conquer MCAT Topics
Typically, the easier MCAT topics are general chemistry, basic biology, and psychology or sociology. Biochemistry, organic chemistry, and CARS are usually the more challenging subjects. Take an initial practice test before jumping into content review to identify your strengths and weaknesses. Plan your prep around filling your specific knowledge gaps.
Pair Content Review with Active Learning
Active learning methodologies involve engaging with your MCAT material through techniques that require critical thinking, application, and reflection rather than passive memorization. Review content with dynamic learning tools such as spaced-repetition flashcards that display difficult concepts more often until you master them, a personalized digital notebook, and high-impact images for better retention.
Our print and digital interactive MCAT UBooks offer everything you need for effective content review. High-level illustrations and clickable hyperlinks make learning efficient and fun.
Practice Formulas Since You Can’t Use a Calculator on the MCAT
Practicing MCAT formulas is essential because you can’t use a calculator on test day. The MCAT assesses your ability to apply foundational math and science concepts, often requiring you to perform quick mental calculations or estimate answers accurately. By practicing key physics, chemistry, and biochemistry formulas, you’ll enhance your problem-solving speed and build confidence in tackling numerical problems in an exam setting.
Build your confidence with our MCAT QBank, which offers 3,000+ exam-like questions that will allow you to practice the essential MCAT formulas.
Simulate Exam Conditions with Full-Length Practice Tests
Find quality MCAT prep that’s nearly identical to the conditions you’ll face on exam day. Take a full-length practice test every time you learn a set of new concepts to solidify information. Alleviate test anxiety to maximize your potential.
Our exam interface matches the real MCAT so you’ll build confidence leading up to test day.
Track Your Progress Along the Way
After taking a practice test, view your performance analytics to track your progress. Make sure you’re trending upward and retaining all key concepts.
Our detailed performance analytics allow you to compare your results against your peers to assess what you know and practice areas where you need improvement.
Take Breaks and Pace Yourself
Be kind to yourself. Studying for the MCAT is intense, so it’s essential to pace yourself. Take breaks throughout the week. Consider changing up your routine and studying outside for a different view and some fresh air. If you have to miss an assignment or a full day of studying, give yourself some grace.
How UWorld Can Help You Succeed on the MCAT
UWorld is the go-to resource for medical college admission test prep and more. We emphasize active learning and pride ourselves on offering exam-like questions, detailed answer explanations, vivid illustrations, precise videos, and comprehensive study guides. Our approach prepares you for the MCAT and fosters a deep understanding of medical concepts, setting a solid foundation for your future career.
Check out our score-boosting MCAT Prep Course, MCAT QBank, and MCAT UBooks that have helped more than 250,000 students successfully prepare for their MCAT exams.
Inspiring MCAT Student Success Stories
UWorld's spaced-repetition flashcards and detailed answer explanations locked the information in my mind. I wouldn't have achieved my 520 without it!"
Medical School Admittee
As a non-traditional student with limited time, UWorld's 1-month plan was my saving grace. The focused practice got me test-ready fast!"
Re-applicant
Great QBank, very satisfied. All the explanations are easy to read and follow. Love the charts and tables. Great resource for boards!”
First-Time Test-Taker
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many hours a day should I study for the MCAT?
- Quality Over Quantity: Focus on the quality of your study sessions rather than the quantity of your study time. Having 3-5 hours of focused, uninterrupted study time is more beneficial than 8 hours of distracted and inefficient studying.
- General Recommendation: A common recommendation is to aim for 300-350 total hours of study time over several months. If you’re studying over a 6-month period, this translates to approximately 2-3 hours per day. For a 1-month prep period, this means 4-6 hours per day.
How do I study for the MCAT?
To score well on the MCAT, immerse yourself in a study routine that uses interactive prep tools with exam-like questions, full-length simulations, and instant feedback to enhance your test-taking strategies. Prioritize mastering high-yield topics through active learning techniques to ensure you’re focusing on the areas that will make the biggest impact on your score. Then, adapt your study plan based on performance analytics from your prep platform.
Is 3 months enough time for MCAT study prep?
It varies from person to person. In general, a disciplined, strategic 3-month plan can effectively prepare you for the exam if you maintain a consistent study schedule.
What classes should I take before the MCAT?
A solid foundation in sciences — biology, chemistry, physics, and psychology/sociology — is key. Your coursework should cover these core areas comprehensively.
What is the best month to take the MCAT?
Consider testing in the spring or early summer to allow time for retakes and align with medical school application cycles. The right study schedule can improve your test confidence.
How should I study during the last month of MCAT prep?
Prioritize reviewing high-yield topics and taking full-length practice exams. Refine your test-taking strategy for peak performance on exam day.
How hard is the MCAT?
The MCAT is widely regarded as a challenging exam that tests the breadth and depth of your knowledge in the sciences, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills necessary for medical school. With a strategic study plan, focused preparation, and the right prep resources, you can achieve a competitive score.
How do I perform well on the MCAT?
To perform well on the MCAT, design a comprehensive study schedule that includes a mix of content review, practice questions, and full-length practice exams to build familiarity with the test format and timing. Utilize interactive prep tools for targeted practice and feedback, and prioritize understanding over memorization to apply concepts effectively. Consistent study, self-assessment, and a focus on areas of improvement are important to mastering the exam’s challenges.
How long should I study for the MCAT?
While individual needs vary, starting early and giving yourself enough time to review, practice, and refine your understanding is key. Tailoring your MCAT study length to fit your schedule and learning pace will help you feel well-prepared for the exam.
Read more about the MCAT
About the MCAT Exam
Get comprehensive insights into the MCAT exam, including key preparation strategies and what to expect on test day. This resource offers an in-depth guide to navigating the complexities of the MCAT.
MCAT Exam Sections, Subjects, and Format
Get a detailed overview of the MCAT, covering everything from the exam format to essential tips for mastering each section. This valuable resource is your gateway to understanding the nuances of the MCAT and setting yourself up for success.
MCAT Scores and Percentiles
Take a look at MCAT scores and percentile rankings, providing a foundational understanding of where you stand academically. This resource simplifies the scoring system, making it easier to gauge your performance and strategize for improvement.
References
- Advisors, G. P. (2022, October 19). How to Study for the MCAT in One Month. Grad Prep.
https://www.gradprep.com/blogs/mcat/one-month-study-plan#:~:text=Most%20MCAT%20test%20takers%20try,for%20six%20days%20a%20week. - S. (2024, February 20). The Ideal MCAT Study Schedule (1 Month | 2 Months | 3 Months | 4 Months | 6 Months) — Shemmassian Academic Consulting. Shemmassian Academic Consulting.
https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/mcat-study-schedule#:~:text=12%20weeks%2C%20or%20about%203,course%2C%20that%20you%20study%20wisely. - Bhat, D. (2024, January 1). MCAT Subjects: What’s Covered on the MCAT? | BeMo®. BeMo®.
https://bemoacademicconsulting.com/blog/mcat-subjects#:~:text=While%20the%20MCAT%20CARS%20is,and%20math%20than%20biology%20subjects. - S. (2024, February 22). What MCAT Score Do You Need to Get Into Medical School? (2024) — Shemmassian Academic Consulting. Shemmassian Academic Consulting.
https://www.shemmassianconsulting.com/blog/what-is-a-good-mcat-score - About MCAT® - A Beginner’s Guide to the MCAT Exam! (2024, February 8). UWorld Grad School.
https://gradschool.uworld.com/mcat/about-mcat-exam/ - MCAT® General Chemistry: Topics, Practice Questions, and Study Strategies. (2023, September 20). UWorld Grad School.
https://gradschool.uworld.com/mcat/sections-subjects/general-chemistry - L. (2023, October 14). 3 Month MCAT Study Plan Week by Week Outline + Goals. MCAT and Organic Chemistry Study Guides, Videos, Cheat Sheets, Tutoring and More.
https://leah4sci.com/3-month-mcat-study-plan/ - MCAT Sections Guide: Experts Explain the MCAT. (2022, May 20). International Medical Aid.
https://medicalaid.org/mcat-sections-guide-experts-explain-the-mcat/
