524 | Mastering the MCAT | Non-traditional applicant | 21 point increase

I took the MCAT on 3/20 after about six months of studying. My diagnostic score (HL on BP) was 503, so I jumped 21 points in that time.

I benefited a ton from posts and resources while I was studying, and I wanted to share my thoughts/advice on the best way to succeed. I will try to keep it succinct, as I want to emphasize the things I think are most essential. I will try to respond to all the questions people ask as well. I hope this is helpful!

Meta-Level thoughts

I consider these ideas the most helpful, high-level thoughts to keep in mind when you approach the MCAT.

1.      Take ownership of the test

You need to decide that you will succeed. Everyone wants to do well, but lots of people don’t devote themselves and give the effort and focus the test requires. You can be an excellent doctor without a crazy MCAT, the point is simply that you need to decide to succeed, set a realistic goal, make a realistic plan, and do the work.

2.      Find your own path to success

Especially on Reddit, there is this temptation to second-guess yourself and to look for a foolproof method someone else has used. But you are in a unique situation, you are a unique person, and though elements of what others used will be helpful, you need to find what works for you. If flashcards/Anki work great for you, use them. If they don’t work well, regardless of how many 528 scorers swear by them, don’t waste your time. A common thread you see in high scorers is that they know what works for them and stick to it. There are tons of great resources and guides; make a solid plan that will enable you to succeed on the test. Experiment with different resources and methods if you don’t like what you currently have.

3.      Active learning is everything

Most studying is too passive. Instead of merely watching a video once, highlighting, or reading explanations, turn those resources into your own version in a summary sheet. I explained concepts out loud all the time, to a friend, ChatGPT, or even by myself. Explaining concepts in my own words really helped things sink in.

 

 I majored in classical liberal arts graduated in 2023 and spent two years as a teacher before turning to medicine. My diagnostic was 125/130/120/128. I had forgotten most of my college science and was retaking pre-reqs at the time. I loved reading and found CARS to be the section that required the least studying, which allowed me to focus more on the other sections.

 

 Resources Used:

BP: I used the self-paced course, and it worked and was worth it for me, though it isn’t perfect. I appreciated the schedule, the content videos, and all the practice materials.

Anki: I also used Anki for content review, starting two months out from my test.  I used Mr. Pankow for P/S and got through most of the cards, but the best benefit came from making my own cards. Every time I got a question wrong, I would write down the key information I was missing, or even the strategy I should’ve used, on an Anki card. Missing questions feels bad, but getting questions wrong is actually the best way to learn what you don’t know. Therefore, getting questions wrong = MCAT success 😉

AAMC: Do as many of these resources as you can. Review each question and make Anki cards.

I took 10 FL exams, four BP, and 6 AAMC. I highly recommend taking an exam early so you can understand how the information you review will be applied.

There are lots of great resources. Whatever you choose, just make sure you are learning actively and personalizing the material to what you already know and what you need to review.

C/P

-          Write all your equations on a one-page flash sheet

-          Use units to make sure you don’t make calculation mistakes or to double-check you are remembering an equation correctly. (units are like secret equations!) Also, units in the answer are very revealing, too!

CARS

-          Focus neurotically on the main idea of the passage. Many questions will center around the main idea.

-          Try to discern the author’s opinion in the passage (Often revealed in the last paragraph)

B/B

-          Try drawing out metabolic pathways or drawing pictures of anatomy to remember. It can work even if you are bad at drawing.

-          Get distinctions between analytical methods down (SDS Page, anion exchange, etc.)

P/S

-          Be ready for the new P/S, more analytical and passage-based.

-          Go through a comprehensive resource like Mr. Pankow.

 General tips

-          test early

-          review deeply

-          track mistakes

-          adjust constantly

-          Win the day

 

I’m applying this cycle and am aiming to graduate med school debt-free, which is ambitious, but we’ll see! I’m currently working and doing some MCAT coaching as well. Feel free to put questions in the comments below.